The Duplicate Title Checker function provides real-time validation on Voxel post creation forms to warn users when they’re about to submit a post with a title that already exists. Prevent duplicate listings and maintain content quality.
Overview
As users type a title on your post submission forms, this function checks in real-time whether that title (or a similar one) already exists. Users see immediate feedback, helping them choose unique titles before submitting.
Key Features
Real-time duplicate detection as user types
Case-insensitive matching
Works on Voxel frontend submission forms
Optional submission blocking
Customizable error/success messages
Shows links to existing posts
Debounced AJAX for performance
Supports all post types
Setup Instructions
Step 1: Enable the Function
Navigate to Voxel Toolkit > Functions in your WordPress admin
Find Duplicate Title Checker in the list
Toggle the switch to enable the function
Click Save Changes
Step 2: Configure Settings
Choose whether to block duplicate submissions
Customize the error message
Customize the success message
Click Save Changes
Configuration Options
Setting
Description
Default
Block Duplicate Submissions
Prevent users from submitting posts with duplicate titles
Off (warning only)
Error Message
Message shown when duplicate is found
“Title is taken. Please choose another.”
Success Message
Message shown when title is available
“Title is available.”
How It Works
Detection Process
User starts typing in the title field
After a short delay (debounce), AJAX request is sent
Server checks for exact and case-insensitive matches
Results are returned with match details
User sees warning or success message
Matching Logic
First checks for exact title matches
Then checks case-insensitive matches
Only checks within the same post type
Excludes current post when editing
Checks published, draft, pending, and private posts
Minimum 3 characters before checking
User Experience
Warning Mode (Default)
When a duplicate is found:
Warning message appears below title field
Shows number of matching posts
Displays links to existing posts (up to 3)
User can still submit if they choose
Block Mode
When blocking is enabled and a duplicate is found:
Error message appears below title field
Submit/publish button is disabled
User must choose a different title
Button re-enables when title becomes unique
Use Cases
Business Directories
Prevent duplicate business listings by warning when a business name already exists.
Event Listings
Avoid duplicate event entries by checking event names before submission.
Job Boards
Warn employers if a job with the same title has already been posted.
Product Catalogs
Ensure product names are unique across your marketplace.
Troubleshooting
Checker Not Appearing
Verify the function is enabled
Check that you’re on a Voxel post creation/edit page
Ensure JavaScript is enabled in browser
Check browser console for errors
Not Detecting Duplicates
Title must be at least 3 characters
Only checks within same post type
Only checks published, draft, pending, private posts
Wait for typing to stop (debounce delay)
False Positives
Consider using warning mode instead of blocking
Similar titles may trigger if checking is too strict
