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Custom Permalinks

By Sami Ahmed Siddiqui

Site Structure & Navigation / Menu Management & Mega Menus

Custom Permalinks Review - In-Depth Analysis

Custom Permalinks allows full control over WordPress URLs. Set unique permalinks, manage auto-redirects, and utilize dynamic tags for optimal site structure.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.78/10

User Rating

4.1/5 (based on 115+ reviews)

Active Installations

100,000+

Update Frequency

Outstanding It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

5 / 10 (Medium Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

Custom Permalinks gives you the power to set unique, custom URLs for any post, page, tag, or category. You can design your site's structure exactly how you envision it, rather than being limited by WordPress's default settings. When you set a custom permalink, the original post URL will be automatically redirected to your new, customized URL.

Key features include individual permalink control, site structure control, and the ability to define custom permalink structures for each public post type using predefined tags. This allows for automatic URL generation upon content creation while still permitting manual edits.

To configure Custom Permalinks, navigate to Settings > Custom Permalinks in your WordPress Dashboard. You can use a variety of dynamic tags to populate the URL, such as %year%, %monthnum%, %post_id%, and more. This flexibility enables you to create a tailored URL structure that meets your specific needs.

For developers, Custom Permalinks offers a range of filters to control its behavior. You can explore all available filters in the GitHub repository. Premium users can reach out for assistance through dedicated support channels.

Comparing to Alternatives

Custom Permalinks offers a flexible way to customize URL structures compared to other permalink plugins. Here is how it stacks up against similar options.

Top alternatives

Simple Post Type Permalinks
Custom Post Type Permalinks ( WPS: 6.87)
WP No Base Permalink

Strengths

Allows detailed customization of individual post and page URLs.
Supports a wide range of permalink structures beyond default WordPress options.
User-friendly interface for managing permalinks.
Includes a pro version with advanced features.

Weaknesses

Can cause redirect conflicts if not configured carefully.
Some users report SEO issues related to URL changes.
Lacks category permalink customization, which some alternatives offer.
Deactivation may lead to URL crashes or broken links.

User Sentiment Analysis

User feedback reveals a mix of appreciation for the plugin's capabilities and concerns about stability and SEO impact.

Positive highlights

'Thank you very much, this plugin solves a lot of problems' - john0zhuang
'Excellent plugin. I would really like to see categories included as well.' - nimonogi
'Deactivating this plugin resolved redirect issues quickly.' - saad7777

Common complaints

Redirect issues causing SEO problems and loss of Google indexing.
Plugin causes posts/pages to redirect incorrectly to other content.
URL crashes and site unavailability after changing slugs.
Difficulties removing the plugin without lingering redirect problems.

Weaknesses

Instability when deactivating the plugin leading to broken URLs.
Lack of category permalink support.
Potential negative impact on SEO if misconfigured.
Mixed reliability reported by users with some experiencing critical issues.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users who need granular control over individual post and page permalinks and are comfortable managing URL redirects carefully.

Not ideal for

Beginners or those who want a set-and-forget permalink solution, as improper use can cause SEO and redirect issues.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version allows basic customization of permalinks for posts and pages, providing essential URL control.

Pro version

Offers advanced features such as bulk URL editing, category permalink customization, and enhanced redirect management.

Final Verdict

Custom Permalinks is a powerful tool for users needing detailed URL customization beyond WordPress defaults. It excels in flexibility but requires careful handling to avoid redirect and SEO issues.

While the plugin has a loyal user base appreciating its capabilities, potential risks with site stability and search indexing mean it is best suited for experienced users who can manage permalink changes responsibly.