How to Customize Permissions for One WordPress User

This week, a PublishPress user asked us if it is possible to customize the permissions for a single WordPress user.

The answer is “yes”, and in this guide I'll show you two ways to do that.


Option #1. Create a New Role

Normally, user roles are designed for multiple users, but there is nothing to stop you creating a new role for just one user.

This is the best approach if you want to give general permissions to this user. For example, you can allow them to edit all your posts, or add new plugins. If you want to give more specific permissions, we recommend Option #2 below.

  • Install the PublishPress Capabilities plugin.
  • Go to the “Capabilities” link in your WordPress admin menu.
  • Find the “Create New Role” box.
  • Enter the name of your new role.
  • Click the “Create” button.
Create New Role
Create New Role
  • The screen will now reload and you can give this role the permissions you choose:
My New Role Permissions
My New Role Permissions
  • Go the “Users” screen in your WordPress admin menu.
  • Select your user and add them to the new role.

If you need more help, this video shows how to create a new WordPress user role:


Option #2. Use PublishPress Permissions plugin

This is the best approach if you want to give specific permissions to user. For example, you can use approach to give the user editing access to a specific page, or posts in a specific category.

  • Install the PublishPress Permissions plugin.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the screen and the “Permissions: Edit this Page” area.
  • Click the “Users” tab.
  • Here you can search for individual users. Search for the people who you want to edit this post.
  • Select their users and click the “Select” button.
  • In the image below, I've given editing access to “bbradtke”.
User Permissions Single
User Permissions Single

These tutorials have more details on how to customize one user or one role:

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