How to create a custom archive page in WordPress

Creating a custom Archives Page in WordPress can help your website visitors find content more easily and improve their user experience. Additionally, it clarifies the website structure, which is beneficial for SEO.

Why create a custom archive page in WordPress?

Typically, the archive page displays a list of old posts in chronological order, making it easier for visitors to access previous content, especially for websites with a large amount of content, such as blogs and online magazines.

Although many WordPress themes already have archive page templates, some themes may not have them or may require additional customization to meet your needs.

How to create a custom archive page in WordPress

We will present two main methods for creating a custom archive page in WordPress:

Use the Block Editor (no need to install a plugin)

Use SeedProd (recommended for maximum flexibility)

Method 1: Create an archive page template using the Block Editor

If you use a theme that supports the Block Editor (Full Site Editing), you can easily design the archive page.

Steps to create an archive page:

Go to Pages > Add New Page or Edit Existing Page

In the right menu, click on the Page tab and select Template.

Press the button to create a new template and name the template.

Use the Block Editor to add the desired block, such as:

Archives Block – Display posts by month or year

Categories List Block – Allows users to view posts by category

Tag Cloud Block – Shows popular tags

Latest Posts Block – Show Latest Posts

When the customization is complete, click Publish.

If you want the archive page to have a better structure, you can group the subcategories to display in a hierarchical manner or choose to display only the main categories.

Method 2: Create a maintenance page with SeedProd (recommended)

If your theme does not support the Block Editor or you want complete control over the design, using SeedProd, which is a Page Builder plugin, will be the best option.

Steps to use SeedProd:

Install and activate  SeedProd

Go to Plugins > Add New  Search for "SeedProd" and then install and activate it.

Enter the license key (for Pro version)

Create a new page with SeedProd

Go to SeedProd > Landing Pages and click Add New Landing Page

Choose a template or start from a blank page (Blank Template)

Add the desired block.

Use "Posts Block" to display posts.

Configure to display posts by specified categories or tags.

Sort posts by date or number of comments.

Customize the display, such as the number of posts per row and the featured image display.

Add additional elements such as:

Button linking to the main category page

Search box

Social media icon

Publish and implement

When you are satisfied with the design, click Publish.

Add a link to the navigation menu or the footer of the website.

Creating a custom archive page makes your website easier to use and better structured. If you use a theme that supports the Block Editor, you can easily create an archive page without using a plugin. However, if you want more flexibility,  SeedProd is the best option for creating fully customizable professional archive pages.