How to Customize the 404 Page Text and Images in WordPress

Many website owners want to personalize the 404 error page by not only changing the text but also customizing the images or overall appearance. If you’ve already edited the text on your 404 page but wish to adjust images or other visual elements, this guide explains your options and what to expect from theme support.

Understanding the 404 Page in WordPress

The 404 page appears when a user tries to access a page on your website that doesn’t exist. WordPress themes provide a template file (commonly 404.php) which defines the structure and content of this error page, including any text, images, or styling.

Editing 404 Page Images and Content

• Editing Text: Most themes allow you to change the 404 page text via the theme customizer or by editing the 404.php file directly.
• Changing Images: To update images or other visuals on your 404 page, you typically need to edit the 404.php file, or check if your theme offers customizer options specifically for images on error pages.

When Theme Support Is Required

If your theme only allows editing the text, and there’s no option for changing images:

• Contact theme support (as you’ve done) and request the feature.
• Wait for official updates, as theme developers may implement additional customization options in a future release.

Theme support teams are often responsive about adding requested features. In this case, they confirmed that enhanced 404 page customization (including image changes) will be added in the next version.

Alternative: Manual Edits

If you’re comfortable editing theme files, you can:

• Go to Appearance > Theme Editor (or edit files via FTP).
• Open the 404.php file.
• Modify the HTML to change images or other elements as desired.

Note: It’s best to use a child theme when customizing template files to prevent losing changes during updates.

Conclusion

Customizing your 404 page’s images and content may require waiting for a theme update or manually editing theme files. Always check your theme options first, and reach out to support for future enhancements. With upcoming theme updates, expect easier and more flexible 404 page customization.