If You’re a WordPress User

Have you ever noticed that every post you publish on WordPress displays the date and author by default? Although this information can be useful, there are situations where it might be better to remove them completely.

The Timeless Feel

By removing the date and author from your WordPress posts, you can give them a more timeless feel, making them appear more evergreen. This is an effective way to present your content in different contexts and styles.

The Undue Credit

If you’re running a multi-author blog and don’t want to give undue credit to one author over another, removing the date and author information is a great solution.

The Best Methods:

Method #1: Hide the Date and Author with CSS

One way to remove the date and author from your WordPress posts is by using custom CSS. This method is easy for non-coders but has some drawbacks. Although the information is hidden, technically, it’s still there, and this could slow down your site’s load time.

Method #2: Remove Date and Author with a Plugin

This approach is a bit more complex, as it involves the installation and activation of a plugin. WP Meta and Date Remover is an excellent rated plugin for removing the date and author information automatically. It also has some customization options such as the removal of categories and tags if desired. The limiting factor of this method is the potential for your site’s performance to be slowed down after installing and activating the plugin.

Method #3: Edit Your Theme’s Functions .php File

If you’re comfortable editing your theme’s core files, another option for removing the date and author from your WordPress posts is by editing the functions.php file. This approach requires more advanced coding knowledge, but it’s more precise than the CSS and plugin methods. However, an incorrect edit could break your site’s functionality, so you should only attempt this if you feel confident and comfortable.

Method #4: Remove Date and Author with a Child Theme

A child theme is a theme that inherits the functionality and styling of your parent theme, but allows you to customize it without affecting the original code. This method requires creating a new folder in your WordPress theme directory and a style.css file within this folder. This approach is ideal for those who are comfortable with coding, and it’s a safe way to make changes without breaking the site’s functionality entirely.

Conclusion

Regardless of which method you choose, removing the date and author information from your WordPress posts can give them a more timeless feel and make them more versatile in different contexts. The best approach for you will depend on your coding skills and preferences. CSS is a quick and easy method for hiding the date and author information, but it’s not foolproof. Plugins offer a bit more flexibility and customization, but can also slow down your site. Editing the functions.php file or creating a child theme requires more advanced coding knowledge, but gives you the most control over the process. Choose what works best for you and your website.