Overview
Manage local Media Library avatars and author-controlled public profile links through native WordPress user profiles.
This guide explains how to install WPSDDC User Identity, set up its options and use it in your everyday WordPress workflow.
Requirements and Compatibility
- WordPress 6.0 or later.
- PHP 8.1 or later.
- An account with permission to install and activate plugins. Site settings require administrator permissions.
Genesis is optional for its author-box integration. Other layouts can render author links through the shortcode. Selecting local media requires the relevant upload and attachment-edit permissions.
It works independently: WP StudioDDC HQ and other collection plugins are not required to register its administration screen.
Installation
- Obtain the installable WPSDDC User Identity ZIP package and keep a current site backup before installation.
- In the dashboard, open Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin.
- Select the ZIP file, choose Install Now and then Activate Plugin.
- Open WPSDDC → User Identity to access its controls and usage information.
For manual installation, copy the wpsddc-user-identity folder into wp-content/plugins/ and activate the plugin from Plugins. The package entry file is wpsddc-user-identity.php.
Configuration and Options
Open WPSDDC → User Identity, review the options below and save the features you intend to use. These are initial values; previously saved settings can differ.
| Setting | Initial Value | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Enable Local User Avatars | Disabled | Enable or disable |
| Enable Author Social Profiles | Disabled | Enable or disable |
How to Use the Plugin
- Open WPSDDC → User Identity and enable local avatars, author social profiles or both. Each feature starts disabled.
- Open Users → Profile, or edit an authorized user account. Select an avatar from the Media Library if your account has the required media permissions.
- Enter public profile destinations and explicitly enable the author’s public links. Adjust their position, size, spacing, padding, radius and colors as needed.
- Save the user profile. Check the avatar on a surface that uses the native WordPress avatar API.
- Review author links in the Genesis author box or place the shortcode in your layout. The current post author is used when no user is specified.
Practical Example
Enable author links for an editorial contributor and add the shortcode to an author area. Use user=”123″ only when you deliberately want the WordPress account with that ID.
[wpsddc_user_identity_links]Add this example in a Shortcode block at the intended location. Keep the relevant feature and content type enabled for that output.
Data and Operating Limits
Profile values and avatar references stay local. Media survives deactivation. Without an applicable local avatar, normal WordPress avatar behavior can still use the existing Core or site provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does removing a local avatar delete the image?
No. Removing the association preserves the Media Library file. Profile values and avatar references are stored in site-scoped WordPress user metadata.
Where can I find the included help?
Open WPSDDC → User Identity and expand the native Help tab at the top of the screen. Its sections explain getting started, data and limits, and version details and support links.
Troubleshooting
If links do not appear, check both the site feature and the author’s own enable option, saved destinations and the output location. If an avatar is missing, check the attachment and permissions. With no applicable local avatar, WordPress keeps its normal fallback behavior.
Updates and Deactivation
- Back up the database and files before updating.
- When WordPress offers an update in Plugins, use its native update action. To update by ZIP, upload the new package and choose to replace the installed version when WordPress prompts you.
- Review the changes included with the package, keep the settings you need and check a typical workflow after updating.
To stop the feature, deactivate the plugin from Plugins. Deactivation does not delete WordPress content and does not replace a backup.
Support and Related Links
For support, include the WordPress, PHP and plugin versions, the relevant setting and the steps needed to reproduce the issue. Share only the information needed to describe it.