Add Code to the Header and Footer of WordPress

Why add code to the header or footer

• Add analytics, such as Google Analytics.
• Add custom CSS.
• Set a favicon.
• Verify your site with search engines.
• Add scripts for ads or social media.

There are four ways to do it. The plugin is the easiest and safest.

Method 1: Use a plugin

1. In the dashboard, go to Plugins, then Add New.
2. Search for Insert Headers and Footers. Click Install Now, then Activate.

   

3. Go to Settings, then Insert Headers and Footers.
4. Paste your code in the Header or Footer box.

   

5. Click Save.

Method 2: Edit functions.php

Go to Appearance, then Theme File Editor. Open functions.php.

Add this code for the header:

function add_custom_code_to_header() {
    echo '<!-- Your custom header code here -->';
}
add_action('wp_head', 'add_custom_code_to_header');

Add this code for the footer:

function add_custom_code_to_footer() {
    echo '<!-- Your custom footer code here -->';
}
add_action('wp_footer', 'add_custom_code_to_footer');

Click Update File.

Method 3: Edit header.php and footer.php

Open Appearance, then Theme File Editor, and choose header.php or footer.php. Put your code before <?php wp_head(); ?> in the header, or before <?php wp_footer(); ?> in the footer. Save the file.

Method 4: Use a child theme

An update of your theme can wipe your edits. A child theme keeps them safe.

1. Create a folder in wp-content/themes, for example my-child-theme.
2. Add a style.css file to the folder:

/*
 Theme Name:   My Child Theme
 Template:     parent-theme-folder
*/

1. Add a functions.php file to the folder:

<?php
function my_theme_enqueue_styles() {
    wp_enqueue_style( 'parent-style', get_template_directory_uri() . '/style.css' );
}
add_action( 'wp_enqueue_scripts', 'my_theme_enqueue_styles' );

1. Activate the child theme under Appearance, then Themes. Now use Method 2 or 3 inside the child theme.

Quick recap

• A plugin is the safest way.
• Theme files work too, but updates can remove your changes.
• Use a child theme for lasting edits.
• Only add scripts from sources you trust.