edit_theme_options

What is the edit_theme_options permission in WordPress? #

The edit_theme_options permission is one of the most important in WordPress.

If you have the edit_themes_options capability, you will see these links in the WordPress admin area:

  • Appearance > Themes
  • Appearance > Customize
  • Appearance > Widgets
  • Appearance > Menus

You'll also be able to see the “Customize” link in the WordPress admin bar, if it's supported by your theme.

This permission is vital because it allows you to customize theme options, control the display of widgets, create menus, and create menu links.


Who has the edit_theme_options permission? #

The edit_theme_options permission is available on single WordPress sites and on multisite networks.

By default, the edit_theme_options permission is only given to Super Admins, Administrators and Editors.

Users not in these roles are not allowed to edit the site's themes, menus, menu links, or widgets.


How to control who has the edit_theme_options permission #

You can control who has the edit_theme_options permission by installing the PublishPress Capabilities plugin.

  • After installing PublishPress Capabilities, go to “Capabilities” in your WordPress admin menu.
  • Using the dropdown in the top-left corner, choose the role you want to edit.
  • Click the “Themes” tab.
  • Check the box “edit theme options”.
  • Click “Save Changes”.
Edit Theme Options

All the WordPress theme permissions #