How to Create a Custom Previous/Next + Numbered Pagination in WordPress

When developing WordPress themes, the built-in post pagination may not always meet specific design requirements. In such cases, a custom pagination navigation is needed. This article demonstrates how to create a pagination style that combines 'Previous/Next' links with numbered page links, without relying on plugins.

Core Function Code

function custom_pagination() {
    global $wp_query;
    $big = 999999999;
    $args = array(
        'base'         => str_replace( $big, '%#%', esc_url( get_pagenum_link( $big ) ) ),
        'format'       => '?paged=%#%',
        'current'      => max( 1, get_query_var('paged') ),
        'total'        => $wp_query->max_num_pages,
        'mid_size'     => 2,
        'prev_next'    => true,
        'prev_text'    => __('« Previous'),
        'next_text'    => __('Next »'),
        'type'         => 'plain'
    );
    echo paginate_links( $args );
}

Code Explanation

• base: The base URL structure used to build pagination links.
• format: The URL format for page numbers; %#% is replaced by the page number.
• current: Gets the current page number, ensuring a minimum of 1.
• total: Total number of pages, typically from the main query.
• mid_size: Controls how many page numbers appear on each side of the current page (e.g., 2 produces « Previous ... 3 4 [5] 6 7 ... Next »).
• prev_text / next_text: Custom text for the 'Previous' and 'Next' links.

How to Use

Add the custom_pagination function to your theme's functions.php file. Then, call it in the template file where you want the pagination to appear (e.g., index.php, archive.php, or search.php):

<?php custom_pagination(); ?>

Important Notes

• Call this function after the main loop (if ( have_posts() ) : while ( have_posts() ) : the_post();).
• This function relies on WordPress's core paginate_links() function, ensuring good compatibility.
• To adjust styling, use CSS to target the classes output by the pagination links.