Taxonomy Tags to Checkboxes

Convert taxonomy tags to checkboxes in the WordPress admin area.

Description

This plugin lets you swap the auto-complete / search style interface for a checkbox list, without changing any underlying data.

It allows you to pick from a list of the existing tags, so that admin users do not need to remember each tag.

It doesn't allow new tags to be created on the fly, which keeps the tags list under control, although you can optionally enable an add / edit link.

Features

• Replace the tags ui with a checkbox list
• No alteration to front end functionality, or the underlying data / terms
• Option to control the height of the taxonomy metabox, between auto, full height, and custom (px)
• Show a link to the taxonomy edit screen via an + Add / Edit {taxononomy} link
• Customization via filters

Installation

1. Upload the entire runthings-taxonomy-tags-to-checkboxes folder to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory.
2. Activate the plugin through the Plugins menu in WordPress.
3. Navigate to Settings > Taxonomies to configure your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enable checkboxes for specific taxonomies?

Go to the Taxonomies settings page, select the desired taxonomies, configure height options, and enable the edit link if needed.

Does this permanently change the taxonomy data?

No change is made to the underlying taxonomy or its terms. Only the admin interface is swapped out.

Can I display system taxonomies?

Yes, toggle the "Show system taxonomies" checkbox to view all available taxonomies.

What user capabilities are required?

The configuration screen needs a user with manage_settings cap to edit it, but the changes are applied to anyone with editor access to post types that displays those taxonomies.

I have a feature idea / I've found a bug

You can post ideas or contribute to the project over at the GitHub repository, which can be found at https://github.com/runthings-dev/runthings-taxonomy-tags-to-checkboxes

Screenshots

1. Example taxonomy with the checklist ui enabled and an edit link

2. Taxonomy settings screen

Changelog

v1.0.1 - 25th June 2025

• Bump WordPress tested up to field to support 6.8 branch.

v1.0.0 - 1st April 2025

• Initial release
• Works with custom and built-in taxonomies
• Control the height of the outbox
• Optionally include an add/edit link
• Filter runthings_ttc_selected_taxonomies to short-circuit the override

Filters

runthings_ttc_selected_taxonomies

This filter allows developers to modify the array of taxonomies selected for the custom checkbox interface.

Usage Example

add_filter( 'runthings_ttc_selected_taxonomies', function( $selected_taxonomies ) {
    // Disable the override for the 'category' taxonomy.
    unset( $selected_taxonomies['category'] );
    return $selected_taxonomies;
} );

Parameters:

• $selected_taxonomies (array): An array of taxonomy slugs. Unset an entry to disable the checkbox list override.

Additional Notes

Built by Matthew Harris of runthings.dev, copyright 2025.

Visit runthings.dev for more WordPress plugins and resources.

Contribute or report issues at GitHub repository.

License

This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.

This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details.

You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with this program; if not, see http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.html.

Icon - Check Box List by unlimicon from Noun Project, https://thenounproject.com/browse/icons/term/check-box-list/ (CC BY 3.0)