Set up Pathauto Multiple Aliases in Drupal to generate and manage multiple SEO-friendly URLs per content item using configurable patterns. Our Drupal Support Team is always here to help you.

Using Drupal Pathauto Multiple Aliases to Set Up Smarter URL Structures

Managing URLs efficiently in Drupal can be a game changer for both usability and SEO. If you’re using the Pathauto module, there’s more to it than just clean URLs, it also lets you set up multiple aliases for the same content. This blog cuts through the noise and focuses on what matters: enabling and configuring Drupal Pathauto Multiple Aliases the right way.

Here’s everything you need to get started.

What is Drupal Pathauto Multiple Aliases?

In simple terms, Drupal Pathauto Multiple Aliases allows you to create more than one URL alias for a single content item, like a node, taxonomy term, or user profile. Instead of having just one URL per piece of content, you can have several, each following a different URL pattern. This is especially helpful when you want to cater to different search intents or keep both short and descriptive URLs.

Getting Started: Enabling the Module

First things first, you’ll need to enable the right modules like the LDAP module in Drupal 9.

• Enable the Pathauto module if you haven’t already (see this guide if you’re importing content via XML)
• Then, enable the Pathauto Multiple Aliases submodule. It’s part of the Pathauto package and is required for this functionality.

Once enabled, you’re set to configure multiple URL patterns.

Defining Multiple Patterns

To assign different alias formats for the same content:

• Go to Configuration > Search and metadata > URL aliases.
• Switch to the Patterns tab.
• Here, you can define multiple patterns for a single content type or for different types.

Each pattern you define will be used to generate a unique alias for that content item.

Creating and Saving Multiple Aliases

Now, when you create or update a content item:

• Pathauto will generate all aliases based on the defined patterns.
• Instead of replacing the existing alias, each one is saved as a separate entry.

Managing Aliases in the Content Page

When you edit a content item:

• You’ll see a section listing all generated aliases.
• You can view, manage, or delete these aliases.
• You can also set a default alias, the one that appears in search results, navigation, and menus.

This gives you full control over which URL becomes the face of that content.

View All Generated Aliases

To see all aliases across your site:

• Navigate to Content > URL aliases.
• This page displays every generated alias, including which is currently set as default.
• You’ll also see their source path and status.

It’s a simple way to monitor what’s being created and where.

Update Existing Content with Multiple Aliases

If your site already has existing content and you’ve just enabled Drupal Pathauto Multiple Aliases:

• Use the Bulk Update functionality.
• This will generate multiple aliases for all previously created content items, based on the patterns you’ve set.

No need to manually update each node.

Why Use Drupal Pathauto Multiple Aliases?

• More flexibility for SEO and marketing
• Create shorter URLs for social media
• Then use descriptive URLs for search visibility
• Maintain clean URLs for user navigation

Moreover, with Drupal Pathauto Multiple Aliases, you’re not locked into one format per node. You get to serve different needs, like integrating with Dialogflow in Drupal, without duplicating content or creating redirects manually.

[If needed, Our team is available 24/7 for additional assistance.]

Conclusion

Drupal’s URL alias system is powerful on its own, but when you tap into Drupal Pathauto Multiple Aliases, you elevate the flexibility and control you have over your site’s structure. It keeps things organized, boosts SEO efforts, and makes managing URLs significantly easier.

It’s one of those features that’s often underused but can provide real value if set up properly. If you haven’t activated it yet, now’s a good time.