How to Restore the Missing Link Title Field in WordPress 4.2

Many users were puzzled when WordPress 4.2 eliminated the link title field. If improving accessibility and SEO is your priority, you may still need this feature. Previously, hovering over a link revealed additional information in the link title field. Its removal affected those relying on detailed internal linking structures. Fortunately, you can restore this feature using plugins or custom code snippets.

Content producers who depend on descriptive linking will find it useful. Applying the fix doesn’t require you to be a developer. Certain plugins provide one-click solutions, while restoring the link title field can streamline your workflow. This guide is designed for bloggers and editors alike, showing you how to use simple techniques to bring back the missing field. Let’s dive into each approach in detail.

Why the Link Title Field Was Removed in WordPress

WordPress removed the link title field from the insert/edit link popup in version 4.2. The aim was to promote better accessibility practices and streamline the user interface. Some users abused the field by inserting tooltip text instead of actual link descriptions. WordPress encouraged focusing on relevant content rather than relying solely on titles. However, many web admins found it useful for providing additional context. Those who used the field properly had less flexibility when it was removed.

Some developers viewed this as a regression in usability. Internal linking or content with extensive documentation may still require the field. Without clicking, it made it easier for readers to understand link destinations. Despite its visual disappearance, WordPress continues to support it internally. It can still be added manually or through plugin support. Let’s explore how to restore it easily.

Use the Restore Link Title Field Plugin

Using a plugin is the simplest way to recover the missing link title field. The “Restore Link Title Field” plugin was developed to address this issue. Once installed, the title input is reintroduced into the link dialog box. No theme or core file modifications are necessary. After activation, it functions immediately and can be installed from the WordPress plugin directory. Simply search for its name under Plugins > Add New.

After activating the plugin, edit a post to test it. The title field will return when you click the insert/edit link icon. This plugin dynamically re-inserts the title field using JavaScript. It’s compatible with most contemporary WordPress themes and editors. For users who prefer not to work with code, it’s an excellent solution to maintain a simple and efficient workflow.

Add the Link Title Field Manually via JavaScript Snippet

If you prefer not to use a plugin, custom JavaScript can add the field back. This method offers more control over the field’s appearance and timing. A script must be added to your WordPress admin area, specifically using the admin_footer action in your functions.php file. The script detects the link modal and re-injects the title input field. Ensure the script only loads on the post-editing screen to avoid performance issues on other pages.

Although a manual process, it remains reliable. It’s a clean solution for developers or advanced users, avoiding compatibility issues caused by plugins. Customize the label text or style to fit your theme. Always back up your site before making changes to core files.

Restore Link Title Field Using Classic Editor Plugin

Some users prefer the Classic Editor over the block-based interface. If you’re one of them, the link title field still functions better in the Classic Editor. After installing and activating the Classic Editor plugin, your post editor reverts to its previous state, restoring the link interface with a standard title field. No additional scripts or plugins are required for this method.

Search for “Classic Editor” under Plugins > Add New. Once activated, revisit a post and attempt to include a link. The missing link title field will be accessible again. This method works well for users who already use the Classic Editor plugin, integrating seamlessly with workflows that prioritize accessibility.

Use Advanced Custom Fields to Add a Custom Title Input

Another approach involves manually creating a custom link title field using Advanced Custom Fields (ACF). This method is most effective for agencies or developers. Start by installing the ACF plugin from the WordPress plugin directory. Create a new field group and add a text field named “Link Title.” Configure it to appear on posts or specific post types.

You can then add a unique link title when editing posts. Use anchor tags in your theme to echo the field value as a title attribute, giving you complete control over the title’s appearance. While it allows full customization, this method does not restore the block editor’s title field. It’s particularly effective for teams with specific SEO or content workflows.

Restore Link Title Field via TinyMCE Filter Hook

Alternatively, use a WordPress filter hook in your functions.php file to restore the field. WordPress employs TinyMCE for its traditional editor interface, which can be customized with hooks like tiny_mce_before_init. You’ll write a function instructing TinyMCE to accept the title attribute on links. Without this, WordPress may remove the title data even if the field is visible. Add a filter to ensure your title attributes are saved in HTML output.

This technique can be used alongside plugins like Classic Editor. It ensures that the title attribute remains in your post’s HTML after saving, a crucial backend fix. Test the content of your posts after adding this code to ensure it functions correctly.

Conclusion

Restoring the missing link title field in WordPress 4.2 is achievable through several easy methods. Plugins such as “Restore Link Title Field” and Classic Editor are available. For developers, manual code or custom field setups are also effective. Each approach caters to a distinct user level and use case. Choose the option that best suits your workflow. Restoring the link title field enhances SEO and accessibility. Implement the necessary control for clean internal linking by applying the method that aligns with your needs.