WordPress Permissions

WordPress permissions (called “capabilities”) control what users can and cannot do on your website. From edit_posts to manage_options, each capability grants specific access to content, settings, plugins, and more.

Understanding WordPress permissions is critical for:

  • Security: Limiting capabilities prevents unauthorized access
  • Customization: Create custom roles with exactly the permissions you need
  • Troubleshooting: Fix “permission denied” errors and capability issues

On this page, you’ll find complete guides to all 50+ WordPress capabilities, how to check and modify permissions, and best practices for secure permission management.


Start here: For a complete overview of WordPress roles and permissions, see our:

WordPress Roles and Permissions: The Complete Guide.

Browse all guides:

WordPress Roles category — Complete guides to all WordPress user roles.


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