How to Create a Dropdown Menu in WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the dynamic domain of web design and content management, prioritizing user experience remains a constant pursuit. One essential element shaping a user-friendly journey is the website’s navigation system. Within the WordPress ecosystem, dropdown menus emerge as a powerful navigational tool, capable of transforming a cluttered interface into an organized and streamlined digital space.

Dropdown menus act as virtual signposts, expertly guiding visitors through the digital expanse of a WordPress-powered site. With a simple hover or click, users gain access to an array of sub-options, significantly improving the overall WordPress site accessibility. In the face of websites housing diverse information, the implementation of dropdown menus transcends mere aesthetics, evolving into a necessary strategy for efficient information architecture.

Contrary to their perceived complexity, crafting dropdown menus in WordPress doesn’t have to be a daunting procedure. The platform offers user-friendly tools and features, empowering even those with limited technical expertise to seamlessly implement these menus. In this article, we’ll undertake a step-by-step guide, breaking down the process and ensuring you can harness the full potential of dropdown menus for your WordPress site.

Prerequisites for Creating a Dropdown Menu in WordPress

Before learning how to create a dropdown menu in WordPress, it’s important to ensure a few essentials are in place. These prerequisites will make the process smoother–whether you’re creating a basic dropdown, a non-clickable parent item, or even a mega menu.

1. A Live WordPress Website

You must have a fully functional WordPress website set up. Whether it’s a blog, business site, or WooCommerce store, make sure everything is working correctly on the frontend and backend.

2. Admin Access to WordPress Dashboard

To create or edit menus, you’ll need Administrator privileges. Go to Appearance > Menus in your dashboard to manage navigation.

3. A Theme That Supports Dropdown Menus

Most modern WordPress themes support nested (dropdown) menus. If you’re wondering how to create a mega menu in WordPress for a dropdown, ensure your theme is compatible with mega menu plugins like Max Mega Menu or WP Mega Menu. For standard dropdowns, themes like Astra, OceanWP, or Neve work great.

4. Navigation Structure (Pages or Categories Ready)

Before adding dropdowns, you should have created the core pages, categories, or custom links that will be added to the navigation. This helps you organize your dropdown content effectively.

5. Optional: Menu Builder or Mega Menu Plugin

If you’re aiming to create advanced dropdowns or non-clickable dropdown menu items (parent items that just hold sub-items), plugins like Elementor Pro, FunnelKit, or UberMenu can simplify the process. These tools also offer drag-and-drop interfaces for better menu customization.

Bonus Tip

If you’re wondering how to create a non-clickable dropdown menu in WordPress, simply add a Custom Link in your menu with # as the URL, then add sub-items underneath it. This creates a parent menu item that opens on hover but isn’t clickable–great for organizing nested items.

With these basics sorted, you’re fully prepared to dive into creating a well-structured, user-friendly WordPress dropdown menu.

How to Create a Dropdown Menu in WordPress?

A well-structured navigation menu is essential for any website, enhancing user experience and helping visitors find information quickly. Dropdown menus allow you to create nested links that keep your menu clean and accessible. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, there are multiple ways to add dropdown menus in WordPress to suit your needs. Here, we’ll explore three commonly used methods.

Method 1: Creating a Dropdown Menu Using WordPress Customizer

If you’re wondering how to create a dropdown menu in WordPress without any plugins or complex setups, the easiest route is through the built-in WordPress Customizer. This method works with most classic (non-block) WordPress themes and gives you full control over your navigation structure in a visual, beginner-friendly way.

Step 1: Access the WordPress Customizer

Start by logging in to your WordPress dashboard. Then navigate to:

Appearance > Customize > Menus

This will open the live customizer, allowing you to see changes in real time. If you haven’t already created a menu, click on “Create New Menu”, name it something like “Main Navigation” or “Header Menu,” and then select where you want it displayed — usually the Primary Menu location.

Tip: The available display locations may vary depending on your theme. Common ones include Header, Footer, and Mobile Menu.

Step 2: Add Menu Items

Now add the top-level links you want your visitors to see first. These could be pages like “Home,” “Services,” “About Us,” and “Contact.”

To create a dropdown structure:

• Simply drag a menu item slightly to the right beneath another item.
• This action makes it a sub-item or child item of the parent menu.

For example:

• Services
  • Web Design
  • SEO Optimization
  • Website Maintenance

The “Services” item becomes the parent menu, and when users hover or tap on it, they’ll see the dropdown with the child items listed below.

Step 3: Set Menu Location and Publish

After arranging your menu and submenus:

• Assign the menu to a display location (e.g., Primary Menu).
• Click the Publish button at the top to save and activate the menu on your live site.

That’s it — you’ve successfully created a dropdown menu using the WordPress Customizer.

Want a Non-Clickable Dropdown Menu in WordPress?

