How to Remove Category on Product Page in WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide
WooCommerce is a fantastic e-commerce platform, empowering millions to sell online. One common customization request is removing the category display from product pages. Maybe you think it clutters the design, or perhaps your product organization makes the categories redundant for the end user. Whatever the reason, this guide will walk you through several methods to remove the category listing, from easy to slightly more advanced. Let’s dive in!
Why Remove Categories from Product Pages?
Before we get into *how*, let’s understand *why* you might want to do this. Think of a real-life scenario: you’re browsing an online bookstore (your WooCommerce store!).
* Cluttered Design: Seeing the same category repeated on every product page (e.g., “Fiction > Sci-Fi” on every sci-fi book) can be visually noisy. Removing it can create a cleaner, more focused presentation.
* Improved User Experience: Sometimes the product’s name and description already provide enough context. The category becomes redundant information.
* Brand Identity: A minimalist aesthetic might align better with your brand. Removing unnecessary elements contributes to that clean look.
* SEO Considerations: While less critical, removing redundant information could slightly improve on-page optimization by focusing keyword density on more relevant elements.
Method 1: Using CSS (Quick and Easy!)
The simplest approach is to hide the category display using CSS. This is perfect for those who aren’t comfortable editing PHP files.
1. Inspect the Element: Go to a product page on your website and right-click on the category display. Select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element” in your browser’s context menu. This will open the browser’s developer tools.
2. Identify the CSS Class: Look for the HTML element that wraps the category links. It’s often within a `
` tag or `
3. Add Custom CSS: Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS.
4. Write the CSS Rule: Add the following CSS rule, replacing `.product_meta` with the correct class you identified:
.product_meta .posted_in {
display: none;
}
If you want to hide all product meta (including tags), use:
.product_meta {
display: none;
}
5. Publish: Click “Publish” to save your changes. The categories should now be hidden on your product pages.
Reasoning: CSS `display: none;` effectively removes the element from the page’s layout, making it invisible to the user. This is a non-destructive approach, meaning you’re not altering any core WordPress or WooCommerce files. If you ever want to bring the categories back, simply remove the CSS.
Method 2: Editing the `functions.php` Read more about How To Track Woocommerce Affiliate Links With Pretty Links File (Slightly More Advanced)
This method involves adding a snippet of PHP code to your theme’s `functions.php` file or, preferably, a child theme’s `functions.php` file. Using a child theme ensures your Explore this article on Woocommerce How To Change No Products Were Found changes aren’t overwritten when your main theme updates.
1. Create a Child Theme (Recommended): If you don’t already have one, create a child theme for your active WordPress theme. This is crucial to prevent losing your modifications during theme updates. You can find many guides online on how to create a WordPress child theme.
2. Access `functions.php`: In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor. Select your child theme from the “Select theme to edit” dropdown.
3. Add the Code Snippet: Add the following code to your `functions.php` file:
remove_action( 'woocommerce_single_product_summary', 'woocommerce_template_single_meta', 40 );
4. Update File: Click “Update File” to save your changes.
Reasoning: `remove_action` is a WordPress function that unhooks a specific action from a particular hook. In this case, `woocommerce_template_single_meta` is the function responsible for displaying the product meta (which includes categories) within the `woocommerce_single_product_summary` hook. Removing this action prevents the function from running, thus hiding the categories.
Important Note: Be *extremely careful* when editing `functions.php`. A single typo can break your website. It’s always wise to have a backup of your `functions.php` file before making any changes.
Method 3: Using a Plugin (The Easiest for Non-Coders)
If you’re not comfortable with CSS or PHP, the easiest option is to use a plugin. Several plugins can help you customize WooCommerce product pages, including removing categories.
1. Install and Activate a Plugin: Search for a plugin like “WooCommerce Product Page Customizer” or “WooCommerce Category Visibility” in the WordPress plugin repository (Plugins > Add New). Choose a plugin with good reviews and a recent update. Install and activate it.
2. Configure the Plugin: Most plugins will have settings pages in the WordPress dashboard. Look for options related to product page customization and find the setting to hide or remove the category display. The options and interface vary depending on the plugin you choose.
Reasoning: Plugins offer a user-friendly interface for making changes without requiring any coding knowledge. They handle the underlying CSS or PHP modifications for you. However, be mindful of the number of plugins you install, as too many can impact your website’s performance. Choose reputable plugins and ensure they are regularly updated.
Choosing the Right Method
* CSS: Ideal for quick, simple styling changes and beginners who don’t want to touch code.
* `functions.php`: Suitable for users comfortable with PHP and who want more control over the customization process. Always use a child theme!
* Plugin: Best for those with no coding experience who prefer a visual interface to manage customizations.
No matter which method you choose, remember to test your changes thoroughly to ensure they’re working as expected on all your product pages. Good luck customizing your WooCommerce store!
