Need a custom login page?
By the end of this guide, you will learn how to create a custom login page in WordPress using different methods.
Hereβs what weβll cover:
Why create a custom login page Plugins for creating a custom page Using custom CSS and PHP Ready? Letβs get started.
Why create a custom login page?
The default WordPress login page, featuring the standard WordPress logo and branding, is functional but lacks personality and brand identity.
If your site allows users to register and log in, a custom login page can offer a more cohesive and branded user experience, which makes visitors feel more at home.
A custom login page also provides an opportunity to add security features and promote additional content or special offers.
My favoriteβββit also helps make a strong first impression and sets your site apart from the generic look of other WordPress sites. π
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Using Plugins to Create a Custom Login Page
Using plugins to create a custom WordPress login page is the simplest method because it requires no coding knowledge.
Plugins also offer user-friendly interfaces and powerful customization options to help you create a professional and branded login page.
Hereβs more information on each one:
WPForms is often regarded as one of the best form builders on the market.
Its drag-and-drop form builder, over 1,800 pre-built templates, and responsive design make it accessible for users of all skill levels.
While WPForms offers both free and premium versions, you would need the premium version to access the user registration add-on and create a custom login page.Β
To use it:
Navigate to your WordPress dashboard:
Go to plugins > add new plugin Search for βWPForms β Click install now followed by activate Then, go to WPForms > addons and find the user registration Addon.
Click install addon and then activate .
β οΈ Note : Unfortunately, you need the premium version for this add-on as itβs locked in the free version of the plugin.
If you followed and purchased the premium version, you can then start to create the custom login page.
Go to WPForms > add new and select the user registration form template from the template library:
This will automatically generate a basic login form with fields for username and password.
Customize the login form using the drag-and-drop builder to rearrange fields or add new ones, and personalize field settings.
You can also add branding elements like your logo by using the HTML block and adjusting other visual elements as needed.
Once youβre done, you can then publish your form by clicking on the embed button to get the shortcode for your custom login form.
2. LoginPress
LoginPress is specifically designed to create and customize login pages for WordPress.
It helps users easily customize their login pages with a variety of branding options such as logos, backgrounds, colors, and fonts.
LoginPress provides both free and premium versions, but to access advanced functionalities , you will need the premium version.
To use it:
Add it as a new plugin by searching for βLoginPress β in the plugin repository, and clicking the install now button followed by activate :
Once activated, access the LoginPress customizer by navigating to LoginPress > customizer in your WordPress dashboard.
You can then begin rebranding the login screen by replacing the default WordPress logo with your own branding:
From there, you can customize the background, colors, fonts, and other visual elements to match your siteβs design.
You can also modify the login form appearance by adjusting labels, buttons, and error messages to enhance the user experience.
Once you are satisfied with the customizations, preview the changes in real time and save them.
β οΈ Note : Use LoginPress add-ons for additional features such as social login, login redirects, and limiting login attempts.
3. SeedProd
SeedProd is a powerful drag-and-drop WordPress page builder that allows users to create custom landing pages, themes, and even login pages.
It offers a wide range of professionally designed templates and blocks, which makes it easy to create visually appealing and functional pages quickly.
SeedProd has free and premium versionsβββhowever, to access advanced customization features for creating a custom login page, you will need a premium account.
π Related : Best Page Builders for WordPress: The Ultimate Guide
To use it:
Download and install the SeedProd plugin from the WordPress plugin repository:
After activation, you will see the SeedProd welcome page in your WordPress admin dashboard.
Enter your license key to unlock the premium features and then:
Click the create your first page button Select the login page mode Click edit page This will take you to the SeedProd drag-and-drop editor where you can start customizing your login page.
It looks like this:
You can also choose any of the pre-built templates that suit your needs for the login page to serve as the foundation for your customizations.
Once you are satisfied with your customizations, click the save button and then publish to make your custom login page live.Β
Using Custom CSS and PHP to Create a Custom Login Page
Creating a custom login page using custom CSS and PHP offers greater control and flexibility, as it allows you to change every aspect of the login experience to your needs.
Unfortunately, this method is ideal for users with coding knowledge who want to go beyond the limitations of plugins.
Adding Custom CSS
Custom CSS allows you to style the login page by modifying the appearance of elements such as the background, form fields, buttons, and text.
Hereβs an example of how you can use CSS:
Open the default WordPress login page (usually at yoursite.com/wp-login.php ).
Then, use browser developer tools (right-click and select inspect ) to identify the CSS selectors for the elements you want to style (e.g., #login, .login h1 a, #loginform, #wp-submit).
To begin writing custom CSS, start by creating a new CSS file or adding your custom CSS to your themeβs stylesheet (style.css).
Write the CSS rules to style the identified selectors.
