Guide to Apache mod_rewrite

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The great thing about mod_rewrite is it gives you all the configurability and flexibility of Sendmail. The downside to mod_rewrite is that it gives you all the configurability and flexibility of Sendmail. -- Brian Behlendorf

Despite the tons of examples and docs, mod_rewrite is voodoo. Damned cool voodoo, but still voodoo. -- Brian Moore

mod_rewrite provides a way to modify incoming URL requests, dynamically, based on regular expression rules. This allows you to map arbitrary URLs onto your internal URL structure in any way you like.

This guide supplements the reference manual with annotated examples, conceptual explanations, and practical advice. It is organized as follows:

Introduction: Core concepts: regular expression syntax, RewriteRule and RewriteCond basics, and how mod_rewrite fits into the request processing lifecycle.
Per-directory Rewrites: The key differences between using rewrite rules in server configuration versus per-directory context, including path stripping, RewriteBase, and the looping behavior of the [L] flag.
RewriteRule Flags: A complete reference for all flags that can modify the behavior of a RewriteRule, with examples for each.
Using RewriteMap: How to use external lookup sources — text files, DBM databases, SQL queries, and internal functions — to drive your rewrite rules.
Redirection and Remapping: Recipes for common tasks: HTTPS redirection, canonical hostnames, trailing slash normalization, front-controller routing, and more.
Dynamic Virtual Hosts: Using mod_rewrite to dynamically map hostnames to document roots without individual VirtualHost blocks.
When NOT to use mod_rewrite: Many common tasks are better accomplished with simpler directives. This document shows the alternatives and when to prefer them.
Technical Details: How mod_rewrite hooks into the Apache request processing phases, and the order in which rules and conditions are evaluated.

Guide to Apache mod_rewrite

See also