How to Customize or Remove the WordPress Category Base Prefix: Step-by-Step Guide

Want cleaner, custom WordPress category URLs? By default, WordPress adds '/category/' as a prefix to all category archive pages. As experienced WordPress developers, we'll show you how to change it safely, set up redirects, and explain why removing it entirely often isn't recommended.

Understanding the Category Base Prefix: Should You Change It?

Every category on your WordPress site has its own archive page and RSS feed, where visitors can browse all related posts. By default, WordPress prepends 'category' to these URLs to distinguish them from posts, pages, tags, and other content types.

For instance, a 'News' category would appear as:

https://example.com/category/news/

Tags follow a similar pattern:

https://example.com/tag/iphone/

This structure aids both users and search engines in navigating your site effectively. Most sites work fine with the default, but for niche blogs or branded experiences, swapping it for a custom term—like 'topics' or 'sections'—can enhance relevance.

Changing the Category Base Prefix in WordPress

It's straightforward. Head to Settings » Permalinks and scroll to the 'Optional' section.

Enter your desired prefix in the 'Category base' field (and 'Tag base' if needed). Click 'Save Changes' to apply.

Setting Up Redirects After Changing the Prefix

On a new site, no further action is needed. For established sites, old URLs will trigger 404 errors, harming SEO and user experience.

To prevent this, install a redirection plugin (see our guide on installing WordPress plugins). Then, go to Tools » Redirection.

In 'Add New Redirect':

• Source URL: /category/(.*) (enable regex checkbox)
• Target URL: /yournewprefix/$1 (replace 'yournewprefix')

Save, and traffic will redirect seamlessly—keeping search engines happy.

Removing the Category Base Prefix: Proceed with Caution

Some users want URLs like https://example.com/news/ by ditching the prefix entirely. We strongly advise against it.

Without it, categories blur with posts or pages (especially using %postname% permalinks), leading to redirect loops, plugin conflicts, and poor UX/SEO. Search engines prefer clear distinctions.

If you insist, install the FV Top Level Categories plugin—it activates instantly (plugin installation guide here).

This guide draws from years optimizing WordPress sites for top performance. For more, explore our essential WordPress tips, tricks, and hacks.

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