If you prefer not to use plugins for duplicating a page in WordPress, you can still get the job done manually or using WordPress’ built-in features. This guide will walk you through three effective methods to duplicate a page in WordPress without relying on additional tools.
Why Avoid Plugins?
While plugins make duplication easier, some users avoid them to:
- Keep their site lightweight.
- Reduce security risks from third-party plugins.
- Avoid potential plugin conflicts.
If you want to keep your site clean and functional without extra tools, these methods will work for you.
Method 1: Duplicate a Page Using WordPress’ Classic Editor
This method is ideal if you’re using the Classic Editor or don’t mind working with HTML.
Steps:
- Open the Page to Duplicate:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Pages > All Pages, and open the page you want to duplicate.
- Switch to the Text Editor:
- In the editor, switch from Visual to Text mode (HTML view).
- Copy all the content (HTML code) displayed in the editor.
- Create a New Page:
- Go to Pages > Add New to create a new page.
- Switch to the Text mode in the new page editor and paste the copied content.
- Update the Title and Permalink:
- Replace the page title with a new one.
- WordPress will generate a new permalink automatically based on the title.
- Save or Publish the New Page:
- Review the content in the Visual editor.
- Save it as a Draft or click Publish.
Method 2: Duplicate a Page Using the Gutenberg Block Editor
If you’re using the WordPress Gutenberg editor, this method allows you to duplicate blocks and entire layouts.
Steps:
- Open the Page in Gutenberg:
- Go to Pages > All Pages, and click Edit on the page you want to duplicate.
- Copy All Blocks:
- Click on the three dots (Options menu) in the top-right corner of the editor.
- Select Copy All Content to copy all the blocks from the page.
- Create a New Page:
- Navigate to Pages > Add New and open the new page in the Gutenberg editor.
- Paste the Content:
- In the new page, click inside the editor and press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac) to paste the copied content.
- Update the Title and Save:
- Enter a new title for the page.
- Save the page as a Draft or click Publish.
Method 3: Duplicate a Page Using Manual File Duplication (Advanced Users)
This method is for users comfortable with editing WordPress files. It involves duplicating a page by copying its PHP file and making modifications.
Steps:
- Access Your WordPress Files:
- Use an FTP client like FileZilla or your hosting provider’s file manager to access your WordPress installation files.
- Locate the Page Template:
- Go to the wp-content/themes/[your-theme]/ folder.
- Look for the PHP file used by the page you want to duplicate (e.g.,
page.phpor a custom template).
- Duplicate the File:
- Copy the file and rename it (e.g.,
page-duplicate.php).
- Copy the file and rename it (e.g.,
- Edit the File:
- Open the duplicate file in a text editor.
- Change the template name at the top of the file. For example:
- Create a New Page in WordPress:
- Go to Pages > Add New, and in the Page Attributes section, select the new template from the Template dropdown.
- Save or Publish the New Page:
- Customize the page as needed and save it.
Pro Tips for Manual Duplication
- Always Backup Your Site:
- Before editing files or duplicating pages, create a backup of your website to avoid losing data.
- Check Responsiveness:
- After duplication, preview the page on different devices to ensure the layout remains intact.
- Update Content and Metadata:
- To avoid SEO penalties, update the title, content, meta descriptions, and URL slug of the duplicated page.
Conclusion
Duplicating a page in WordPress without a plugin may take a bit more effort, but it’s a great way to keep your website lightweight and avoid plugin dependency. Whether you use the Classic Editor, Gutenberg, or file duplication, these methods ensure you can recreate your pages efficiently.
Faqs
1. Can I duplicate a page in WordPress without using a plugin?
Yes. You can use built-in WordPress features like copying content via the Classic Editor or Gutenberg, or manually duplicate files through your theme’s PHP files.
2. What is the easiest method to duplicate a page without a plugin?
The easiest way is to copy and paste the content in the editor (Classic Editor or Gutenberg) into a new page.
3. Does duplicating a page manually affect the original page?
No. Duplicating a page creates a separate copy, so changes to the duplicate won’t affect the original page.
4. How do I duplicate a page in the Classic Editor?
Switch to the Text view (HTML mode), copy all the code, and paste it into a new page in the same mode.
5. Can I duplicate a page using the Gutenberg editor?
Yes. Use the Copy All Content option in the Gutenberg editor and paste it into a new page.
6. Is it possible to duplicate a page template without plugins?
Yes. You can manually copy the template file (PHP) in your theme folder, rename it, and use it for a new page.
7. Can I duplicate a WordPress page if I’m not a developer?
Yes. Methods like copying content in the editor or using Gutenberg’s block duplication require no coding knowledge.
8. How do I avoid duplicate content issues for SEO?
After duplicating, update the title, meta descriptions, and URL slug to make the page unique and SEO-friendly.
9. Can I duplicate custom fields and metadata without a plugin?
No. Manual methods won’t automatically copy custom fields. You’ll need to recreate them on the new page.
10. Is duplicating pages manually time-consuming?
It can be for complex layouts. However, for simple pages, it’s quick and straightforward.
11. Does manual duplication work with page builders like Elementor or WPBakery?
Yes. You can copy content in the backend or use the builder’s built-in options (like templates).
12. Can I duplicate dynamic content like forms or embedded media?
Yes, but you need to ensure all dynamic elements (e.g., forms) are reconnected to their sources or re-added.
13. How do I rename a duplicated page?
After creating the duplicate, update the title in the editor, and WordPress will generate a new permalink.
14. Can I duplicate a page with custom styling?
Yes. Copy-pasting the HTML or Gutenberg blocks will retain custom styles as long as the theme supports them.
15. Is it better to use a plugin for duplicating complex pages?
For pages with custom fields, dynamic content, or advanced layouts, plugins like Yoast Duplicate Post can save time.
16. Do I need admin access to duplicate a page manually?
Yes, you’ll need at least Editor or Admin access to copy content or create new pages.
17. How do I duplicate a page for testing purposes?
Create a duplicate and save it as a Draft. You can test it without publishing it live.
18. Can I copy widgets and sidebars when duplicating a page?
No, widgets and sidebars are part of the theme and not tied to individual pages. You’ll need to configure them separately.
19. Does duplicating pages manually slow down my site?
No. Manual duplication has no performance impact since it doesn’t add extra code or plugins.
20. What happens to the images and media in the duplicated page?
The media remains linked to the original uploads. They are not duplicated but will display on the new page.
Dinesh K Verma is an experienced SEO strategist and WordPress expert with over 12 years of industry experience. He specializes in creating optimized, user-friendly websites that drive traffic and conversions. As the founder of SEOBallia.com, Dinesh shares his expertise through insightful articles and practical guides. His mission is to empower businesses and individuals to achieve online success.
