How to Change Your Copyright Line in GeneratePress (Free or Premium!)

Whether you’re using the free or premium versions of the GeneratePress theme, customizing the copyright line in your footer is simple. Below, I’ll walk you through the steps for both versions.

Changing the Copyright Line in GeneratePress Free Version

If you’re using the free version of GeneratePress, the default footer displays a copyright line that includes the current year, your site name, and a “Built with GeneratePress” link. Many users prefer to personalize this area, and here’s how you can do it.

1. Access the Theme File Editor:
   • Go to your WordPress dashboard.
   • Navigate to Appearance > Theme File Editor.
2. Use a Child Theme:
   • Before making any changes, it’s strongly recommended that you use a child theme. This will ensure that your customizations remain intact even after theme updates.
3. Edit the functions.php File:
   • In your child theme, find the functions.php file.
   • Copy and paste the following PHP code provided by GeneratePress documentation:
     add_filter( 'generate_copyright','tu_custom_copyright' );
function tu_custom_copyright() {
?>
Your new message in here. You can add anything you want, including PHP and HTML.
<?php
}
   • Customize the message within the return statement. For example:
     '© 2023 Adam Wright Design. All rights reserved.';
4. Save and Refresh:
   • Click Update File to save your changes.
   • Go back to your site and refresh the page to see your updated copyright line.

Now, your site will display the custom copyright line you’ve created instead of the default one.

Changing the Copyright Line in GeneratePress Premium Version

If you’re using the premium version of GeneratePress, you have more intuitive options to customize your copyright line without needing to touch any code.

1. Activate GeneratePress Premium:
   • Ensure the GP Premium plugin is activated by going to Plugins > Installed Plugins and activating it if necessary.
   • Next, go to Appearance > GeneratePress and confirm that the Copyright module is activated.
2. Customize the Footer:
   • Go to Appearance > Customize.
   • Navigate to Layout > Footer.
   • Here, you’ll see a field where you can customize your copyright text directly.
3. Use Shortcodes for Dynamic Content:
   • If you want the year to automatically update, use the shortcode [date('Y')] within your copyright message. For example:phpCopy code© [date('Y')] Adam Wright Design. All rights reserved.
   • This will display the current year and update automatically every year.
4. Save Changes:
   • Click Publish in the Customizer to save your changes.

Important Note for Premium Users

If you’re using an element in GeneratePress Premium to create a custom site footer, your customizer’s copyright settings might be overridden by that element. Be sure to check if a site footer element is active if your customized copyright line isn’t showing up as expected.

With these simple steps, you can easily update and personalize the copyright line in your footer, whether you’re using the free or premium version of GeneratePress.