How to remove proudly powered by WordPress (Edit footer)

Do you want to remove proudly powered by WordPress message that is displayed in the footer? Do you know how to edit a footer in WordPress?

When you use a free WordPress theme, it is present by default. You work so hard to find the niche and content for your website. As a fact, a branding website will prefer to remove that message from their site. It makes the website look both unappealing and unprofessional. This credit is usually provided to the free version of WordPress themes. You can remove or replace that footer text even if you are using the free theme. However, there are different ways to remove it so that you can make your website appealing.

Is Proudly powered by WordPress removal legal?

It’s perfectly fine if you prefer to remove the footer credits. All themes present in the official theme directory have a GPL license. With GPL, you have the permission to use, modify and redistribute them.

You need to remember to back up your site before making the changes. If by any means, the contents of the site breaks then you can revert to the previous state. In the past, people have lost their precious information failing to keep the backup. Now, Let’s discuss how can you remove proudly powered by WordPress footer from your website.

How to remove Proudly powered by WordPress?

Before you continue, you should have access to the WordPress admin area and a text editor. You will be able to edit the footer in WordPress with the help of methods given below:

Use of Plugin (Not Recommended)

The plugin works in the WordPress themes and some other custom themes as well. You can search for a plugin for this purpose and activate it. But, the use of plugin not recommended. If you learn to edit a simple line of CSS code, the job is done. 

Recommended Methods to edit a footer in WordPress

Theme Customizer

Firstly, check the theme settings. You may get an option to remove or replace the footer powered by WordPress. Before you search for other options, check it first. The premium theme has this option but you can confirm it once in a free version as well. Go to Admin Panel and check Appearance > Customize > Footer > Bottom Footer

You will be able to disable footer credits. If you like branding then you can also keep a customized footer instead of the default footer.

In the case of third-party themes, it may be available in widgets or individual theme’s option. However, you should first validate if the option to disable footer credits is present in the theme customizer or not.

Edit Footer Code (Best Method)

If you are familiar with the code then this is the best option for you. You will know where to edit the footer text to remove proudly powered by WordPress text without any negative impact on SEO. The footer.php file can be edited to remove the default footer link.

You can use File Manager like Filezilla to edit the WordPress footer codes. Nowadays some web hosts disable the option to edit theme code. If you are unable to locate the theme editor, then it may be the case. Thus, you need a file manager to edit the footer code. Here are the steps you should follow for this method:

• Connect to your site with the help of File Manager.
• Go to the themes directory located inside the wp-content folder.
• Search for the footer.php file and copy its contents to the text editor.
• Check and delete the footer code that is present there. (Depends on the type of the theme)
• Update the file for the changes to take effect. (Depends on whether you removed or edited the code)

Before making any changes to the theme, make sure you have edited or entered the code correctly. Also, save the backup of the website before you perform this action. By mistake, if you edit or change the wrong code then you will be able to restore the website. It’s always better to have a backup before any major changes on your website.

How to hide Proudly powered by WordPress?

You need to have access to the admin area to hide the footer “proudly powered by WordPress”.

CSS Method (Not Recommended)

This is a simple method but it is not recommended. With the help of the CSS method, it involves hiding a link that hurts your SEO. Google marks the site as suspicious if there is a hidden link. As a result, Google may flag your site and you may lose your search engine traffic. Therefore, if you are unsuccessful from other methods, then only use this method.

It can be performed by the addition of some CSS to the theme customizer.

Locate Additional CSS in the Admin Dashboard (inside Appearance > Customize) and paste the following CSS code:

.site-info { display: none; }

Wrapping Up:

Hopefully, this post gave you a clear concept to remove proudly powered by WordPress text. If any of the above methods did not work for you, try the alternative methods to edit the footer. For further questions regarding the footer link, feel free to ask the questions in the comments below. You can also Contact Us if you need any help to customize your WordPress website. 

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