Default Permalink
Default Permalink

Default Permalink

5/5 (1 ratings) 10 active installs Updated Nov 6, 2026

When a post title contains multi-byte characters (such as Japanese), WordPress generates a URL-encoded slug like %e3%81%82..., which results in a long and unreadable permalink.

This plugin replaces such auto-generated slugs with {post_type}-{post_ID} (e.g. post-123). A multi-byte slug is kept as-is when the user has explicitly specified it.

Optionally, new categories, tags and other terms with a multi-byte name can get a slug such as category-12.

Usage

  1. Go to “Settings” -> “Default Permalink” in the WordPress admin.
  2. Check “Enable” and save changes.

Slug formats, target post types, the bulk conversion and more are explained in the usage guide: https://www.redwoodcity.jp/app/default-permalink/en/usage-en/

WP-CLI

  • wp default-permalink status shows the settings and the number of posts with a multi-byte slug.
  • wp default-permalink convert --dry-run lists the posts to convert and their new slugs; wp default-permalink convert converts them all (no 50-post limit).
  • --post_type, --limit and --after convert a large site in steps. See the documentation: https://www.redwoodcity.jp/app/default-permalink/en/docs-en/

Convert a single post

In the post, page and media lists, a post that still has a multi-byte slug shows a “Convert slug” link under its title (when the plugin is enabled and you can edit the post). It converts just that post to the selected format; the old URL is redirected to the new one.

Site Health

Tools -> Site Health recommends enabling the plugin when it is installed but not enabled, and shows how many posts still have multi-byte slugs, with a link to the settings screen.