Use Custom CSS and JavaScript

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 4 views

Introduction

Customizing the WordPress admin menu to have a smooth, expandable/collapsible behavior on click is a common requirement for many developers. However, implementing this feature can be challenging, especially when dealing with the flickering issue that occurs when clicking on a submenu item. In this article, we will explore the causes of this issue and provide a step-by-step guide on how to implement a click-to-toggle menu in WordPress.

Understanding the Issue

When clicking on a submenu item in the WordPress admin menu, the menu item may flicker or blink before expanding or collapsing. This issue is caused by the way WordPress handles the menu item click event. By default, WordPress uses JavaScript to toggle the menu item's state, which can lead to a flickering effect.

Causes of Flickering

There are several reasons why the submenu item may flicker when clicked:

JavaScript Conflict: The JavaScript code used to toggle the menu item's state may conflict with other JavaScript code on the page, causing the flickering effect.
CSS Styles: The CSS styles applied to the menu item may not be compatible with the JavaScript code, leading to a flickering effect.
WordPress Core: The WordPress core may be causing the flickering effect due to its default behavior of handling menu item click events.

Implementing a Click-to-Toggle Menu

To implement a click-to-toggle menu in WordPress, you will need to add custom CSS and JavaScript code to your theme or plugin. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Add Custom CSS

To prevent the flickering effect, you will need to add custom CSS code to your theme or plugin. This code will override the default CSS styles applied to the menu item.

.admin-menu .wp-submenu {
    display: none;
}

.admin-menu .wp-submenu-toggle {
    display: block;
}

.admin-menu .wp-submenu-toggle:hover {
    background-color: #f7f7f7;
}

.admin-menu .wp-submenu-toggle:active {
    background-color: #ccc;
}

Step 2: Add Custom JavaScript

To toggle the menu item's state on click, you will need to add custom JavaScript code to your theme or plugin. This code will use the addEventListener method to attach an event listener to the menu item.

document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
    const menuItems = document.querySelectorAll('.admin-menu .wp-submenu-toggle');

    menuItems.forEach(function(item) {
        item.addEventListener('click', function() {
            const submenu = item.nextElementSibling;
            submenu.classList.toggle('open');
        });
    });
});

Step 3: Add Custom CSS for Submenu

To style the submenu, you will need to add custom CSS code to your theme or plugin. This code will override the default CSS styles applied to the submenu.

.admin-menu .wp-submenu.open {
    display: block;
}

.admin-menu .wp-submenu.open > li {
    display: block;
}

.admin-menu .wp-submenu.open > li > a {
    display: block;
}

Conclusion

Implementing a click-to-toggle menu in WordPress can be challenging, especially when dealing with the flickering issue that occurs when clicking on a submenu item. By understanding the causes of this issue and following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can implement a smooth, expandable/collapsible behavior on click for your WordPress admin menu.

Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing issues with the flickering effect, try the following troubleshooting steps:

Check JavaScript Conflict: Check if there are any JavaScript conflicts on the page that may be causing the flickering effect.
Check CSS Styles: Check if the CSS styles applied to the menu item are compatible with the JavaScript code.
Check WordPress Core: Check if the WordPress core is causing the flickering effect due to its default behavior of handling menu item click events.

Best Practices

To ensure a smooth, expandable/collapsible behavior on click for your WordPress admin menu, follow these best practices:

Use Custom CSS and JavaScript: Use custom CSS and JavaScript code to override the default CSS styles and JavaScript code applied to the menu item.
Test Thoroughly: Test the menu item click event thoroughly to ensure that it is working as expected.
Use a Consistent Coding Style: Use a consistent coding style throughout your theme or plugin to ensure that the code is easy to read and maintain.

Conclusion

Q&A: Flickering on Submenu Click in WordPress Admin Menu

Q: What is the flickering issue on submenu click in WordPress admin menu?

A: The flickering issue on submenu click in WordPress admin menu is a common problem that occurs when clicking on a submenu item. The menu item may flicker or blink before expanding or collapsing.

Q: What are the causes of the flickering issue?

A: There are several reasons why the submenu item may flicker when clicked:

JavaScript Conflict: The JavaScript code used to toggle the menu item's state may conflict with other JavaScript code on the page, causing the flickering effect.
CSS Styles: The CSS styles applied to the menu item may not be compatible with the JavaScript code, leading to a flickering effect.
WordPress Core: The WordPress core may be causing the flickering effect due to its default behavior of handling menu item click events.

Q: How can I implement a click-to-toggle menu in WordPress?

A: To implement a click-to-toggle menu in WordPress, you will need to add custom CSS and JavaScript code to your theme or plugin. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Add Custom CSS

To prevent the flickering effect, you will need to add custom CSS code to your theme or plugin. This code will override the default CSS styles applied to the menu item.

.admin-menu .wp-submenu {
    display: none;
}

.admin-menu .wp-submenu-toggle {
    display: block;
}

.admin-menu .wp-submenu-toggle:hover {
    background-color: #f7f7f7;
}

.admin-menu .wp-submenu-toggle:active {
    background-color: #ccc;
}

Step 2: Add Custom JavaScript

document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
    const menuItems = document.querySelectorAll('.admin-menu .wp-submenu-toggle');

    menuItems.forEach(function(item) {
        item.addEventListener('click', function() {
            const submenu = item.nextElementSibling;
            submenu.classList.toggle('open');
        });
    });
});

Step 3: Add Custom CSS for Submenu

To style the submenu, you will need to add custom CSS code to your theme or plugin. This code will override the default CSS styles applied to the submenu.

.admin-menu .wp-submenu.open {
    display: block;
}

.admin-menu .wp-submenu.open > li {
    display: block;
}

.admin-menu .wp-submenu.open > li > a {
    display: block;
}

Q: How can I troubleshoot the flickering issue?

A: If you are experiencing issues with the flickering effect, try the following troubleshooting steps:

Check JavaScript Conflict: Check if there are any JavaScript conflicts on the page that may be causing the flickering effect.
Check CSS Styles: Check if the CSS styles applied to the menu item are compatible with the JavaScript code.
Check WordPress Core: Check if the WordPress core is causing the flickering effect due to its default behavior of handling menu item click events.

Q: What are the best practices for implementing a click-to-toggle menu in WordPress?

A: To ensure a smooth, expandable/collapsible behavior on click for your WordPress admin menu, follow these best practices:

Use Custom CSS and JavaScript: Use custom CSS and JavaScript code to override the default CSS styles and JavaScript code applied to the menu item.
Test Thoroughly: Test the menu item click event thoroughly to ensure that it is working as expected.
Use a Consistent Coding Style: Use a consistent coding style throughout your theme or plugin to ensure that the code is easy to read and maintain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, implementing a click-to-toggle menu in WordPress requires a good understanding of JavaScript and CSS. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can implement a smooth, expandable/collapsible behavior on click for your WordPress admin menu. Remember to troubleshoot any issues that may arise and follow best practices to ensure a seamless user experience.