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URL Redirects

What is URL Redirect in Drupal?

The URL Redirect functionality in Drupal allows users to create and manage redirects from one URL to another. This is useful for handling outdated URLs, SEO optimization, linking to external content, and improving user experience by ensuring visitors are directed to the correct pages.

The Redirect Module that enables easy management of 301 (permanent) and 302 (temporary) redirects within the Structure module.

How to Use URL Redirects in the Configuration Module

Accessing the Redirects Module

  1. Navigate to Configuration → Search and Metadata → URL Redirects (/admin/config/search/redirect).
    1. Here, you will see a list of existing redirects, including their source and destination URLs

Creating a New URL Redirect

  1. Click 'Add Redirect'.
  2. Fill in the required fields:
    1. Source URL/Path: Enter the Node associated with the content you wish to redirect from
    2. To: Enter the destination URL This can be a Node associated with other site content. This can be an absolute URL to an external page {eg. https://example.com/new-page).
    3. Redirect Status: Select the type of redirect (Optional)
      1. 301 (Permanent Redirect): Use this for permanent URL changes to improve SEO.
      2. 302 (Temporary Redirect): Use this for short-term changes.
      3. 303 (See Other): Use this to redirect after a form submission to prevent resubmission.
      4. 304 (Not Modified): Use this to tell browsers to load a cached version of the page for faster performance.
      5. 305 (Use Proxy): Use this to indicate that a request must be made through a proxy server (rarely used).
      6. 306 (Unused): Previously reserved for future use but is no longer implemented.
      7. 307 (Temporary Redirect): Use this for temporary moves while preserving the original HTTP request method (e.g., POST remains POST).
  3. Click Save to activate the redirect.

Managing and Editing Redirects

  1. Navigate to Configuration → URL Redirects.
  2. Locate the redirect you want to modify.
  3. Select Edit to update the source, destination, or status.
  4. Select Delete if the redirect is no longer needed.

Tall post with signs pointing in multiple directions

Tips for Managing URL Redirects

  • Avoid Redirect Loops: Ensure redirects do not create an endless loop (e.g., A → B → A).
  • Monitor Redirect Performance: Check Google Search Console or analytics tools to see if redirects impact SEO.
  • Remove Unused Redirects: Clean up outdated redirects to maintain site performance.