Setting up WordPress user roles and permissions is essential for managing access to your site’s features and content. WordPress provides six default roles—Super Admin, Administrator, Editor, Author, Contributor, and Subscriber—each with predefined capabilities. These roles control what actions users can perform, from publishing posts to managing plugins. For most users, the default roles are sufficient, but custom roles can be created for specialized needs, such as restricting access to WooCommerce or assigning unique workflow permissions.

Key takeaways from the sources:

• Default Roles: WordPress includes six predefined roles, each with distinct permissions, such as Administrators having full control and Subscribers limited to profile management ^[2][8].
• Custom Roles: Plugins like User Role Editor or Members allow you to create or modify roles without coding, while the add_role() function enables advanced customization via PHP ^[3][5][9].
• Security Best Practices: Limit Administrator access, regularly review user roles, and test custom roles to prevent unauthorized actions ^[4][8].
• Plugins for Management: Tools like PublishPress Capabilities and Advanced Access Manager simplify role and permission adjustments ^[3][10].

Managing WordPress User Roles and Permissions

Understanding Default User Roles and Capabilities

WordPress assigns specific capabilities to each default role, determining what users can do on your site. These roles are not hierarchical but are designed for distinct responsibilities, from content creation to site administration. The six default roles are consistent across WordPress installations, though their availability may vary slightly depending on whether you’re using WordPress.com or a self-hosted WordPress.org site.

• Super Admin: Exists only in WordPress Multisite networks and has ultimate control over the entire network, including creating sites, managing users, and installing plugins/themes ^[2][8].
• Administrator: Has full access to all administration features, including adding/removing plugins, editing themes, and managing other users. This role should be assigned sparingly due to its high-level permissions ^[1][6].
• Editor: Can publish, edit, and delete any posts or pages (including those by other users), as well as moderate comments and manage categories. Editors cannot change site settings or install plugins ^[2][8].
• Author: Can publish, edit, and delete their own posts, as well as upload media files. Authors cannot create pages or modify others’ posts ^[1][10].
• Contributor: Can write and edit their own posts but cannot publish them or upload media. Contributors’ posts must be reviewed by an Editor or Administrator ^[2][6].
• Subscriber: Has the least permissions, limited to managing their profile and reading content. Subscribers cannot create or edit posts ^[1][8].

To assign a role to a new user, navigate to Users > Add New in your WordPress dashboard. Fill in the user’s details (username, email, etc.) and select the appropriate role from the dropdown menu. For existing users, go to Users > All Users, hover over the user’s name, click Edit, and update their role ^[6][8].

Creating and Modifying Custom User Roles

While default roles cover most use cases, custom roles are necessary for specialized workflows, such as restricting access to WooCommerce or creating role-based pricing tiers. There are two primary methods for creating custom roles: using plugins or writing custom code.

Using Plugins

Plugins simplify the process of creating and managing custom roles without requiring technical expertise. The most recommended plugins include:

• User Role Editor: Allows you to add, delete, or modify roles and their capabilities through a visual interface. You can also copy capabilities from existing roles to create new ones ^[3][4][10].
• Members: Provides an intuitive interface for creating roles and assigning granular permissions. It also includes shortcuts for common role setups ^[5][7][9].
• PublishPress Capabilities: Offers advanced control over capabilities, including role-specific content restrictions and workflow management ^[3].

To create a custom role using User Role Editor:

1. Install and activate the plugin via Plugins > Add New.
2. Navigate to Users > User Role Editor.
3. Click Add Role, enter a role name (e.g., "Product Manager"), and select the capabilities from the checklist.
4. Save the role. You can now assign it to users via the Users menu ^[4][10].

Using Custom Code

For developers, WordPress provides the add_role() function to create roles programmatically. This method is ideal for implementing roles that require unique capabilities not covered by plugins. Below is an example of creating a "Reviewer" role with limited permissions:

add_role(
'reviewer', 'Reviewer', array( 'read' => true, 'edit_posts' => true, 'delete_posts' => false, 'publish_posts' => false, 'upload_files' => false, ) );

Key considerations when creating custom roles:

• Limit High-Level Access: Avoid granting unnecessary capabilities, such as manage_options or install_plugins, which could compromise site security ^[4][8].
• Test Thoroughly: Assign the role to a test user and verify that the permissions work as intended before deploying it widely ^[4].
• Document Changes: Keep a record of custom roles and their capabilities for future reference, especially in collaborative environments ^[9].

For WooCommerce-specific roles, the shop_manager role is preconfigured with permissions to manage products and orders. If further restrictions are needed, plugins like Members can fine-tune these capabilities ^[7].