Navigating the WordPress Menu Maze: Menu Icons by ThemeIsle vs Admin Menu Editor
Hey there, fellow WordPress enthusiast! If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your WordPress admin menu, wishing you could jazz it up or rearrange it to your heart’s content, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison of two popular plugins that can help you do just that: Menu Icons by ThemeIsle and Admin Menu Editor.
These two plugins might seem like they’re playing in different leagues, but they both aim to give you more control over your WordPress admin menu. Let’s break down what each one brings to the table and help you figure out which one’s right for your site.
Features and Functionality: The Main Course
First things first, let’s look at what these plugins can actually do for you. It’s like comparing apples and oranges in some ways, but both fruits can make your WordPress experience a whole lot juicier.
- Adds icons to your menu items (duh, right?)
- Supports a wide range of icon types (Dashicons, Font Awesome, Genericons, and more)
- Lets you upload custom images or SVGs as icons
- Allows you to adjust icon position and size
- Works with most themes out there
- Lets you reorder, rename, and hide menu items
- Allows you to change menu permissions
- Enables creation of custom menu items
- Supports moving items between submenus
- Offers login and logout redirect options
As you can see, Menu Icons by ThemeIsle is all about making your menu look pretty, while Admin Menu Editor is more about restructuring and controlling access. It’s like choosing between a interior decorator and an architect for your WordPress home.
User Base and Popularity: The People Have Spoken
Now, let’s talk numbers. These plugins aren’t just whistling Dixie – they’ve got some serious user bases backing them up.
Menu Icons by ThemeIsle is sitting pretty with over 200,000 active installs and a perfect 5-star rating. That’s like getting a standing ovation from a packed stadium!
Admin Menu Editor, on the other hand, boasts an impressive 400,000 active installs with a 4.5-star rating. It’s like the popular kid in school who’s also on the honor roll.
In terms of recent trends, Menu Icons by ThemeIsle saw 48,196 downloads in the last 7 days, while Admin Menu Editor had 24,308. Looks like Menu Icons by ThemeIsle is having a bit of a growth spurt!
Ease of Use and Setup: Getting Your Feet Wet
Both plugins are pretty straightforward to install – just your standard WordPress plugin installation dance. But what about when you actually start using them?
Menu Icons by ThemeIsle integrates seamlessly with your existing Appearance > Menus page. You’ll see a new “”Select icon”” link next to each menu item. Click it, choose your icon, save, and voila! It’s like adding sprinkles to your ice cream – quick, easy, and instantly more fun.
Admin Menu Editor adds a new “”Menu Editor”” page under Settings. Here’s where things get a bit more complex. You’ve got a full view of your admin menu structure, and you can drag and drop items, edit their properties, and more. It’s more like rearranging your entire kitchen – powerful, but it might take a bit more time to get everything just right.
Performance and Reliability: Keeping Your Site Speedy
When it comes to performance, both plugins are pretty lightweight. Menu Icons by ThemeIsle only loads its assets on the admin side, so it won’t slow down your front-end at all.
Admin Menu Editor is similarly efficient, but because it’s doing more complex operations, it might have a slightly larger footprint. However, we’re talking milliseconds here – nothing that’s going to turn your speedy site into a sluggish snail.
As for reliability, both plugins are regularly updated and well-maintained. Menu Icons by ThemeIsle comes from a well-known WordPress company, while Admin Menu Editor has been around for years and has a solid reputation. You’re in safe hands either way.
Pricing and Support: Show Me the Money (Or Not)
Here’s where things get interesting. Menu Icons by ThemeIsle is completely free. Yep, you read that right. All those pretty icons won’t cost you a dime.
Admin Menu Editor has a free version available on WordPress.org, but there’s also a Pro version with additional features like per-role menu customization and menu export/import. The pricing for the Pro version isn’t listed in the data we have, so you’d need to check their website for current rates.
As for support, both plugins offer documentation and support through the WordPress.org forums. Menu Icons by ThemeIsle also has the backing of the ThemeIsle team, which is known for good customer support.
Pros and Cons: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Menu Icons by ThemeIsle:
Pros:
- Free and feature-rich
- Easy to use
- Wide range of icon options
- Perfect for visual customization
Cons:
- Limited to icon customization only
- Doesn’t allow menu restructuring
Admin Menu Editor:
Pros:
- Powerful menu customization options
- Ability to control menu access
- Supports custom menu items
Cons:
- More complex interface
- Some advanced features require Pro version
Use Cases: When to Choose Which
Imagine you’re running a portfolio site for your graphic design business. You want your admin area to look sleek and visually appealing, matching your brand. In this case, Menu Icons by ThemeIsle would be your go-to choice.
Now, picture you’re managing a multi-author blog with different user roles. You need to control who sees what in the admin menu and want to streamline the interface for your contributors. Here, Admin Menu Editor would be your best bet.
Conclusion: The Final Showdown
So, which plugin should you choose? Well, it depends on what you’re after. If you want to give your admin menu a visual makeover without any complex setup, Menu Icons by ThemeIsle is your ticket to icon paradise.
On the other hand, if you need to restructure your menu, control access, and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve, Admin Menu Editor offers more comprehensive control.
Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from using both! You could use Admin Menu Editor to restructure your menu and set permissions, then sprinkle some visual flair on top with Menu Icons by ThemeIsle. It’s your WordPress kitchen – cook it up however you like!
Remember, the best plugin is the one that meets your specific needs. So take these insights, consider your requirements, and make the choice that’ll make your WordPress admin experience a joy rather than a chore. Happy customizing!