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Add an icon to a WordPress custom post type by setting the menu_icon argument in register_post_type(). A Dashicons class such as dashicons-book is the simplest option; WordPress also accepts a base64-encoded SVG data URI for custom artwork.

Register the post type with a menu icon

Put the icon in the argument array passed to register_post_type(). Register the post type on the init hook so WordPress has loaded its post-type API.

<?php
function acme_register_book_post_type() {
    register_post_type( 'acme_book', array(
        'labels' => array(
            'name'          => __( 'Books', 'acme' ),
            'singular_name' => __( 'Book', 'acme' ),
        ),
        'public'         => true,
        'show_ui'        => true,
        'show_in_menu'   => true,
        'menu_icon'      => 'dashicons-book',
    ) );
}
add_action( 'init', 'acme_register_book_post_type' );

The post type key in this example is acme_book. Keep that identifier at 20 characters or fewer and use only lowercase letters, numbers, underscores, and dashes. A project prefix such as acme_ reduces collisions with other plugins and themes.

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Choose the icon format

Option Value to pass as menu_icon Use it when Important qualification
Dashicons dashicons-{icon}, for example dashicons-book You want a built-in WordPress admin icon with no extra asset. Choose a class that exists in the official Dashicons set.
Custom SVG A string beginning data:image/svg+xml;base64, Your post type needs custom artwork or branding. The documented data-URI form is colored to match the admin color scheme.
No built-in image none You plan to supply the appearance with your own CSS. The menu image element is left empty for CSS customization.
Font Awesome class A Font Awesome class string A compatible third-party plugin already loads and supports Font Awesome. This is not a WordPress core guarantee; verify the plugin’s maintenance and compatibility.

Use a Dashicon

Dashicons has been WordPress’s official admin icon font since WordPress 3.8. Pass the complete class name, including the dashicons- prefix:

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'menu_icon' => 'dashicons-book',

Replace book with an available Dashicons icon name. The class belongs in the post type registration; it is not added to the post editor or content output.

Use a custom SVG

For artwork that is not available in Dashicons, provide a base64-encoded SVG data URI. Building the string with PHP keeps the source SVG readable:

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$book_svg = '<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 20 20">'
         . '<path d="M3 2h11a3 3 0 0 1 3 3v13H6a3 3 0 0 0-3 3V2z"/>'
         . '</svg>';

register_post_type( 'acme_book', array(
    'labels' => array(
        'name'          => __( 'Books', 'acme' ),
        'singular_name' => __( 'Book', 'acme' ),
    ),
    'public'       => true,
    'show_ui'      => true,
    'show_in_menu' => true,
    'menu_icon'    => 'data:image/svg+xml;base64,' . base64_encode( $book_svg ),
) );

The resulting value starts with data:image/svg+xml;base64,, which is the format documented for custom post-type menu artwork.

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Make sure the icon can appear in the dashboard

The icon belongs to the post type’s administration-menu entry. These settings control whether that entry exists:

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  • show_ui => true enables the post type’s administration interface.
  • show_in_menu => true places the post type in the admin menu.
  • show_in_menu => 'edit.php?post_type=page', for example, can place it beneath another top-level menu instead of creating its own top-level item.
  • menu_position sets the relative position when the post type is displayed as a menu item.

If show_ui is false, show_in_menu cannot provide a usable menu entry, so the icon has nowhere to display.

Fix a missing icon

  1. Confirm the registration function is attached to init, not executed before WordPress initializes its post-type API.
  2. Check that show_ui and show_in_menu are both enabled for the intended admin location.
  3. For Dashicons, verify the value is a complete valid class such as dashicons-book, including the prefix and hyphen.
  4. For custom artwork, verify the value begins with data:image/svg+xml;base64, and that the portion after the comma is actually base64-encoded SVG.
  5. If the post type is nested under another menu, inspect that parent menu rather than looking for a new top-level item.
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Put registration code in a plugin

The WordPress Plugin Handbook recommends registering a custom post type in a plugin when the content type should survive a theme change. A theme-specific registration disappears when that theme is replaced, potentially hiding the post type and its content from the new site configuration. Keep the post type key and related function names prefixed consistently in the plugin.

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  • 【Sturdy & Protective】 :Made of sturdy metal, it can support up to 17.6 lbs (8kg) weight on top; With 2 rubber mats on the hook and anti-skid silicone pads on top & bottom, it can secure your laptop in place and maximum protect your device from scratches and sliding. Moreover, smooth edges will never hurt your hands.
  • 【Heat Dissipation】 :The top of the laptop stand is designed with multiple ventilation holes. The open design offers greater ventilation and more airflow to cool your laptop during operation other than it just lays flat on the table.
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Which option should you choose?

  • Choose Dashicons when an existing WordPress icon communicates the post type clearly and you want the smallest implementation.
  • Choose an SVG data URI when the icon must be custom artwork or brand-specific.
  • Choose none only when you intentionally plan to style the empty menu image with CSS.
  • Choose Font Awesome only when a maintained, compatible third-party integration is already part of your project; WordPress core does not promise arbitrary Font Awesome classes.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.