How to trim Meta Description tag value generated by Metatag module, to max 160 characters

Introduction

I was using On page optimization of the article pages, and found that meta description value was exceeding the maximum 160 character limit. Then, my struggle started to find a way to limit this description limit. And, I found a solution.

More Context

And, in my metatag setting, I have set the value of Meta description to:[node:summary] token. Which was perfectly being replaced with the content of my article text. But, the problem was that it was coming out way more than 160 characters.

The drupal code actually put everything till first text break(paragraph break) into summary field.

My Vision of Solution

I didn’t want to write custom code for this, which I could. But, drupal best practices says, that we should not change code of Core modules. Rather do an override kind of stuff. So, I was looking for some hooks, and override methods which can help me.

My Struggle Started

• Field (Core module)
• Metatag
• Token
• Node (Core module)

1. Field Module

2. Metatag

3. Token

4. Node

I saw this code for summary:

$trim_length = $instance['display']['teaser']['settings']['trim_length'];

So, this shows that the code was getting the max length value from teaser display settings.

Solution

Then, click on setting button for Body. In my case, it was 600. I changed it to 160. And, Voila.

To test, just view the pages. You will not need to update(edit/save) them.

Enjoy.