Custom Login Page WordPress Without Plugin

As a user of WordPress, one aspect that I appreciate about this platform is its high level of customization. The login page is a prime example of where customization can have a significant impact. By creating a personalized login page without relying on a plugin, your WordPress site can have a distinct and individualized touch.

Why Customize the Login Page?

The default WordPress login page is functional, but it can feel generic and doesn’t always align with the branding and design of your website. By customizing the login page, you can create a more seamless experience for your users, reinforcing your brand and making them feel more connected to your website.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Custom Login Page without a Plugin

  1. Create a new PHP file in your theme’s directory.

  2. Edit the PHP file and add the following code:


  3. <?php
    // Start a session
    session_start();

    // Check if user is already logged in
    if (is_user_logged_in()){
        // Redirect to the home page
        wp_redirect(home_url());
        exit;
    }

    // Check if the login form was submitted
    if (isset($_POST['login'])) {
        $username = $_POST['username'];
        $password = $_POST['password'];

        // Validate the username and password
        if (wp_authenticate($username, $password) !== null) {
            // Log the user in
            wp_set_auth_cookie(get_user_by('login', $username)->ID);
            // Redirect to the home page
            wp_redirect(home_url());
            exit;
        } else {
            // Invalid login, show error message
            echo 'Invalid username or password';
        }
    }
    ?>

  4. Save the file with a name you’ll remember, like “custom-login.php”.

  5. Create a new WordPress page for your custom login page.

  6. In the editor, add the following shortcode to display the login form:


  7. [wpforms id="123" title="false" description="false"]

    Replace “123” with the ID of the form you created with the WPForms plugin.

  8. Finally, publish the page and visit it to see your custom login page in action!

Conclusion

Customizing your WordPress login page without using a plugin can be a fun and creative way to showcase your brand personality and make your website stand out. By following the step-by-step guide above, you can easily create a custom login page that will impress your visitors and make them feel more connected to your site. So why settle for the default login page when you can make it uniquely yours?