7 Proven Ways to Remove ‘Archive’ from Category, Tag & Custom Post Type Titles in WordPress – Clean Titles in 2026!

Frustrated by unwanted prefixes like “Archive:”, “Category:”, or “Tag:” in your WordPress archive titles? These defaults (from get_the_archive_title()) make pages look outdated, hurt branding, and can dilute SEO focus. In 2026, clean titles are essential for modern sites.

This ultimate guide reveals 7 proven ways to remove ‘Archive’ from category, tag and custom post type titles in WordPress. From one-line code to plugins, these methods work on themes like Astra, GeneratePress, and builders like Elementor. Achieve sleek, professional archive pages instantly!

custom post type

Why Remove ‘Archive’ from Category, Tag and Custom Post Type Titles?

WordPress adds prefixes for clarity (e.g., “Category: Uncategorised” or “Archive: Portfolio”), but they often feel redundant—especially with breadcrumbs or clear navigation. In 2026’s minimalist designs:

  • Cleaner UX → Direct titles improve readability.
  • Better SEO → Focused titles boost relevance (especially with Yoast/Rank Math).
  • Branding Win → Matches modern sites without “archive” vibe.
  • Mobile Friendly → Shorter titles fit small screens.

Searches for “remove Archive from category tag custom post type titles WordPress” surge as devs prioritize polish.

Method 1: Simple Prefix Filter – Remove All Prefixes Globally (WP 5.5+)

The easiest code fix: Empty the prefix.

Steps:

  1. Add to child theme’s functions.php (or Code Snippets plugin):PHP// Remove ‘Archive’ from category, tag and custom post type titles – empty prefix add_filter( 'get_the_archive_title_prefix', '__return_empty_string' );
  2. Save—prefixes vanish site-wide.

Perfect for categories, tags, and CPT archives.

Method 2: Full Title Filter – Custom Handling per Type

Target specific archives.

Code:

PHP

add_filter( 'get_the_archive_title', function( $title ) {
    if ( is_category() ) {
        $title = single_cat_title( '', false );
    } elseif ( is_tag() ) {
        $title = single_tag_title( '', false );
    } elseif ( is_post_type_archive() ) {
        $title = post_type_archive_title( '', false );
    } elseif ( is_tax() ) {
        $title = single_term_title( '', false );
    }
    // Add more conditions as needed
    return $title;
} );

Removes prefixes selectively—great for custom post types.

Method 3: Plugin Solution – Zero-Code Removal

Lightweight plugins handle it.

Top Picks:

  • WP Remove Category from Archive Title → Removes “Category:” and works for tags/custom.
  • Archive Title → Customizes per type.

Install > Activate—done!

Method 4: Yoast SEO or Rank Math – Browser Title Fix

For <title> tags (not H1).

Yoast Steps:

  1. SEO > Search Appearance > Taxonomies.
  2. Set Title template to %%term_title%% (no archive prefix).

Rank Math similar—cleans SERPs.

Method 5: Theme-Specific Options

Many themes have built-ins.

  • Astra/GeneratePress → Customizer > Typography or Layout > Disable archive prefixes.
  • Kadence → Customizer > General > Archive Titles.

Check your theme docs.

Method 6: CSS Hide – Quick Visual Fix

Hide without removing (not recommended for SEO).

CSS:

CSS

.page-title .archive-prefix { display: none; } /* Adjust selector */

Or target .archive-title span—fast but superficial.

Method 7: Elementor Archive Title Widget

For Elementor-built archives.

Steps:

  1. Edit archive template.
  2. Archive Title widget > Settings > Hide Prefix toggle (or dynamic without prefix).

Elementor Pro essential.

Comparison Table: Ways to Remove ‘Archive’ from Category, Tag and Custom Post Type Titles

MethodEaseCode?Affects H1?Affects SEO Title?Best For
Prefix FilterEasyYesYesNoGlobal quick fix
Full FilterMediumYesYesNoCustom per type
PluginEasyNoYesVariesBeginners
Yoast/Rank MathEasyNoNoYesBrowser titles
Theme OptionsEasyNoYesNoSpecific themes
CSS HideEasyNoYes (visual)NoTemporary
Elementor WidgetMediumNoYesNoElementor sites

Best Practices for Clean Archive Titles in 2026

  1. Child Theme/Snippets — Safe code additions.
  2. Clear Cache — After changes (WP Rocket/Cloudflare).
  3. Test Archives — Categories, tags, CPTs.
  4. SEO Balance — Keep descriptive but concise.
  5. Backup First — UpdraftPlus recommended.

Link to our global fonts Elementor fix (internal) for styling tips.

~1% density on remove Archive from category tag custom post type titles WordPress—natural and effective.

Conclusion: Achieve Prefix-Free Titles Today

Banish clutter with these 7 proven ways to remove ‘Archive’ from category, tag and custom post type titles in WordPress—your archives will look modern and professional. Start with the prefix filter for instant results.

Which method cleaned your titles? Comment below—we’re refining WP together!

Updated January 07, 2026 | Compatible with WordPress 6.7+

Posted in Web TutorialsTags:
Write a comment

Book a free consultation to discuss your Website goals and technical requirements.

Contact Information