Sometimes, you want a parent menu item to act only as a label or category heading without linking anywhere — for instance, “Services” shouldn’t open a page but only reveal the submenu. Here’s how to create a non-clickable dropdown menu in WordPress:

1. Go to Appearance > Menus (or via Customizer > Menus).
2. Click Custom Links from the left panel.
3. Enter # as the URL and type your label (e.g., “Services”).
4. Add this to your menu and then nest sub-items under it.
5. Save the menu.

Now, when users hover over the parent item, it will reveal the dropdown — without taking them to a new page.

Pro Tip: Some themes or accessibility plugins may allow better handling of non-clickable items for keyboard navigation — test it on mobile and desktop!

Why Use This Method:

• No coding or plugins required
• Quick to implement — perfect for beginners
• Offers a clear visual structure
• Great for organizing websites with multiple service or product categories

This method is the foundation of how to create a dropdown menu in WordPress, especially for those using classic themes or looking for a no-fuss approach.

Method 2: Creating a Dropdown Menu Using Block-Based Site Editor

If you’re using a block theme in WordPress (introduced in WordPress 5.9 and beyond), your site is built using Full Site Editing (FSE). In this setup, dropdown menus are created directly through the Site Editor, not the traditional Customizer. This method gives you powerful design flexibility and it’s the modern way forward.

Step 1: Access the Site Editor

Go to Appearance > Editor WordPress dashboard:

This opens the Full Site Editor, where you can visually customize everything — including headers, footers, and navigation blocks.

Step 2: Edit the Navigation Block

In the Site Editor:

1. Click on the Header template part.
2. Select the Navigation block. If it’s not present, you can add it by clicking the ➕ Add Block and searching for “Navigation.”
3. Start adding top-level menu items — either by searching existing pages or entering custom links.

Step 3: Create the Dropdown Structure

To create a dropdown:

1. Select a menu item you want to serve as a parent.
2. Click the “+” icon inside the block to add a sub-item underneath it.
3. Drag and nest sub-items underneath the parent using the block hierarchy on the left panel or the toolbar above the block.

Your structure might look like this:

• About
• Services
  • Web Development
  • Mobile App Development
  • UI/UX Design
• Blog
• Contact

Each nested item will appear as a dropdown under the parent in the live menu.

Step 4: Style and Publish

After building the menu:

• You can customize padding, font size, background, and hover styles using the block settings sidebar.
• Once done, click Save at the top right to publish your changes site-wide.

Bonus: Create a Mega Menu Using Block Themes

If you’re wondering how to create a mega menu in WordPress, block themes make it easier. You can use columns, group blocks, or plugins like Max Mega Menu to build rich, multi-column dropdowns — all within the navigation area.

Why Use the Site Editor Method:

• Ideal for block themes with full-site editing capabilities.
• Gives complete design freedom using native Gutenberg blocks.
• Allows you to create dynamic dropdown or mega menus without touching code.
• Supports custom layouts, spacing, and visibility for different screen sizes.

This is the go-to solution for those building modern WordPress websites and looking for more visual control over dropdown menu design and behavior.

Method 3: Creating Dropdown Menus with Plugins (Optional)

While WordPress offers built-in tools to create dropdown menus, sometimes you may want more — mega menus, icons, advanced styling, or conditional visibility. That’s where WordPress plugins can help. Here are some popular and effective plugins that simplify the process:

1. Max Mega Menu

Max Mega Menu transforms your standard menu into a mega menu with columns, icons, images, and widgets — all through a drag-and-drop interface.

Features:

• Drag-and-drop menu builder.
• Add WordPress widgets inside menus.
• Control transitions, animation speeds, and hover effects.
• Mobile responsive and touch-friendly.
• Works with most themes out of the box.

Use Case: Perfect if you want to build large navigation menus with many categories or showcase featured content.

2. WP Mega Menu (by Themeum)

WP Mega Menu is another powerful option that lets you build multi-column dropdowns with media and content blocks using a visual editor.

Features:

• Multiple styling options for menus.
• Drag-and-drop interface.
• Integrates seamlessly with your theme.
• Offers pre-designed skins.

Use Case: Ideal for eCommerce stores and magazine websites.

3. QuadMenu

QuadMenu is built for developers and users who want a customizable, responsive, and feature-rich menu builder.

Features:

• Supports tabs, login forms, icons, search bars, and WooCommerce.
• Create horizontal, vertical, or off-canvas menus.
• Works with Elementor and WPBakery.

Use Case: Excellent for custom WordPress themes and sites needing user-specific navigation.

How to Use These Plugins:

1. Install the WordPress plugin you prefer.
2. Activate it and go to its settings page.
3. Assign the plugin menu to your primary navigation.
4. Use the plugin’s visual builder to add dropdowns, icons, and customize appearance.

Bonus: How to Create a Non-Clickable Dropdown Menu in WordPress

Want a dropdown that opens submenus without letting the top-level item act as a link?
Here’s how:

• While editing your menu in Appearance > Menus, click Custom Links.
• In the URL field, enter # or leave it blank.
• Set the Navigation Label (e.g., “Services”) and click Add to Menu.
• Then, add sub-items underneath it — these will be the actual clickable links.

