Redirect Code Generator
A redirect code generator writes the code for a single redirect when you can't change your server settings. Enter the new address, choose PHP, meta refresh or JavaScript, and this free tool gives you code to paste into the old page. It also explains how Google treats each type, so you can pick the right one.
PHP headers must be sent before anything else is printed on the page. Permanent redirects (301) tell Google the new address should be shown in results.
What is a redirect code generator and when should you use it?
Most redirects are best set on the server, but some hosting plans or page builders don't allow that. In those cases a few lines of code in the old page can still send visitors on. The type you choose changes how Google reads the move, so the tool shows that next to the code. Generating client-side and server-side redirect code snippets is essential when web server configuration files like .htaccess or nginx.conf are inaccessible. When web server access is available, generate higher-performance rules using the .htaccess Redirect Generator or Nginx Redirect Generator. For WordPress websites, generate plugin-ready import files via the WordPress Redirection CSV Builder, or format multiple redirect pairs using the Bulk Redirect Formatter. Before publishing redirects, verify that target destinations do not form loops using the Redirect Map Checker and validate migration mappings with the Old vs New URL Mapping Validator. You can also track migration progress with the SEO Migration Checklist Generator, test URL regex patterns with the Regex Tester, and inspect destination links with the URL Parser.
How do you use it?
- Enter the new address.
- Choose the redirect type.
- Press Generate.
- Paste the code into the old page: PHP before any other output, meta refresh and JavaScript inside the head.
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Result interpretation & practical applications
When evaluating the output of the redirect code generator, review the parsed metrics against your specific site architecture. Outputs are formatted for direct implementation into your HTML source, web server configuration, or Google Search Console audit files.
Always inspect generated values for contextual nuance. Automated tools highlight structural patterns, but manual verification confirms that technical directives align with your overarching SEO strategy.
Technical rules and limitations
- PHP headers must be sent before anything else is printed on the page.
- Google treats an instant meta refresh as a permanent redirect and a delayed meta refresh as a temporary one.
- Use JavaScript redirects only if you can't use server-side or meta refresh redirects, because Google may not see them if rendering fails.
- Permanent redirects (301) tell Google the new address should be shown in results.
These rules and code patterns come from Google's guide to redirects and Google Search and the W3C HTML specifications.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
- Printing HTML before the PHP header.
- Using a delayed meta refresh for a permanent move.
- Relying on JavaScript when a server redirect is possible.
No tool can promise how a search engine will crawl, index, or rank your pages. This tool generates and validates code against documented technical specifications; you determine where to deploy it, and you should always test changes on staging environments first. Google publishes extensive guidelines in Search Central on evaluating third-party SEO tools and advice. Learn more about our technical testing standards on our about us page, or explore full site audits on our pricing page.
Related free tools & workflows
Browse all Advanced SEO, Migration & Quality Assurance Tools →Technical SEO Audit Workflows
Indexability & Crawling
Redirects & HTTP Headers
Authoritative Technical Documentation & Standards
This tool executes logic aligned with official technical documentation and search engine webmaster standards:
- Google Search Central redirects guide
Google Search Central: Redirects and Google Search
Primary engineering source and technical documentation.
- W3C HTML Meta Refresh specification
W3C: Document Metadata and Meta Refresh Elements
Primary engineering source and technical documentation.
Redirect Code Generator questions
Which type is best? ↓
A server-side redirect, such as PHP 301, has the best chance of being understood by Google.
Is a meta refresh permanent? ↓
Google treats an instant one as permanent and a delayed one as temporary.
When should I use JavaScript? ↓
Only when the other types are not possible.
Is this tool free? ↓
Yes. It is completely free to use and requires no registration or subscription.
Does this tool visit my website or store my files? ↓
No. It executes entirely in your local browser runtime. Your inputs and results are never stored or logged on our servers.
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