This tutorial covers the default WordPress user roles and their permissions. Keep reading to learn how to add a new user role to WordPress.
WordPress offers an efficient tool for adding new users so that you may give them various access rights. In addition, user roles are helpful since the project typically calls for collaboration between editors, authors, and admin.
Adding a New User in WordPress Step-by-Step
1 Step — Log into the WordPress dashboard.
2 Step — Navigate to the Users menu on the left and click on the “Add New” link.
3 Step — You will now be asked to fill in information about the new user.
You will be required to enter a username and email. However, you can also enter the user’s first name, last name, and website (if applicable). Lastly, you will need to create a password for them, which they can change later on, and select the role they will have on the website.
4 Step — Finally, click the “Add New User” button, and then you’re all set.
WordPress User Roles Explained
WordPress typically offers five different user roles. Each one can provide your visitors with more alternatives or, if necessary, restrict accessibility. So let’s examine each of them to determine how to pick the best user role.
Administrator
The administrator position is a typical WordPress website’s most influential user role. Users with the administrator position have the ability to create new posts, amend, and remove existing posts.
Additionally, they can add, change, and remove plugins and themes.
Most significantly, admin users have the ability to add, delete, and modify user information, including passwords, for already-existing users.
You have complete power over your WordPress blog while in this role, which is essentially reserved for site owners. Therefore, you should be highly selective about who you provide the administrator user position to if you manage a WordPress site with the help of multiple users.
Editor
The content areas of your website are completely under the authority of users with the editor position in WordPress.
They have the ability to add, modify, publish, and delete any post on the website, even those published by other people. A comment can be moderated, edited, or deleted by an editor.
Editors are unable to alter the settings on your website, add new users, or set up plugins and themes.
Author
The author position allows users to create, modify, and publish their own content. Even if a post has already been published, they can erase it.
Authors may only select from the pre-existing categories when composing posts; they are unable to establish new ones. Additionally, they may add tags to their posts.
Authors can view even comments that are still being reviewed, but they cannot moderate, approve, or remove any comments.
It is a relatively low-risk user role because they cannot access the site’s settings, plugins, or themes. The option to remove one’s own published posts is the lone exception.
Contributor
Users who have the contributor status can publish posts but not contribute new posts or change their existing articles.
They can pick from pre-existing categories and add their own tags while posting entries.
The major drawback of the contributor’s job is that since they are unable to upload files, they cannot include photographs in their contributions.
Contributors can also access all comments on the website, but they are unable to approve or remove them.
Finally, they cannot alter any settings on your website since they lack access to plugins, themes, or website settings.
Subscriber
The subscriber role allows users to log in, edit their user profiles, and change their passwords on your WordPress website.
They are unable to access your WordPress admin area to publish, read comments, or perform any other actions.
This user role is beneficial if you operate a membership website, an online store, or any website where users may register and log in.
Now you know how to create a new user role using WordPress functionalities. See our tutorial on how to build a front-end login page and widgets in WordPress if you want to provide a personalized login experience for your users.