Page Links To vs Custom Post Type Permalinks: URL Mastery

Navigating the WordPress Plugin Maze: Page Links To vs Custom Post Type Permalinks

Hey there, fellow WordPress enthusiast! If you’re scratching your head trying to decide between Page Links To and Custom Post Type Permalinks, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been there, done that, and I’m here to break it down for you. These two plugins might seem similar at first glance (they both deal with links, after all), but trust me, they’re as different as apples and oranges. Let’s dive in and see which one might be your new best friend.

A Tale of Two Plugins: What’s the Deal?

First things first, let’s get the lowdown on what these plugins actually do. Page Links To is like your site’s traffic cop, redirecting your pages to custom URLs of your choosing. On the other hand, Custom Post Type Permalinks is more like your site’s interior designer, allowing you to prettify the permalink structure of your custom post types.

Why are people comparing these two? Well, they both fiddle with your site’s link structure, which can be a big deal for SEO and user experience. But as we’ll see, they serve quite different purposes.

Features Face-off: What Can These Plugins Do?

Let’s break down the main features of each plugin:

Page Links To:

• Redirects pages, posts, or custom post types to custom URLs
• Allows opening links in new tabs
• Creates navigational links to non-WordPress sections
• Enables publishing content on other platforms while keeping it in your WordPress stream
• Creates “”pretty URLs”” for complex links

Custom Post Type Permalinks:

• Edits permalink structure of custom post types
• Changes custom taxonomy archive permalinks
• Supports wpgetarchives() for custom post types
• Enables post type date archives

As you can see, these plugins are tackling different problems. Page Links To is all about redirecting and linking, while Custom Post Type Permalinks is focused on customizing the URL structure of your custom post types.

Popularity Contest: Who’s Winning the Hearts of Users?

Now, let’s talk numbers. As of July 11, 2024, here’s how these plugins stack up:

*Data last updated: July 11, 2024

Looks like a photo finish! Both plugins are neck and neck in active installs, and they’re both sitting pretty with perfect 5-star ratings. Page Links To has a significant lead in total downloads, but Custom Post Type Permalinks is no slouch either.

Setting Up Shop: Ease of Use and Installation

When it comes to getting these plugins up and running, both are pretty straightforward. But let’s break it down:

Page Links To:

1. Upload the plugin folder to your /wp-content/plugins/ directory
2. Activate the plugin
3. Edit a page or post
4. Find the Page Links To widget, select “”A custom URL””, and add your desired URL
5. Optionally check the box to open the link in a new tab
6. Save and you’re done!

Custom Post Type Permalinks:

1. Download and unzip the plugin file
2. Upload the directory to your /wp-content/plugins/ directory
3. Activate the plugin
4. Go to Settings -> Permalinks to customize your permalink structure

Both plugins are pretty easy to set up, but Page Links To might have a slight edge in terms of immediate usability. You can start redirecting links right away, while Custom Post Type Permalinks requires a bit more thought about your overall URL structure.

Performance and Reliability: Will They Slow You Down?

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “”But will these plugins turn my speedy site into a sluggish snail?”” Good news! Neither of these plugins should have a significant impact on your site’s performance. They’re both lightweight and focused on specific tasks.

Page Links To operates on a per-page basis, so it only kicks in when needed. Custom Post Type Permalinks works at the WordPress core level to modify permalinks, which shouldn’t cause any noticeable slowdown.

As for stability, both plugins are regularly updated. Page Links To is maintained by Mark Jaquith, a core WordPress contributor, which is a good sign for its long-term reliability.

Show Me the Money: Pricing and Support

Here’s some good news for all you budget-conscious folks out there (and let’s face it, who isn’t?): both Page Links To and Custom Post Type Permalinks are completely free! That’s right, you can redirect and customize to your heart’s content without spending a dime.

When it comes to support, both plugins have solid documentation and active support forums on WordPress.org. Page Links To also has a GitHub repository where you can report bugs or contribute to the plugin’s development. Custom Post Type Permalinks goes a step further with translations available in Japanese, French, and Russian.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Pros and Cons

Let’s break it down, warts and all:

Page Links To:
Pros:

• Simple and intuitive to use
• Great for creating navigation to external content
• Useful for creating pretty URLs for complex links
• Can open links in new tabs

Cons:

• Limited to redirecting individual pages/posts
• Doesn’t modify overall permalink structure

Custom Post Type Permalinks:
Pros:

• Powerful customization of custom post type permalinks
• Supports custom taxonomy archives and date archives
• Integrates well with wpgetarchives()

Cons:

• Requires more technical knowledge to use effectively
• Changes to permalink structure can impact SEO if not handled carefully

When to Use What: Picking the Right Tool for the Job

Imagine you’re a handyman (or handywoman) with a toolbox. Page Links To is like your trusty screwdriver – simple, versatile, and perfect for quick fixes. Custom Post Type Permalinks is more like a power drill – more complex, but capable of handling bigger jobs.

Use Page Links To if:

• You need to redirect individual pages or posts to external URLs
• You want to create a navigation structure that includes non-WordPress content
• You’re publishing content on other platforms but want it to appear in your WordPress stream
• You need to create user-friendly URLs for complex links

Go for Custom Post Type Permalinks if:

• You’re heavily using custom post types and want more control over their URL structure
• You need to customize the permalink structure of custom taxonomy archives
• You want to enable date-based archives for your custom post types
• You’re comfortable with more advanced WordPress concepts and aren’t afraid to tinker with your site’s URL structure

The Verdict: Which Plugin Reigns Supreme?

Alright, drum roll, please… The winner is… well, it depends! (I know, I know, not the clear-cut answer you were hoping for, but hear me out.)

If you’re looking for a simple way to redirect pages or create external links within your WordPress site, Page Links To is your go-to plugin. It’s user-friendly, versatile, and perfect for bloggers, small business owners, or anyone who wants to spruce up their navigation without diving into the deep end of WordPress development.

On the other hand, if you’re a developer or a power user who’s knee-deep in custom post types and wants granular control over your site’s URL structure, Custom Post Type Permalinks is the way to go. It offers powerful customization options that can really elevate your WordPress game.

At the end of the day, both plugins are solid choices that serve different needs. They’re both free, well-maintained, and have strong user bases. The best choice for you depends on your specific needs and your comfort level with WordPress.

So, there you have it, folks! Whether you’re team Page Links To or team Custom Post Type Permalinks, you’re in good hands. Now go forth and conquer those WordPress links!