Wildcard redirects work by using a special character—typically an asterisk (*)—to match multiple URLs that follow a similar pattern. Instead of setting up individual redirects for every URL, you create a single rule that catches all variations under a specific path.
For example, a wildcard redirect rule like /blog/* → /news will automatically redirect any URL starting with /blog/—such as /blog/article-1, /blog/archive/post-name, etc.—to the /news page.
In the Shopify context, this is especially helpful when you've changed collections, product URLs, or blog paths. Rather than manually redirecting every outdated link, a wildcard rule simplifies the process by covering entire URL groups at once.
Under the hood, Doc 404 app monitor 404 errors and allow merchants to define wildcard rules. When a broken link is detected, the app checks for matching wildcard patterns and seamlessly forwards the visitor to a relevant live page—helping maintain SEO value and user experience without extra effort.
