WordPress: Allow Contributors To Upload Files
Written by S.Pradeep Kumar in WordPress - Print This Post
Lot of contributors suffered from this problem. They can’t able to upload any kind of files through their dashboard. I also got lot of complaints regarding this. So just thought of sharing this.
Actually there are two ways to allow contributors to upload files. Either you can try a WordPress plugin (Recommended) or try some coding.
But personally I prefer the WordPress plugin method. Through which you can increase the capabilities of contributors.
A Contributor is somebody who can write and manage their posts but not publish them.
1. WordPress Plugin – Capability Manager
Check Upload Files In Capabilities for Contributor | User role
#1. Install and activate Capability Manager Plugin.
#2. Go to Users | Capabilities.
#3. Select Capabilities for Contributor|User role.
#4. Check Upload Files and Save.
2. Paste the following Code in functions.php
if ( current_user_can('contributor') && !current_user_can('upload_files') )
add_action('admin_init', 'allow_contributor_uploads');
function allow_contributor_uploads() {
$contributor = get_role('contributor');
$contributor->add_cap('upload_files');
}Just paste the above code snippet in your theme’s functions.php file and for thesis users, just copy and paste the code in custom_functions.php file.
First of all, make sure you take a backup of functions.php or custom_functions.php file before implementing this tutorial. Play it safe.
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Awesome plugin, that save my lots of time, Thanks.
Another great resource I’ll have to bookmark for future reference! =)
It’s probably also a good idea to suggest appropriate file sizes for uploading images onto your site.
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nice plugin. good to moderate permissions
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Hey Pradeep,
Thanks for the post. I have tried some coding, but after seeing this post, im using this plugin
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I also used to face this problem of attaching my file thanks For sharing this
useful Plugins with all of us,It’ll definately save lot of time of all wordpress user.
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I think that will be one great plug in. I will have to check the plug in.
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great plug-in,,, gonna use it
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Thanks for sharing this post & I am working on it from last many months & I trying to develop code for it.
Two questin:
During the latest rash of hacked blog, several concluded it wa because of a backdoor open due to allowing contributors in such a manner; any thoughts on this?
Is there a readme file in the package showing the code you display here?
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Nice post bro thanks alot!
Why are people so afraid of coding stuff their self?
Going to try this out, however i feel that wordpress needs to add such features in the coming updates, the user management panel/moderator panel etc. should be given more importance.
Really a good plugin man….i think it simplifies our time
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Great plugin, wordpress rocks… thanks for sharing
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I think the role manager plugin also does the same thing and not only for contributor but for each role like author, editor, administrator, subscriber
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Awesome plugin ….bro ..
Thanks for sharing
i love this plugin. successfully transformed my blog as multi author blog.
- Robin
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How are you responding the the May Day update from Google?
Pradeep. Thanks for heads up. I was using a similar plugin called role manager for my blog and problem was that it wasn’t updated since long so had compatibility issues. This plugin is almost similar in functionality but its compatible with 3.0.
This plugin is really amazing. It serves not only as contributor but also serves as author, editor, administrator, subscriber as well.Thanks for sharing this valuable information.
i am using caps maneger plugin it does all .
Really a useful plugin!
This plugin is rocking!!
Excellent post. Deff more helpful than the codex for this specific need.
Cheer!
wow! will try this badly needed this and thanx a ton man,,,g8 job……………….
i need a pluign for visitors to be allowed to download the uploads any help…pls
Using "Capability Manager" I have allowed contributors to upload media to the media library of my wordpress website