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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