Help:Moving and renaming pages
More actions
In MediaWiki, Move is the rename tool. It keeps a page's revision history attached to the new title. Copying its text into a new page does not.
Rename a page
- Check the new title's spelling and search for an existing page there.
- Open the page's More actions menu and choose Move. If the action is missing, check your access or ask staff.
- Choose the destination namespace and title carefully. Keep the archive prefix and established folder structure unless the move is intentional.
- Give a short reason. Usually leave a redirect from the old title so existing links keep working. Move the associated talk page when offered and appropriate.
- Confirm, then check both titles, the talk page and any subpages.
Verified editors can move ordinary pages, but namespace restrictions and page protection can still block a move. Moving files has separate consequences because many pages may use them.
After the move
- Use the page's What links here tool to find incoming links. Update key indexes and navigation to the new title.
- Check redirects and any links to section headings. A redirect can preserve a title link, but does not repair every changed anchor.
- Check subpages individually. They do not always move with the parent; some bulk options require extra rights. Do not assume the whole folder followed.
- If the destination exists, stop and ask staff. Do not blank or copy over either page to force the rename; their histories may need careful handling.
Broken redirects and double redirects can help with cleanup. History and undo explains how to inspect revisions.
Private drafts and deletion
Moving a public page into Gatekeep cannot recall copies that readers, search engines or Discord already received. Moves between public and private areas need particular care; moving material out of Gatekeep requires a sysop. Ask staff to review the title, contents, talk page and publication decision first.
Deletion is different from renaming. Ordinary editors should ask an administrator with the page link and reason; blanking a page does not remove its history. Never put sensitive draft details into a public move reason or deletion request.