Convert some categories to a custom taxonomy

Category and Tag are two default WordPress taxonomies which help you to group posts together easily. You also can create your own taxonomy to group your contents.

Assuming you want to convert some categories to a new taxonomy. Here are steps to do:

I. Register a new taxonomy

First, you need to register a new taxonomy, using the register_taxonomy() function, or using another plugin (Custom Post Type UI, Toolset Types, etc.).

II. Convert specific categories to new taxonomy

There are 2 possible ways to convert:

  1. Convert automatically
    Please install and use this plugin Taxonomy Switcher.
  2. Convert manually
    Please follow below steps:

  • Add terms to the new taxonomy

    CVP - add a new term to WordPress taxonomy

  • Move posts from a category to new taxonomy term

    The quickest way is:

    + In WordPress admin Posts page, select a specific category, then click “Filter” button to show all matching posts: CVP - filter by category in Posts page

    + Select the top checkbox, select the “Edit” option in the “Bulk Actions” dropdown, then click “Apply” button:
    CVP - bulk actions edit posts WordPress

    + Select the desired term of the new taxonomy:

    CVP - bulk update categories of WordPress posts

    then click the “Update” button.

    Repeat this step for each category you want to convert.

  • Remove converted categories (optionally)

    After above steps, you might remove categories which are already converted to (replaced by) new taxonomy.

Best regards,