# Removing the category prefix from WordPress URLs

> Remove /category/ from WordPress category URLs with a plugin to get shorter, cleaner links.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/removing-the-category-prefix-from-the-url-of-a-wordpress-page/

By default, WordPress adds the prefix `/category/` before category names in URLs. For example:

```
http://example.com/category/news
```

You may want cleaner URLs without the prefix, such as:

```
http://example.com/news
```

On **ruachost.com**, you can remove the category prefix using a plugin.

## Why Remove the Category Prefix?

- Creates shorter, cleaner URLs.
- Improves SEO and user experience.
- Makes category pages look more professional.

## Steps to Remove Category Prefix

### Method 1: Using the **FV Top Level Categories Plugin**

1. **Log in to WordPress** with an administrator account.
2. In the dashboard, go to **Plugins → Add New**.
3. Search for **FV Top Level Categories**.
4. Click **Install Now**, then **Activate**.
5. In the dashboard, go to **Settings → FV Top Level Categories**.
6. Choose one of the following options:

   - ### Only use top‑level categories in URLs
   - ### Only allow specific categories in URLs
7. Click **Save Changes**.

✅ Your category URLs will now appear without the `/category/` prefix.

### Method 2: Custom Rewrite Rules (Advanced)

If you prefer not to use a plugin, you can add custom rewrite rules in your theme’s `functions.php` file. However, this requires coding knowledge and may conflict with other plugins.

⚠️ For most users, the plugin method is safer and easier.

## Important Notes

- Removing the prefix may cause conflicts if a category name matches a page or post slug.
- Always back up your site before making changes.
- Test thoroughly to ensure child categories work correctly.