WordPress’s current title-field prompt is “Add title”; “Enter title here” is the older wording. To replace the prompt for a particular post type, use the enter_title_here filter in PHP, or configure the Enter Title Here Changer plugin from the dashboard. Both approaches affect the editor prompt only—not saved post titles or your site’s name.
Why WordPress says “Add title” instead of “Enter title here”
WordPress core changed the post-title prompt from “Enter title here” to “Add title” in March 2019, to align the wording with the Block Editor. The change is recorded in WordPress changeset 44896. The older phrase may still appear in tutorials or searches, but it is not the current default wording in WordPress core.
The relevant customization point remains the enter_title_here filter. It lets a PHP callback change the prompt shown in the post editor.
Choose a way to change the title placeholder
| Option | Best fit | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| PHP filter | You want precise wording, such as a different prompt for one custom post type. | Requires adding and maintaining a PHP snippet. |
| Enter Title Here Changer plugin | You prefer dashboard settings over writing PHP. | The plugin’s WordPress compatibility information can change; its listing says it does not work in Multisite. |
Change the prompt with a PHP filter
Use the post type’s registered key in the condition—not necessarily the label displayed to editors. This example changes the prompt only for a custom post type whose key is movie:
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function wpb_change_title_text( $title, $post ) {
if ( 'movie' === $post->post_type ) {
return 'Enter movie name with release year';
}
return $title;
}
add_filter( 'enter_title_here', 'wpb_change_title_text', 10, 2 );Replace movie with your registered post-type key and replace the example sentence with the instruction your editors need. The callback returns the original prompt for every other post type, avoiding an unintended site-wide change. The filter receives the prompt and post object in the edit-form implementation; see the WordPress core changeset and WPBeginner’s filter example.
Where to add the code
- Snippet manager: WPBeginner describes adding the callback through WPCode’s PHP Snippet workflow. A snippet manager provides a way to add code; the
enter_title_herefilter is what changes the prompt. - Theme code: The callback can be added to your theme’s
functions.php. A PHP error in theme code can break the site, so use this route only if you are comfortable recovering from code errors.
WPBeginner says the filter method applies in both the Block Editor and Classic Editor. The example above follows the same post-type-specific approach while using the post object passed to the filter.
Use a plugin instead of writing PHP
- In the WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New.
- Search for Enter Title Here Changer, install it, and activate it.
- Open Settings → ETHC Settings and configure the placeholder text.
Those installation and settings directions, along with editor screenshots, appear in the WordPress.org plugin listing. Its FAQ says the plugin does not work in Multisite. Check the live listing’s compatibility information against your installed WordPress version before relying on the plugin; its version and compatibility metadata may change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Write a prompt that helps editors
Use a short instruction that describes the content expected in the title field. For example, a movie post type might use “Enter movie name with release year,” while a person profile might use “Enter Person Name.” These are examples from WPBeginner’s tutorial; adapt the wording to your own publishing workflow.
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What this setting does—and does not—change
- It changes: The prompt shown in the title field when editing or creating content of the targeted post type.
- It does not change: A post’s saved title. Edit that post to change its title.
- It does not change: Your website’s name, which is managed separately under Settings → General.
- It does not change: The placeholder in a site search form; that is a separate form customization.
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