How do I change author name in WordPress? This is a common question among WordPress users, especially when they want to update their profile information or switch author names for various reasons. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this guide will walk you through the steps to change the author name in WordPress seamlessly.
In WordPress, the author name is typically displayed on posts and pages, and it’s important to keep it up-to-date. There are several methods to change the author name, and we’ll explore each one in detail to help you find the most suitable approach for your needs.
Method 1: Changing the Author Name Manually
The simplest way to change the author name is by editing the author’s profile directly. Here’s how to do it:
1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to the “Users” section and click on “All Users.”
3. Find the author whose name you want to change and click on their username.
4. On the author’s profile page, scroll down to the “Name” field and enter the new name.
5. Click “Update Profile” to save the changes.
This method is straightforward and works well for individual author name changes. However, it’s not suitable for bulk changes or changing the author name for multiple posts at once.
Method 2: Using a Plugin
If you need to change the author name for multiple posts or want to automate the process, using a plugin is the best approach. Here are some popular plugins that can help you change author names in WordPress:
1. Change Author Plugin: This plugin allows you to change the author of posts and pages in bulk, as well as add new authors and remove existing ones.
2. User Switching Plugin: This plugin allows you to switch between user accounts, making it easy to change the author name for a specific post or page.
3. Edit Author Plugin: This plugin adds a “Change Author” dropdown to the post editor, allowing you to change the author name for individual posts without leaving the editor.
To use a plugin, follow these steps:
1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to the “Plugins” section and click on “Add New.”
3. Search for the desired plugin and install it.
4. Activate the plugin.
5. Follow the plugin’s instructions to change the author name.
Method 3: Editing the Database
For advanced users who are comfortable with editing the WordPress database, you can directly change the author name using SQL queries. This method should be used with caution, as it can cause irreversible damage if not done correctly. Here’s how to do it:
1. Create a backup of your WordPress database before proceeding.
2. Log in to your WordPress database using a tool like phpMyAdmin.
3. Go to the “wp_posts” table and search for the post ID you want to change the author for.
4. Update the “post_author” field with the new author’s user ID.
5. Save the changes and exit the database.
Remember to replace “wp_” with your actual database table prefix if it’s different.
Conclusion
Changing the author name in WordPress can be done in various ways, depending on your specific needs. Whether you choose to edit the author’s profile manually, use a plugin, or edit the database, it’s important to ensure that the process is done correctly to avoid any potential issues. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to change the author name in WordPress with ease.
