Using WordPress ‘post_updated_messages’ PHP filter

post_updated_messages is a WordPress PHP filter that allows you to modify the messages displayed after a post is updated.

Usage

add_filter('post_updated_messages', 'your_custom_function');
function your_custom_function($messages) {
  // your custom code here
  return $messages;
}

Parameters

  • $messages (array): An array containing the default post updated messages. You can modify these messages as needed.

Default messages:

For Posts:

$messages[‘post’]

  • 0: Unused. Messages start at index 1.
  • 1: Post updated.
  • 2: Custom field updated.
  • 3: Custom field deleted.
  • 4: Post updated.
  • 5: Post restored to revision from {revision date and time}.
  • 6: Post published.
  • 7: Post saved.
  • 8: Post submitted.
  • 9: Post scheduled for: {scheduled date}.
  • 10: Post draft updated.

For Pages:

$messages[‘page’]

  • 0: Unused. Messages start at index 1.
  • 1: Page updated.
  • 2: Custom field updated.
  • 3: Custom field deleted.
  • 4: Page updated.
  • 5: Page restored to revision from {revision date and time}.
  • 6: Page published.
  • 7: Page saved.
  • 8: Page submitted.
  • 9: Page scheduled for: {scheduled date}.
  • 10: Page draft updated.

For Attachments:

$messages[‘attachment’]

  • Messages 1 to 10: Media file updated.

More information

See WordPress Developer Resources: post_updated_messages

Examples

Customize the ‘Post Published’ Message

Change the ‘Post published’ message to include a custom thank you note.

add_filter('post_updated_messages', 'custom_post_published_message');
function custom_post_published_message($messages) {
  $messages['post'][6] = 'Post published. Thank you for contributing!';
  return $messages;
}

Add Emojis to Update Messages

Add a checkmark emoji to the ‘Post updated’ message.

add_filter('post_updated_messages', 'add_emoji_to_update_message');
function add_emoji_to_update_message($messages) {
  $messages['post'][1] = '✅ Post updated.';
  return $messages;
}

Customize Messages for Custom Post Types

Change the ‘Post updated’ message for a custom post type called ‘Event’.

add_filter('post_updated_messages', 'custom_event_update_message');
function custom_event_update_message($messages) {
  $messages['event'][1] = 'Event updated successfully.';
  return $messages;
}

Remove the ‘Post scheduled’ Message

Remove the ‘Post scheduled’ message by setting it to an empty string.

add_filter('post_updated_messages', 'remove_post_scheduled_message');
function remove_post_scheduled_message($messages) {
  $messages['post'][9] = '';
  return $messages;
}

Add a Custom Message for Draft Posts

Add a custom message when saving a post as a draft.

add_filter('post_updated_messages', 'custom_draft_post_message');
function custom_draft_post_message($messages) {
  $messages['post'][10] = 'Your draft has been saved. Keep up the good work!';
  return $messages;
}