WordPress Dashboard Overview
Module: Website Setup & WordPress Basics • Lesson: WordPress Dashboard Overview
This lesson introduces the WordPress dashboard, its main menu sections, and the tools you’ll use to manage your website’s content, settings, and appearance.
How to Access the WordPress Dashboard
The WordPress dashboard is your main control center for building and managing your website.
To log in:
- Visit
yourdomain.com/wp-admin - Enter your WordPress username and password
After logging in, you’ll land on the Dashboard home page.
Understanding the Dashboard Home Screen
The Dashboard home page provides a quick overview of your site’s recent activity and useful shortcuts.
Key Widgets You May See
- At a Glance: Shows your number of posts, pages, comments, and theme info.
- Quick Draft: Start drafting a new post instantly.
- Activity: Displays recent comments and scheduled posts.
- WordPress Events & News: Updates from the WordPress community.
- Site Health Status: Alerts about performance, security, and updates.
Key Dashboard Sections Explained
1. Posts
Used for blog entries or news-style content. Includes options to manage:
- All Posts
- Add New
- Categories
- Tags
2. Media
A library for all files uploaded to your site. You can upload, edit, and delete media here.
3. Pages
Pages are for static content—home, about, contact, services. Unlike posts, pages don’t use categories or tags.
4. Appearance
Customize the look and feel of your website.
- Themes
- Customize (site identity, colors, layout options)
- Menus
- Widgets
- Theme File Editor (use with caution)
5. Plugins
Plugins extend functionality. Examples include SEO tools, backups, security, and page builders.
6. Users
Manage who can log in and what they can do.
- Administrator
- Editor
- Author
- Contributor
- Subscriber
7. Settings
Control core settings for your WordPress website.
- General: Site title, tagline, timezone.
- Reading: Homepage display, blog settings.
- Writing: Default post category & formatting.
- Permalinks: URL structure for posts/pages.
- Discussion: Comment settings.
Admin Toolbar (Top Bar)
The black bar at the top of the screen when logged in provides shortcuts:
- Visit Site: Preview your website.
- New: Quickly create a new page, post, or media item.
- Updates: Shows available updates for WordPress, themes, and plugins.
- Profile: Edit your user account settings.
Activity: Explore Each Dashboard Section
Complete the following actions inside your WordPress dashboard:
- Visit Dashboard → Home and locate the “At a Glance” widget.
- Open Posts → Add New and explore the editor options.
- Check Media → Library and upload one sample image.
- Go to Appearance → Themes and preview a theme.
- Open Settings → Permalinks and review the options.
Assignment: Take a screenshot of your WordPress dashboard home screen and upload it.