How to add a Drop Down Menu in WordPress

Adding a drop-down menu is one of the easiest ways to improve navigation on your WordPress website. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to add a drop down menu in WordPress using different methods depending on your setup. Whether you’re using the Site Editor, WP Admin, or Customizer, this tutorial will help you create an effective and user-friendly menu.

Why Use a Drop-Down Menu in WordPress?

Drop-down menus enhance your site’s organization and make it easier for users to navigate. They allow you to group related pages under a parent item, which keeps your menu clean and structured.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add a Drop-Down Menu in WordPress

1. Determine Which Method to Use

Before diving into how to add a drop-down menu in WordPress, determine which method applies to your site. Navigate to Appearance in your WordPress dashboard. If you see an option for Editor, follow the Site Editor instructions. Otherwise, use the WP Admin or Customizer method.

2. How to Add a Drop-Down Menu in WordPress Using the Site Editor

In WordPress’s Site Editor, menus are managed through the Navigation block.

You may add a drop-down menu in this way:

1. Go to Appearance → Editor from your WordPress dashboard.
2. Choose the template or template part to edit, or click the site preview to access the homepage editor.
3. Open the List View by clicking the icon with three horizontal lines at the top-left of your screen.
4. Select the Navigation block (this may be inside other blocks like Header, Group, or Row).
5. In the right-hand sidebar, hover over a menu item and click the three dots that appear.
   • If the sidebar isn’t visible, click the Settings icon (a square with two uneven columns) in the top-right corner.
6. Click the Add submenu, then select the first page you want to appear in the drop-down.
7. Repeat this process to add all necessary menu items.
8. Click Save to apply your changes.

3. How to Add a Drop-Down Menu in WordPress Using WP Admin

If you’re using the WP Admin dashboard, here’s how to add a drop-down menu in WordPress:

1. Go to Appearance → Menus in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Create a new menu or select an existing one.
3. To add a drop-down, drag and drop menu items slightly to the right under a parent item.
4. Click Save Menu to save your changes.

4. Adding an Unclickable Menu Item in WordPress

Sometimes, you want to create a parent menu item that doesn’t link to any page. Here’s how to create an unclickable menu item:

1. Go to Appearance → Editor in your dashboard.
2. Select the Navigation block.
3. Use the + block inserter to add a new menu item.
4. Click Add Block and choose Custom Link.
5. Enter a # the symbol in the link field and press Enter.
6. Edit the text of the menu item as needed.
7. Click Save to apply the change.

5. How to Add a Drop Down Menu in WordPress Customizer

For users working with themes that support the WordPress Customizer, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Appearance → Customize.
2. Go to Menus and either create a new menu or select an existing one.
3. Drag and drop items to create sub-menus under the parent items.
4. Click Publish to save your changes.

Final Thoughts on Adding Drop-Down Menus in WordPress

Now that you know how to add a drop-down menu in WordPress, you can improve the navigation and user experience on your website. Drop-down menus make it easier for visitors to find what they are looking for, and they help keep your menu clean and organized. Whether you’re using the Site Editor, WP Admin, or Customizer, follow the steps above to get started.

Conclusion

Adding a drop-down menu to your WordPress site is a straightforward process that enhances navigation and improves the overall user experience. Whether you’re using the Site Editor, WP Admin, or Customizer, following the steps outlined in this guide will help you create clean, user-friendly menus.

Drop-down menus not only make your website more organized but also make it easier for visitors to find relevant content. With WordPress’s flexible tools, customizing your site’s navigation is simple, even for beginners.

FAQs

1. What is a drop-down menu in WordPress?
A drop-down menu is a navigational tool that allows website visitors to access sub-menu items by hovering over or clicking on a main menu item. It helps in grouping related pages under one parent item, making your website’s navigation more organized.

2. How do I add a drop-down menu in WordPress without using a plugin?
You can add a drop-down menu in WordPress by using the built-in Site Editor, WP Admin, or Customizer. The steps differ slightly depending on the method, but you can achieve this by organizing menu items under a parent item.

3. Can I add a drop-down menu to any WordPress theme?
Most modern WordPress themes support drop-down menus. However, the exact process might vary based on the theme’s specific setup. Themes like Astra, OceanWP, and others have user-friendly customization options for adding drop-down menus.

4. How can I make a menu item unclickable in a drop-down menu?
To make a menu item unclickable, simply add a # symbol in the link field when creating or editing the menu item. This ensures that the item can still serve as a header for your drop-down but won’t navigate to any page.

5. Can I change the order of menu items in a drop-down?
Yes, in the WP Admin → Menus section or in the Site Editor, you can drag and drop menu items to rearrange them. You can also nest items under a parent item to create sub-menus.

6. Is it possible to add images or icons to drop-down menu items?
Yes, you can add icons or images to menu items, but this feature may depend on your theme or plugins. Some themes come with built-in options to add icons, or you can use plugins like “Menu Icons” to include them.

7. Will my drop-down menu work on mobile devices?
Yes, most WordPress themes are responsive, meaning your drop-down menu should automatically adapt to mobile devices. However, you may want to test how it looks and functions on different screen sizes to ensure a smooth user experience.