How to Show Category Descriptions in WordPress

You may have noticed on the Categories page in your WordPress dashboard that you can add a description to your categories. You may also notice that themes rarely employ this feature, which I find silly since it can add a nice touch to an archives page. So I’m going to show you how to use this little-used featured of WordPress. First are instructions for those using the Thesis theme, followed by instructions for most other themes.

For Thesis

If you’re not using the Thesis theme, skip past this section and find out how to show category descriptions in most other themes. If you are using Thesis, you’re in luck, because it’s very easy to show category descriptions on your archives pages without touching any original code.

1. Put this in your custom-functions.php:

   function cat_desc (){
   if(is_category()){
   ?>
   <div class="catdesc"><?php echo category_description( $category ); ?></div>
   <?php } }
   add_action('thesis_hook_before_teasers_box', 'cat_desc');
   

2. Add your category descriptions

Navigate to the Categories section under Posts in the dashboard and add descriptions

Now if you’d like you can style your category descriptions by targeting .catdesc in custom.css if you’d like.

For other themes

For folk not using the Thesis theme, don’t fret! You can still add category descriptions very easily, there’s just a little bit more trial and error.

1. Open up category.php if you have it, and archive.php if you don’t.
2. Find the line that says single_cat_title();?
3. Underneath it, add this:

   <div class="catdesc"><?php echo category_description( $category ); ?></div>

4. Add your category descriptions in the admin panel under Categories > Posts

You can now style your descriptions as you see fit by targeting .catdesc in your options panel.

Note: See Category Templates << WordPress Codex for more information regarding editing category archives pages. Your category title may be wrapped in a class, so make sure to wait until the class is closed before placing your descriptions.

That’s it.

You’re done. Hopefully this worked for you and you can laugh in the face of “The description is not prominent by default”. If you have any problems, check with the Codex and then failing that leave a comment and hopefully I or one of our wonderful readers can help you out.

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You'll notice this site talks about the Thesis theme for Wordpress. Don't know what the heck that is? Find out.