To change the post author on WordPress pages, the process differs slightly from changing the author of a post. By default, WordPress doesn’t provide a straightforward option in the admin interface to switch the author of a page. However, there are methods you can employ to achieve this. One of the effective ways involves using a plugin specifically designed for managing page authors, while another method requires delving into the database via phpMyAdmin for direct changes. Here’s how you can navigate both approaches:
Using a Plugin
1. Install and Activate the Plugin:
To simplify the process of changing page authors, you can install and activate a plugin like "Page Edit Author." This plugin adds functionality to the page editing screen, allowing you to select a different author for your pages.
2. Navigate to the Pages Section:
After activating the plugin, go to your WordPress admin dashboard. Click on "Pages" to view a list of all pages on your site.
3. Edit the Page:
Locate the page whose author you want to change and click on "Edit."
4. Change the Author:
Once on the page editing screen, scroll down until you find the "Author" box. With the plugin activated, you should now see a dropdown menu or a similar interface that lets you select a new author from your list of WordPress users.
5. Update the Page:
After selecting the new author, remember to click "Update" to save your changes. The page will now reflect the updated authorship.
Manual Method via phpMyAdmin
1. Access phpMyAdmin:
Log in to your hosting account and navigate to phpMyAdmin, which allows you to directly manage your WordPress site’s database.
2. Select the WordPress Database:
In phpMyAdmin, locate and select the database associated with your WordPress installation from the left-hand sidebar.
3. Locate the wp_posts Table:
Within your WordPress database, find the table named wp_posts (note: the table prefix may differ if you’ve customized it during WordPress installation).
4. Find the Page Entry:
Look for the entry corresponding to the page whose author you wish to change. You can identify pages by the post_type column where post_type equals page.
5. Edit the Author ID:
Click on the "Edit" link next to the page entry you want to modify. Locate the post_author field and enter the ID of the new author you want to assign to this page. Ensure the ID corresponds to an existing user in your WordPress installation.
6. Save Changes:
Once you’ve updated the post_author field with the new author’s ID, save your changes by clicking the "Go" or "Save" button at the bottom of the page.
Considerations
Backup:
Before making any changes directly to your database, it’s crucial to create a backup of your site’s database. This precaution ensures that you can restore your site if something goes wrong during the process.
Plugin Reliability:
Using plugins can simplify tasks like changing page authors, but ensure you choose plugins from reputable sources and keep them updated to maintain compatibility and security.
By following these methods, you can effectively change the author of WordPress pages, whether through a plugin for a more user-friendly approach or manually via phpMyAdmin for direct database management. Each method offers flexibility depending on your comfort level with WordPress administration and database operations.