Filter Hook since 2.5.0

manage_posts_columns

Adds or removes columns on the admin post list table

Description

manage_posts_columns controls what shows up in wp-admin's post list table — add a custom column here, then fill it with manage_posts_custom_column.

When it runs

wp-admin Posts list screen only, when the table header renders. For a custom post type, the equivalent is manage_{post_type}_posts_columns.

Signature

apply_filters( 'manage_posts_columns', string[] $columns );

Parameters

$columns string[] — Column slug => label, in display order.

Examples

Basic

add_filter( 'manage_posts_columns', function( $columns ) {
    $columns['word_count'] = 'Word Count';
    return $columns;
} );

Add a new column header to the Posts list.

Real case

add_filter( 'manage_posts_columns', function( $columns ) {
    unset( $columns['comments'] );
    $columns['reading_time'] = 'Reading Time';
    return $columns;
} );

Remove the default Comments column and add a custom one instead.

Common Use Cases

Show custom field values in the post list at a glance
Remove default columns you don't need (Author, Comments)
Control column display order
Build a lightweight custom dashboard view

Common mistakes

Adding a column here but forgetting to also hook manage_posts_custom_column — the column header shows up but every cell is empty

Related hooks

Works with admin_menu

FAQ

I added a column but the cells are blank — what's missing?

manage_posts_columns only adds the header. You also need add_action( 'manage_posts_custom_column', ... ) to echo the actual value for each row/column combination.

Source: wp-admin/includes/class-wp-posts-list-table.php

Group wizard

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

manage_posts_columns → admin_menu

functions.php — manage_posts_columns

functions.php

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

	return $columns;
} );

Group tour

manage_posts_columns · Hook 1 of 2 · Step 1 of 7

Meet manage_posts_columns

Adds or removes columns on the admin post list table

manage_posts_columns controls what shows up in wp-admin's post list table — add a custom column here, then fill it with manage_posts_custom_column.

type filterphase adminsince 2.5.0source wp-admin/includes/class-wp-posts-list-table.php

apply_filters( 'manage_posts_columns', string[] $columns );

add_filter( 'manage_posts_columns', function( $columns ) {
    $columns['word_count'] = 'Word Count';
    return $columns;
} );

PHP manage_posts_columns · Hook 1 of 2 · Step 1 of 7

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