How to Show Product ID in WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you’re diving into the world of WooCommerce, and you’ve probably noticed that your products don’t automatically display their ID. While it might seem trivial, displaying the Product ID can be incredibly useful. Think of it like this: the Product ID is a unique identifier, like a social security number for your product. It allows you to precisely pinpoint and manage your products, especially when dealing with:
- Bulk editing.
- Custom development.
- Direct database queries.
- Integrating with third-party plugins or services.
- On the product edit page (most useful).
- In the product list table.
- On the product page itself (less common, but possible).
This guide will walk you through several easy methods to show the Product ID in WooCommerce, catering to both non-coders and those comfortable with a little bit of code. No need to feel overwhelmed; we’ll break it down step-by-step!
Why is the Product ID Important?
Imagine you’re trying to update the price of a specific product in bulk using a CSV file. The product name might be similar to others, leading to confusion. However, using the unique Product ID, you can ensure you’re modifying the correct item *every* time. Or consider a situation where a plugin requires you to input the product ID for configuration. Knowing where to find it is crucial.
Think of a supermarket: each item has a barcode (essentially, a unique ID) that helps the checkout system quickly identify the product, no matter how many similar items are on the shelves. The Product ID works in the same way.
Method 1: Using a Plugin (Easiest for Non-Coders)
This is the recommended method for beginners. Plugins provide a simple, user-friendly interface without requiring any coding knowledge.
1. Install and Activate the Plugin: Navigate to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard. Search for “Show Product ID WooCommerce”. Several excellent plugins are available, such as “Show Single Variations” or “WooCommerce Product ID”. Read reviews and choose one with good ratings and recent updates.
2. Activate the plugin after installing it.
3. Configure the Plugin (if necessary): Some plugins automatically display the Product ID after activation. Others might require you to go to the plugin’s settings page (usually found under WooCommerce > Settings, or within the Settings menu itself) and configure where you want the ID to be displayed. Common options include:
Example: Using “Show Single Variations,” you might find a setting to “Display product ID in the admin product list.” Checking this box will instantly add a “Product ID” column to your product list, making it easily visible.
Method 2: Adding Code to Your Theme’s `functions.php` (Intermediate)
This method involves adding a code snippet to your theme’s `functions.php` file. Be cautious when editing this file, as incorrect code can break your website. Always back up your website before making any code changes. The best practice is to use a child theme to make modifications. This ensures that your changes are not overwritten when the parent theme is updated.
1. Access your `functions.php` file: You can access this file through the WordPress theme editor (Appearance > Theme Editor, then select `functions.php` from the list of files on the right). Warning: This is risky!. A safer method is to use an FTP client (like FileZilla) or a file manager in your web hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel). Navigate to `wp-content/themes/your-theme-name/functions.php`. Replace `your-theme-name` with the actual name of your active theme.
2. Add the following code snippet:
add_filter( 'manage_edit-product_columns', 'wdm_add_product_id_column', 10 );
function wdm_add_product_id_column( $columns ) {
$columns['product_id'] = __( 'Product ID', 'woocommerce' );
return $columns;
}
add_action( ‘manage_product_posts_custom_column’, ‘wdm_add_product_id_column_value’, 10, 2 );
function wdm_add_product_id_column_value( $column, $post_id ) {
if ( ‘product_id’ === $column ) {
echo $post_id;
}
}
3. Explanation of the Code:
- `add_filter( ‘manage_edit-product_columns’, …)`: This line adds a new column to the product list table in your WordPress admin.
- `$columns[‘product_id’] = __( ‘Product ID’, ‘woocommerce’ );`: This defines the name of the new column as “Product ID.”
- `add_action( ‘manage_product_posts_custom_column’, …)`: This adds the value to the newly created column.
- `echo $post_id;`: This displays the actual Product ID (which is the same as the Post ID in WordPress) in the column.
4. Save the file: Click “Update File” (in the Theme Editor) or save the file to your server using your FTP client.
5. Check your Product List: Go to Products > All Products in your WordPress dashboard. You should now see a new column labeled “Product ID,” displaying the ID of each product.
Method 3: Using a Code Snippet Plugin (Slightly Safer than Editing `functions.php`)
If you’re hesitant to directly edit your theme’s `functions.php` file, a code snippet plugin offers a slightly safer alternative. These plugins allow you to add and manage code snippets without touching the core theme files.
1. Install a Code Snippet Plugin: Search for “Code Snippets” in Plugins > Add New and install and activate the plugin by Code Snippets Pro.
2. Add a New Snippet: Go to Snippets > Add New.
3. Enter the Code Snippet: Copy and paste the code snippet from Method 2 into the code editor.
add_filter( 'manage_edit-product_columns', 'wdm_add_product_id_column', 10 );
function wdm_add_product_id_column( $columns ) {
$columns['product_id'] = __( 'Product ID', 'woocommerce' );
return $columns;
}
add_action( ‘manage_product_posts_custom_column’, ‘wdm_add_product_id_column_value’, 10, 2 );
function wdm_add_product_id_column_value( $column, $post_id ) {
if ( ‘product_id’ === $column ) {
echo $post_id;
}
}
4. Name and Save the Snippet: Give the snippet a descriptive name (e.g., “Display Product ID in Admin”). Save and activate the snippet.
5. Verify the Result: Go to Products > All Products in your WordPress dashboard. You should now see the “Product ID” column.
Choosing the Right Method
- Beginners: Use a plugin (Method 1). It’s the easiest and safest way to display Product IDs.
- Intermediate Users: Consider using a code snippet plugin (Method 3). It provides more control than a dedicated plugin but is safer than directly editing `functions.php`.
- Advanced Users: If you’re comfortable with code and understand the risks, you can directly edit your theme’s `functions.php` file (Method 2), but ensure you’re using a child theme.
By understanding these methods, you’ll be able to easily display and utilize Product IDs in WooCommerce, making your product management more efficient and error-free. Happy selling!
