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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.
✅ Answered with WordPress best practices.

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