In this ultimate 2025 guide, optimized for rising searches like “find image ID WordPress” (up 40% YoY), we’ll reveal 7 proven ways to find image ID in WordPress Media Library. From no-plugin basics to dev tools, these methods work on Gutenberg, Classic Editor, and WooCommerce. Let’s uncover those IDs fast!
Why You Need to Find Image ID in WordPress
The image ID in WordPress (attachment post ID) powers advanced features:
- Setting featured images programmatically.
- Building custom galleries or sliders.
- WooCommerce product images.
- Shortcodes/plugins requiring IDs (e.g., regenerators).
Without it, you’re stuck guessing—wasting hours. In WP 6.7+, media management is smoother, but IDs remain hidden for cleanliness.
Method 1: Media Library List View – Quick Hover Trick
Easiest for most users.
Steps:
- Go to Media > Library.
- Switch to List View (top-right toggle).
- Hover over an image title—browser status bar shows link with
post=ID(e.g., post=123). - Or click title > URL ends with
post=ID.
Fast, no extras needed.
Method 2: Edit Image Page – URL Inspection
Direct and reliable.
Steps:
- In Media Library (Grid or List), click image.
- On Attachment Details page, browser URL:
/wp-admin/post.php?post=ID&action=edit. - Copy the number after
post=.

Works for all media types.
Method 3: Gutenberg Editor – Block Settings
For posts/pages using blocks.
Steps:
- Edit post > Select Image block.
- Sidebar > Advanced tab > Note “ID” field (or inspect element: class like
wp-image-ID).
Bonus: Featured images show ID in Post settings.
Method 4: Reveal IDs Plugin – Column Display
Add ID column permanently.
Steps:
- Install Reveal IDs (free from repo).
- Activate > Media Library now shows “ID” column.
Old but gold—still works in 2025.
Alternative: Show IDs by 99 Robots plugin.
Method 5: Browser Dev Tools – Inspect Element
For inserted images.
Steps:
- View post/page > Right-click image > Inspect.
<img>tag has classwp-image-ID—grab the number.
Quick for frontend troubleshooting.
Method 6: Code Snippet – Get ID from URL
Developer favorite for bulk/scripts.
Function (add to functions.php or snippet):
function get_image_id_from_url($image_url) {
global $wpdb;
$attachment = $wpdb->get_col($wpdb->prepare("SELECT ID FROM $wpdb->posts WHERE guid='%s';", $image_url));
if (empty($attachment)) {
// Handle sized images
$image_url = preg_replace('/-\d+x\d+(?=\.(jpg|jpeg|png|gif)$)/i', '', $image_url);
$attachment = $wpdb->get_col($wpdb->prepare("SELECT ID FROM $wpdb->posts WHERE guid='%s';", $image_url));
}
return !empty($attachment) ? $attachment[0] : false;
}
Use: echo get_image_id_from_url('https://yoursite.com/image.jpg');.
From Paulund guide (external DoFollow).
Method 7: Database Query – phpMyAdmin Direct
For pros or bulk.
Steps:
- Access database via hosting panel.
- Search
wp_poststable >post_type = 'attachment'. - GUID column matches file URL—ID is the row’s ID.
Caution: Backup first!
Comparison Table: Best Ways to Find Image ID in WordPress
| Method | Ease | No Plugin? | Best For | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| List View Hover | Easy | Yes | Beginners | Instant |
| Edit Page URL | Easy | Yes | Single images | Fast |
| Gutenberg Advanced | Easy | Yes | Block editor | Quick |
| Reveal IDs Plugin | Easy | No | Frequent use | Instant column |
| Inspect Element | Medium | Yes | Frontend | Fast |
| Code from URL | Advanced | Yes | Developers | Programmable |
| Database | Advanced | Yes | Bulk/troubleshoot | Thorough |
Best Practices for Managing Image IDs in WordPress 2025
- Use Plugins Sparingly — Native methods first.
- Note on Upload — Copy ID immediately.
- WooCommerce Tip — Product gallery IDs via code.
- Test Updates — IDs persist forever.
- External Tools — Kinsta guide (external DoFollow) for media mastery.
Tie into our responsive embeds post (internal link) for visual enhancements.
~1% density on find image ID in WordPress—natural flow.
Conclusion: Master Media IDs Effortlessly
These 7 proven ways to find image ID in WordPress empower customizations without guesswork. Start with Media Library hover for simplicity—your dev life just got easier.
Which method uncovered your IDs fastest? Comment below—we’re ID-hunting together!
Updated December 18, 2025 | Works with WordPress 6.7+