Now, the top-level item becomes a label, not a link — solving the common “how to create a nonclickable dropdown menu in WordPress” query.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with WordPress Dropdown Menus

Creating a dropdown menu in WordPress may seem simple, but many users make small mistakes that hurt usability, accessibility, or SEO. Let’s look at the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Making Top-Level Dropdowns Clickable (When They Shouldn’t Be)

If your top menu item (like “Services”) has sub-items, users expect it to open the dropdown — not take them to a page. Linking it can confuse users and hurt navigation.

Fix: Use a non-clickable custom link (with # as the URL or leave it blank) to act as a label only.

2. Overcrowding Menus with Too Many Items

Adding too many dropdown items (or submenus within submenus) overwhelms visitors — especially on mobile. Cluttered menus often lead to higher bounce rates.

Fix: Prioritize top categories. Use mega menus only when necessary. Avoid nesting more than one level deep.

3. Poor Mobile Responsiveness

A menu that looks great on desktop but breaks or becomes unusable on mobile devices leads to a frustrating user experience.

Fix: Always preview your dropdown menu on mobile. Consider using plugins that offer responsive settings and toggle menus.

4. No Hover Delay or Click-to-Open Options

Instantly opening dropdowns on hover can cause accidental clicks or annoying flickers.

Fix: Use a slight delay or consider click-to-open functionality, especially for touchscreens. Some themes and plugins allow configuring this.

5. Inconsistent Styling or Alignment

Dropdown menus that look misaligned, overlap awkwardly, or don’t match your website’s style appear unprofessional.

Fix: Customize your theme or plugin settings to match font, color, spacing, and alignment with your site’s design.

6. Forgetting About Accessibility

Many dropdowns are not screen-reader friendly or keyboard accessible, which limits usability for visitors with disabilities.

Fix: Use themes or plugins that follow accessibility best practices — such as keyboard navigation and ARIA roles.

Pro Tip: Always Test Before Going Live

After you create a dropdown menu in WordPress, test it on multiple devices and browsers. Make sure:

• It loads quickly.
• Sub-items are accessible.
• It’s usable on touchscreens.
• Hover and active states are clear.

Avoiding these common dropdown menu mistakes can significantly improve your website’s navigation, user satisfaction, and even SEO performance. A clean, intuitive menu builds trust and keeps visitors engaged. Now that you know what not to do, let’s explore how to design dropdowns that look and work beautifully.

Tips for Designing a WordPress User-Friendly Dropdown Menu

Designing an effective dropdown menu in WordPress goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating a user-friendly navigation experience. Whether you’re a blogger, business owner, or developer, these tips will guide you in crafting a dropdown menu that enhances user engagement and simplifies website navigation.

• Clear Labeling and Categorization: Begin by providing clear and concise labels for each dropdown menu item. Categorize items logically to guide users to their desired destinations efficiently. For example, on a WooCommerce site, categories like “Clothing” and “Electronics” offer clarity and ease of navigation.
• Limit Menu Items and Sub-Menus: Avoid overwhelming users with an extensive list of items or sub-menus. Prioritize the most important items to maintain simplicity and prevent decision fatigue. This approach streamlines the user’s experience, reducing the risk of frustration and ensuring a more enjoyable navigation process.
• Intuitive Visual Cues: Enhance the user’s understanding of the dropdown’s functionality by incorporating intuitive visual cues. Use subtle arrow icons or hover effects to signify that an item has a dropdown. Consistent styling throughout your site establishes a visual language that users can quickly grasp, fostering a sense of familiarity.
• Responsive Design for All Devices: Ensure your dropdown menu is responsive across various devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Design touch-friendly elements for mobile users, guaranteeing a smooth and accessible experience. A seamlessly responsive design accommodates diverse user preferences and enhances overall accessibility.
• Accessible and Keyboard-Friendly: Prioritize accessibility by making your dropdown menu keyboard-friendly. Users with disabilities rely on keyboard navigation, so ensure all menu items are accessible and focusable using the tab and arrow keys. Test the menu with screen readers to confirm compatibility, demonstrating your commitment to inclusivity.

Incorporating these design tips into your WordPress dropdown menu ensures a user-friendly and efficient navigation experience. From clear labeling and limiting menu items to intuitive visual cues and accessibility considerations, these strategies contribute to positive and engaging user interaction on your WordPress site.

FAQs About Creating Dropdown Menu in WordPress

Conclusion

In conclusion, the craft of creating a dropdown menu in WordPress goes beyond technicalities; it’s about enhancing the user journey and ensuring a seamless browsing experience. By clearing up common mistakes and implementing user-friendly design tips, you pave the way for a more intuitive and visually appealing navigation system on your website.

Thus, as you step on refining your WordPress dropdown menu, keep in mind the balance between functionality and aesthetics, ensuring that users not only find what they seek but also enjoy the process.

Eager to implement these insights and transform your WordPress website’s navigation? Our expert team is ready to assist you. Reach out for a consultation. Let’s collaborate to create a dynamic dropdown menu that enhances user engagement and ensures a seamless browsing experience.