Filter Hook since 0.71

wp_title

Filters the document <title> tag

Description

wp_title is the classic document-title filter. Modern themes should prefer document_title_parts — this hook remains for older title tags.

When it runs

When wp_title() is called directly by a theme's header.php. Block/modern themes usually use document_title_parts instead.

Signature

apply_filters( 'wp_title', string $title, string $sep, string $seplocation );

Parameters

$title string — Title text.
$sep string — Separator.
$seplocation string — left or right.

Examples

Basic

add_filter( 'wp_title', function( $title, $sep ) {
    return $title . $sep . get_bloginfo( 'name' );
}, 10, 2 );

Append the site name to the classic title output.

Real case

add_filter( 'wp_title', function( $title, $sep, $seplocation ) {
    if ( is_feed() ) {
        return $title;
    }
    return 'left' === $seplocation ? get_bloginfo( 'name' ) . " $sep $title" : $title;
}, 10, 3 );

Skip the filter for feeds and control separator placement manually.

Common Use Cases

Customize SEO page titles on legacy themes
Append site name to titles
Set title format for specific pages
Override title for 404 pages

Common mistakes

Hooking wp_title on a block/modern theme that never calls wp_title() — use document_title_parts instead

Related hooks

Alternative the_title
Alternative document_title_parts

Articles

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FAQ

Is the wp_title filter deprecated?

The wp_title() template tag is legacy — modern themes render titles via wp_get_document_title() and the document_title_parts filter. wp_title only fires if a theme still calls wp_title() directly in header.php.

Source: wp-includes/general-template.php

Group wizard

One session: this hook, then each related_hooks entry. Walk it and tell us what to change.

wp_title → the_title → document_title_parts

functions.php — wp_title

functions.php

<?php
/**
 * Practice: hook into wp_title
 */
add_filter( 'wp_title', function( $title, $sep, $seplocation ) {
	// Write your callback here. Always return the value.

	return $title;
} );

Group tour

wp_title · Hook 1 of 3 · Step 1 of 7

Meet wp_title

Filters the document <title> tag

wp_title is the classic document-title filter. Modern themes should prefer document_title_parts — this hook remains for older title tags.

type filterphase templatesince 0.71source wp-includes/general-template.php

apply_filters( 'wp_title', string $title, string $sep, string $seplocation );

add_filter( 'wp_title', function( $title, $sep ) {
    return $title . $sep . get_bloginfo( 'name' );
}, 10, 2 );

PHP wp_title · Hook 1 of 3 · Step 1 of 7

Practice the wp_title WordPress filter hook in our interactive sandbox — a VS Code-style editor with a step-by-step wp_title tutorial, add_filter exercises, and instant feedback. No local WordPress install required.