Thread: Need Help with Character Count Limit for Summaries

I am working with a theme that shows summaries of the posts on the home page. Usually there is an excerpt.php or similar file where you can control the character count. But in this theme there is nothing like that.

The code does call for an excerpt -- <?php the_excerpt(__('Read More »'));?>

Does anyone have any ideas on how I could change the character limit for the excerpt/summaries?

Originally Posted by kentuckyslone

I am working with a theme that shows summaries of the posts on the home page. Usually there is an excerpt.php or similar file where you can control the character count. But in this theme there is nothing like that.

The code does call for an excerpt -- <?php the_excerpt(__('Read More »'));?>

Does anyone have any ideas on how I could change the character limit for the excerpt/summaries?

Without seeing the exact code I cannot be totally sure. But one option would be to return part of the string. Using the substr() php function for instance.

Somewhere their is a "the_excerpt" function laying round. That's what you would need to find and edit. But it does exist; It's being called, it has to exist or it would create an error.

If this theme is free and you can link me to it I would be more than happy to find and fix the function for you.

Good Luck, let me know

Maybe I am just too old and blind but I searched through everything and havent been able to figure it out. I really appreciate your taking a look. It is a decent theme but the summaries are just too brief.

I got the theme at Wp Themes Magazine | Wp-Them.es

KY: Try when typing the post to insert the "Read more" link in the editor. That should over ride the template's default.

If that doesn't help I'll download the theme and look at the source.

Originally Posted by Big Dan

KY: Try when typing the post to insert the "Read more" link in the editor. That should over ride the template's default.

If that doesn't help I'll download the theme and look at the source.

All the posts have the "read more" in them, the summaries are cutting them much shorter - 200 characters I think

Quick update...

The "the_excerpt" function. Is a wordpress default. (Sorry I assumed it came in the theme.) I'm currently looking at wordpress code and site to see if it's customizable. I'll get back with you asap. Sorry about the wait, I got intrigued with facebook


As much as I be grudge saying it. Google is your friend

The answer is three fold.

1. You could download a plug-in that will give you a custom "excerpts" function. For example, How to Customize WordPress Excerpts. I'm sure their are others this is just one of Google's top.

OR

2. You could create the function yourself in the theme template files Changing the length of the_excerpt() in Wordpress - Chris Meller.

OR

3. You could find and edit the "the_excerpt" core function of wordpress and the excerpts would be longer no matter what theme you use.

But I personally like option two because it seams the easiest and less harmful if you ever change themes. I don't care for plug-ins when not necessary. And editing wordpress core functions means you have a custom file to keep back when you update wordpress versions.

If you would like to go for option two but don't want to get your hands dirty. (or the how-to is out dated) Let me know and I'll set up the theme function file for you with instructions on how to use it.

Thanks a lot for that, I will check into it and get to work on it right away.

Thanks again for taking the time to check all this out.