This is a tutorial for user-level (not developer-level) editing of a website running the standard WordPress content management system. While the described instance includes separate Admin and Editor accounts, they may be combined depending on your site’s setup. Disclaimer: While this guide is expected to be an accurate description of how the editing system works, you are using it at your own risk.
PAGE EDITOR
This is the main screen for modifying Web pages, found by going to the Pages tab and then clicking “Edit” below any page. Stay tuned for descriptions of the other sections, EDITOR TABS and ADMIN TABS.The descriptions here are for the Editor account; advanced options are available in the Admin account, but are not described here.
Editing Window
This is the main block of editable content on the page. Text can be changed much like editing a Microsoft Word document. Here are the WordPress-specific options:
Title (first text field): Appears in the menu and at the top of the page.
Permalink: Web page address. Do not edit.
Visual/Text Mode: The editor should generally be in “Visual” mode, not “Text”; the latter shows the underlying Web page code. Do not change anything you find here, or it can break your Web page.
Add Media: Add a picture from your computer (“Upload”) or use a previously-loaded picture (“Media Library”). Click [Insert into Page] to add it.
Add Link (chain icon): Select a word(s) or picture, then click this icon to add a Web page link to the item.
Remove Link (broken chain): Click a linked item, then click this icon to remove it.
Full Screen (four arrows): Expand the editor to the entire window.
Kitchen Sink (dots in a box): Display additional options:
Font (usually “Paragraph”): Change text styles. “Heading” is used for page titles/subtitles, and will push down any nearby unselected text.
Paste from Plain Text (“T”), Paste from Word (“W”): Use these to insert text from other sources.
Remove formatting (eraser): Select text and use this option to remove boldface, fonts, and so forth, such as if a block of text doesn’t match the style of the surrounding content.
Custom Character (omega symbol): Insert an accented letter or other symbol. Rarely used.
Publish
Change the status of a page, such as keeping a draft from displaying publicly.
Status: “Published” (ready for the public); “Pending Review” (awaiting approval, unused here); “Draft” (unfinished)
Visibility: “Public” (everyone can see), “Password Protected” (enter password to see), “Private” (only viewable to editors)
Page Attributes
Parent: Page appears underneath another in the site hierarchy, for larger websites.
Template: “Default Template” (used on most pages) and other possible page themes
Order: Placement of the page in the menu, e.g., “10” comes before “20”.
Featured Image: Show a picture for the page, such as in a home page feature.
Come back tomorrow for Part II: Editor Tabs!
Need a hand? Contact me! I can answer general questions about how to manage your WordPress website, or discuss paid options for more involved projects.