If you have a WordPress website with multiple users, you may need to change the author of a post or page. This could be due to a change in staff, a guest post, or simply a mistake. Whatever the reason, it’s important to know how to change the author in WordPress to ensure proper attribution and user management.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different user roles in WordPress, how to change the author of a post or page, and some best practices for managing users on your WordPress site.
Understanding User Roles in WordPress
Before we dive into how to change the author of a post or page, it’s important to understand the different user roles in WordPress. Each user role has different capabilities and permissions, which can affect their ability to change the author of a post or page.
Administrator
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The administrator is the most powerful user role in WordPress. They have full control over the website, including the ability to add, edit, and delete posts and pages, change themes and plugins, and manage other users.
Editor
The editor role is typically used for managing content on a WordPress site. They have the ability to add, edit, and delete posts and pages, as well as moderate comments and manage categories and tags.
Author
Authors have the ability to create, edit, and delete their own posts, but they cannot publish or edit posts from other users. They also cannot manage other users or change the theme or plugins.
Contributor
Contributors can write and edit their own posts, but they cannot publish them. They also cannot upload media files or manage other users.
Subscriber
Subscribers have the most limited role in WordPress. They can only manage their own profile and leave comments on posts.
How to Change the Author of a Post or Page
Now that you understand the different user roles in WordPress, let’s discuss how to change the author of a post or page.
Method 1: Using the Quick Edit Option
The quickest and easiest way to change the author of a post or page is by using the Quick Edit option.
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the Posts or Pages section, depending on which type of content you want to edit.
- Hover your cursor over the post or page you want to change the author for and click on the “Quick Edit” option.
- In the Quick Edit menu, you’ll see a drop-down menu for “Author”. Click on it and select the new author from the list.
- Click on the “Update” button to save your changes.
Method 2: Using the Bulk Edit Option
If you need to change the author for multiple posts or pages at once, you can use the Bulk Edit option.
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the Posts or Pages section.
- Select the posts or pages you want to change the author for by checking the box next to each one.
- From the “Bulk Actions” drop-down menu, select “Edit” and click on the “Apply” button.
- In the Bulk Edit menu, you’ll see a drop-down menu for “Author”. Click on it and select the new author from the list.
- Click on the “Update” button to save your changes.
Method 3: Using the Classic Editor
If you’re using the Classic Editor in WordPress, you can change the author of a post or page by following these steps:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the Posts or Pages section.
- Click on the post or page you want to edit to open it in the Classic Editor.
- In the right-hand column, you’ll see a section for “Author”. Click on the drop-down menu and select the new author from the list.
- Click on the “Update” button to save your changes.
Method 4: Using the Gutenberg Editor
If you’re using the Gutenberg Editor in WordPress, you can change the author of a post or page by following these steps:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the Posts or Pages section.
- Click on the post or page you want to edit to open it in the Gutenberg Editor.
- In the right-hand column, click on the “Document” tab to open the document settings.
- Under “Status & Visibility”, you’ll see a section for “Author”. Click on the drop-down menu and select the new author from the list.
- Click on the “Update” button to save your changes.
Best Practices for Managing Users in WordPress
Now that you know how to change the author of a post or page, let’s discuss some best practices for managing users in WordPress.
Limit the Number of Administrators
As mentioned earlier, the administrator role has full control over the website. It’s important to limit the number of administrators on your WordPress site to reduce the risk of security breaches or accidental changes.
Regularly Review User Roles
It’s a good idea to regularly review the user roles on your WordPress site and make any necessary changes. For example, if an employee leaves the company, you may need to change their user role to “Subscriber” or delete their account altogether.
Use Strong Passwords
To prevent unauthorized access to your WordPress site, it’s important to use strong passwords for all user accounts. This includes using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, and avoiding easily guessable information like birthdates or names.
Consider Using a User Management Plugin
If you have a large number of users on your WordPress site, it may be beneficial to use a user management plugin. These plugins allow you to easily manage user roles, permissions, and access to specific content.
Conclusion
Changing the author of a post or page in WordPress is a simple process, but it’s important to understand the different user roles and best practices for managing users on your site. By following these tips, you can ensure proper attribution and user management on your WordPress site.
