How to use parent_file filter in WordPress

Okay, let’s dive into the world of WordPress hooks! Today, we’re talking about the parent_file filter. This handy filter allows plugins to move sub-menu items around, making it easier to customize your WordPress admin menus. If you’re tinkering with menu structures, this is the hook you want to know about.

To get started with the parent_file filter, you’ll first need to register it using add_filter. Feel free to add this code into the functions.php of your activated theme or in a custom WordPress Plugin. Personally, creating a custom WordPress Plugin is always a safer bet. This way, nothing breaks when you update your WordPress Theme in the future. If you ever need to remove this hook, you can use remove_filter to do so.

Parameters

Below is the 1 parameter required to use this hook.

• $parent_file: (string) The parent file.

Live Example 1: Modify Parent File Defaults

Here’s a basic example of how to use this hook.

    function weplugins_modify_parent_file_defaults($parent_file) {
        // Update the $parent_file variable according to your website requirements 
        // and return this variable.
        return $parent_file; 
    }
    // add the filter
    add_filter("parent_file", "weplugins_modify_parent_file_defaults", 10, 1);
    

Live Example 2: Conditional Parent File Modification

You can also modify the $parent_file variable conditionally. Check it out:

    function weplugins_conditional_parent_file($parent_file) {
        if (some_condition()) {
            $parent_file = 'new-parent-file.php';
        }
        return $parent_file;
    }
    // add the filter
    add_filter("parent_file", "weplugins_conditional_parent_file", 10, 1);
    

Live Example 3: Removing a Hook Callback

If you need to remove a hook callback, here’s how you can do it:

    remove_filter("parent_file", "weplugins_modify_parent_file_defaults", 10, 1);
    

Please ensure you provide the same callback function name, priority, and number of arguments while removing the hook callback.

If you’re having any trouble using this hook or need customization, feel free to Contact Us. We’re here to help!