What is a permalink?
A permalink is the permanent web address of one post or page. Compare these two:
https://example.com/?p=123https://example.com/my-first-post/
The second one is easier for people to read and remember. Search engines like it too. It is also a better one to share.
Steps
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Click Settings on the left.
- Click Permalinks.
- Look at the list of Common Settings.
- Pick one option. Post name is a good choice for most sites. It gives addresses like
/my-first-post/. - Scroll down and click Save Changes.
The options
| Option | Example |
|---|---|
| Plain | /?p=123 |
| Day and name | /2026/01/15/my-post/ |
| Month and name | /2026/01/my-post/ |
| Numeric | /archives/123 |
| Post name | /my-post/ |
| Custom structure | You build your own |
Other settings on this page
- Category base changes the word before your category names.
- Tag base does the same for tags.
Leave them empty if you are not sure.
If pages show "404 Not Found"
After you change permalinks, some pages may show an error. WordPress keeps rules in a file called .htaccess. It sometimes needs a refresh.
- Go back to Settings and Permalinks.
- Click Save Changes again, without changing anything.
- Test your pages once more.
If it still fails, the file may not be writable. Ask Hostvento support for help at https://secure.hostvento.com/submitticket.php.
Tip: Choose the structure when your site is new. Changing it later on a live site breaks old links. If you must, set up redirects first.
Quick recap
- A permalink is the address of a post or page.
- Use Settings, Permalinks, and pick Post name.
- Click Save Changes twice if you see 404 errors.
- Avoid changing it on an old live site.