For example:
css
/* Change the background color */
body.login {
background-color: #f0f0f0;
}
/* Style the login form */
#login {
width: 320px;
padding: 20px;
background: #fff;
border: 1px solid #ddd;
border-radius: 10px;
}
/* Customize the login button */
#wp-submit {
background-color: #0073aa;
border-color: #0073aa;
color: #fff;
text-shadow: none;
}
At this point, you need to add the CSS to your WordPress theme
If you created a new CSS file, enqueue it in your themeβs functions.php
file:
php
function custom_login_styles() {
wp_enqueue_style('custom-login', get_stylesheet_directory_uri() . '/custom-login.css');
}
add_action('login_enqueue_scripts', 'custom_login_styles');
Again, the one above is only an example of how you can approach it. π
Using PHP for Advanced Customization
Custom PHP allows you to modify the functionality and structure of the login page by adding custom code to your themeβs functions.php file.
This method is useful for making deeper changes, such as altering form behavior, adding custom redirects, or integrating additional security measures.
Hereβs an example:
Open your themeβs functions.php
file in a code editor.
Then, you can begin adding custom PHP code to change the login page functionality.
To change the login URL and title, enter the following:
php
function custom_login_logo_url() {
return home_url();
}
add_filter('login_headerurl', 'custom_login_logo_url');
function custom_login_logo_url_title() {
return 'Your Site Name';
}
add_filter('login_headertitle', 'custom_login_logo_url_title');
To customize the login form, enter the following:
php
function custom_login_form() {
?>
<style type="text/css">
body.login {
background-color: #f0f0f0;
}
#login h1 a {
background-image: url('<?php echo get_stylesheet_directory_uri(); ?>/images/custom-logo.png');
width: 320px;
height: 65px;
background-size: contain;
}
</style>
<?php
}
add_action('login_enqueue_scripts', 'custom_login_form');
To add a custom redirect after login:
php
function custom_login_redirect($redirect_to, $request, $user) {
// Check if the user is an admin
if (isset($user->roles) && is_array($user->roles)) {
if (in_array('administrator', $user->roles)) {
// Redirect them to the default place
return admin_url();
} else {
// Redirect them to another URL
return home_url();
}
} else {
return $redirect_to;
}
}
add_filter('login_redirect', 'custom_login_redirect', 10, 3);
If you donβt know anything about coding, it might be better to ask for help from someone else to avoid bricking your website. π
Best Practices for Custom Login Pages
Creating a custom login page for WordPress involves more than just aestheticsβββit also requires attention to functionality, accessibility, and security.
Here are some best practices:
1. Prioritize mobile responsiveness
A mobile-responsive login page adapts to different screen sizes and orientations, providing an optimal user experience regardless of the device used.
Use responsive design techniques: Implement CSS media queries to adjust the layout and design elements based on the screen size. Test on multiple devices: Regularly test your login page on various devices and browsers to ensure it displays correctly and functions as expected. Use responsive images and avoid large media files that can slow down the page load time on mobile devices.
Itβs important to ensure that your custom login page is fully responsive and works seamlessly on all devices, including smartphones and tablets.
2. Maintain accessibility standards
Adhering to accessibility standards not only improves user experience but also ensures compliance with legal requirements.
Use semantic HTML: Structure your login page using semantic HTML elements to improve screen reader compatibility. Provide text alternatives: Include alt text for images and ensure that form fields have descriptive labels. Ensure keyboard navigation : Make sure that all interactive elements, such as form fields and buttons, are accessible via keyboard navigation. Opt for high-contrast color schemes and easily readable font sizes to improve visibility for users with visual impairments.
Accessibility is essential to ensure that all users, including those with disabilities , can access and use your login page without barriers.
3. Keep the design consistent with the websiteβs overall theme
Your custom login page should match the overall look and feel of your website.
Use consistent branding : Incorporate your websiteβs logo, color scheme, and typography into the login page design. Maintain visual hierarchy : Follow the same visual hierarchy and design principles used throughout your website to ensure a seamless transition for users. Ensure that the layout and structure of the login page are consistent with other pages on your site.
Consistency in design helps create a cohesive user experience and reinforces your brand identity.
4. Implement security measures (e.g., reCAPTCHA, 2FA)
Implementing robust security measures can help prevent unauthorized access and mitigate potential threats.
Enable reCAPTCHA : Add a reCAPTCHA challenge to your login form to prevent automated bots from attempting to gain access. Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) : Require users to provide an additional verification code sent to their email or phone. Limit login attempts : Install plugins to restrict the number of failed login attempts, which helps reduce the risk of brute force attacks. You know this already, but you must encourage users to create strong, unique passwords and regularly update them.
Security is a top priority for any login page to protect user accounts and sensitive information.
Creating a Custom Login Page
Doing it is a fantastic way to make a great first impression and showcase your brand.
By focusing on user experience, accessibility, and security, you can build a login page that not only looks amazing but also works seamlessly for all your visitors.
Go ahead, give your login page a personal touch, and watch how it improves your siteβs overall appeal and functionality.
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