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WordPress User Roles Explained

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WordPress has a built-in user role management system that lets you control what users can and can't do on your site. Here are the default user roles, from most to least powerful:


πŸ”’ 1. Administrator

  • Access Level: Full control over the website.

  • Common Use: Site owners or developers.

  • Can:

    • Install, update, and delete themes & plugins

    • Add, delete, and manage all user accounts (including other admins)

    • Change site settings and configurations

    • Manage all posts, pages, and content (regardless of author)

    • Edit the site using tools like Elementor or other builders


✏️ 2. Editor

  • Access Level: Full control over content only.

  • Common Use: Content managers or senior team members.

  • Can:

    • Create, edit, publish, and delete any posts or pages (even those written by others)

    • Moderate comments

    • Manage categories and tags

    • Upload media

  • Cannot:

    • Install or manage themes/plugins

    • Change site settings

    • Manage user roles


πŸ“ 3. Author

  • Access Level: Can manage their own posts.

  • Common Use: Trusted contributors or team members.

  • Can:

    • Write, edit, publish, and delete their own posts

    • Upload media

  • Cannot:

    • Edit or publish others’ content

    • Access site settings or plugins

    • Manage pages


✍️ 4. Contributor

  • Access Level: Write-only with no publishing rights.

  • Common Use: Guest writers or new team members.

  • Can:

    • Write and edit their own posts

    • Submit posts for review by an Editor or Admin

  • Cannot:

    • Publish posts

    • Upload media (images, files, etc.)

    • Edit others’ content


πŸ‘οΈ 5. Subscriber

  • Access Level: Very limited.

  • Common Use: Membership sites or sites with restricted content.

  • Can:

    • Create and manage their own user profile

    • Comment (if comments are enabled)

    • Access content restricted to logged-in users (if applicable)

  • Cannot:

    • Write or manage content


βœ… Summary Table:

Role Can Manage Posts Can Publish Others' Posts Can Upload Media Can Manage Plugins/Themes Can Manage Users
Admin βœ… All βœ… Yes βœ… Yes βœ… Yes βœ… Yes
Editor βœ… All βœ… Yes βœ… Yes ❌ No ❌ No
Author βœ… Own ❌ No βœ… Yes ❌ No ❌ No
Contributor βœ… Own (draft) ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No
Subscriber ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No

Let me know if you’re using any membership plugins, WooCommerce, or custom user roles, as those can add extra roles and permissions.

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