How can I create a custom 404 error page in WordPress?
Asked on Oct 12, 2025
Answer
Creating a custom 404 error page in WordPress involves editing your theme's files to provide a unique user experience when a page is not found. This can be done by modifying the 404.php file in your active theme.
<!-- BEGIN COPY / PASTE -->
<?php
// Create a custom 404 error page in your theme
get_header(); ?>
<div id="primary" class="content-area">
<main id="main" class="site-main">
<section class="error-404 not-found">
<header class="page-header">
<h1 class="page-title"><?php esc_html_e( 'Oops! That page can’t be found.', 'your-theme-textdomain' ); ?></h1>
</header>
<div class="page-content">
<p><?php esc_html_e( 'It looks like nothing was found at this location. Maybe try a search?', 'your-theme-textdomain' ); ?></p>
<?php get_search_form(); ?>
</div>
</section>
</main>
</div>
<?php get_footer(); ?>
<!-- END COPY / PASTE -->Additional Comment:
- Ensure that your theme includes a 404.php file in its root directory.
- You can customize the HTML and CSS within the 404.php file to match your site's design.
- Use WordPress functions like get_header(), get_footer(), and get_search_form() to maintain consistency with your theme.
- Consider adding navigation links or a search form to help users find what they're looking for.
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