Custom WordPress Login

by on Aug 4, 2009

A new site of mine will require authors to login, but rather than having them see the normal WordPress logo on the login page, I replaced it with my own. This is also a good idea if you’re building a site for a client, so you can give them their own branded login page. It’s easy and quick, but shows you paid attention to details.

Here is an example:

Before:

After:

Here is how you do it:

  1. Backup yoursite.com/wp-admin/images/logo-login.gif
  2. Create your logo image with transparent background or match background color (#f9f9f9)
  3. Save as logo-login.gif and overwrite existing file
  4. Backup yoursite.com/wp-login.php
  5. Change (‘login_headerurl’, ‘http://wordpress.org/’); to (‘login_headerurl’, ‘http://yoursite.com/’);
  6. Save wp-login.php and overwrite existing file

That’s all it takes. If you’d rather use a plugin, there are some available to help you customize your login page.

UPDATE:

When you upgrade WordPress, you will need to do this again. Upgrading to the latest version, 2.8.4 in this case, overwrote the files with the originals.

  • http://www.gtricks.com aery

    That’s cool.

    However it would be much beneficial for wordpress MU users where different users have different screens.
    .-= aery´s last blog ..Top 5 Customized Google Search Engines with Black Background =-.

  • http://www.used-tire.net used tires

    This is a really awesome idea for sure! Like you suggest for a client, that would be really neat for them to see their own logo when they log-in and feel more comfortable, especially if they are not computer savy. My only concern and question would be… if they upgrade to a newer wordpress version will it replace the photo with the default wordpress logo?

    Till then,

    Jean

  • http://drivelocity.com drivelocity

    Jean, I’m not sure, but I’ll find out when I upgrade… I think it changed for 2.7 or thereabouts…

  • http://www.systemy-grzewcze.com.pl Vaillant Pozna?

    I fully agree this is one of those small things that helps to build a proper reputation for your site and for yourself. Sometimes the secret of success lies in details, good that you are thinking about every small piece of this puzzle. I guess that you often think about details and that is very good! I’m also trying to do that but does not always succeed with that ;)

  • http://www.graphic-design-india.com/ Sourav

    wow thats a wonderful and so easy tutorial about WP. I want to try it but I’m using free WP….I think I can’t apply in free WP.
    Anyway nice site with nice posts.

    Thanks

  • http://www.traderspicks.net Penny Stock Guy

    I use wordpress for my stock sites. This will help a lot to dress up the page, instead of the default. I always hated that plain login page that looks so generic.
    .-= Penny Stock Guy´s last blog ..SNVP and ULU stocks to watch =-.

  • http://reviewsalert.com Brooke Campbell

    Wow, what a cool idea for blog networks. I’m going to recommend this to one of my clients who runs a big WordPress site.
    .-= Brooke Campbell´s last blog ..Fenphedra and Fen 72 Diet Pill Combo =-.

  • http://stockspenny.net/ Amy

    Great idea, especially for someone like me who has multiple websites. Makes things easier at a glance to know which page I’m logging into.

  • http://www.arkadgroupllc.com/ Ned Carey

    That is really cool. Of course in my situation I would be the only one that sees it but it is still a cool idea.

    I guess it is kind of like a favicon – one of those little details that helps build your brand.

  • http://en.ligurien-netz.de/ Savona

    Can login button be changed somehow, too?

  • http://drivelocity.com drivelocity

    Savona, Probably… haven’t tried.

  • http://www.youdesignit.com David the T-Shirt Designer

    I assume you are going to have to re-follow the steps each time a major WordPress upgrade occurs, but well worth it! It is one of many key elements that is moving WordPress away from just a Blog CMS to a viable business CMS… Thank you very much!