The WordPress ToolBar

Tips, Trick and Resources to Learn WordPress
For Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Users

Previously known as the WordPress "Admin Bar"

Updated: September 26, 2024
By: RSH Web Editorial Staff

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The WordPress Toolbar

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world, powering over 40% of all websites. Whether you're a blogger, a small business owner, or an aspiring developer, understanding how to navigate the WordPress interface is essential for creating and managing your site effectively. One of the most useful features of the WordPress dashboard is the WordPress Toolbar. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what the WordPress Toolbar is, its features, and provide a step-by-step tutorial to help beginners get the most out of it.

What is the WordPress Toolbar?

Previously known as the WordPress "Admin Bar" is a shortcut area that allows you to access the behind the scenes controls when you are on the front end of your WordPress blog or website. The Admin Toolbar is the bar that goes across the very top of the screen once you’re logged in to your WordPress website.

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On the far left side of the WordPress Dashboard, you will see the WordPress logo.
WordPress logo
By hovering over this WP logo, you will see links to WordPress specific information. These are links if you ever want to take a look at WordPress documentation, see the Support Forums or leave feedback.

To the right of the WordPress logo, you’ll see the name of your site. Hover over this and there is a submenu for the front end of your site. This is how your site looks to visitors.

WordPress Blogging

Key Features of the WordPress Toolbar

Quick Links: Access to important features like adding new posts, pages, or media directly from the toolbar.

  • • User Profile: View and edit your profile settings quickly.
  • • Site Management: Links to your site’s front end, the WordPress dashboard, and other essential tools.
  • • Notifications: Alerts for comments, updates, and other activities.
  • • Custom Shortcuts: Ability to add custom links and shortcuts for your specific needs.

Why is the WordPress Toolbar Important for Beginners?

For beginners, the WordPress Toolbar simplifies the content management process. It reduces the need to remember complex paths within the dashboard, allowing new users to focus on creating content rather than getting lost in menus. With quick access to the most commonly used features, the toolbar can dramatically improve your productivity.

Accessing the WordPress Toolbar

To see the WordPress Toolbar in action, log in to your WordPress admin area by navigating to yourwebsite.com/wp-admin. Once logged in, you will immediately see the toolbar at the top of your screen.

The Toolbar Elements

The WordPress Toolbar includes various icons and links, each serving a different purpose:

  • • My Site: Click here to view your site or switch between sites if you're using a multisite network.
  • • New: Quickly add new posts, pages, media, or users.
  • • Comments: View and manage comments on your posts.
  • • Appearance: Access the theme customizer to change your site’s appearance.
  • • Updates: Check for available updates for your themes, plugins, and WordPress core.
WordPress Tutorials

Adding New Content

The "New" option in the toolbar allows you to quickly create new posts, pages, or media. Hover over "New" and select the desired action. This feature saves you time by eliminating extra clicks.

Managing Comments

Click on the "Comments" link to view all comments left on your posts. Here, you can approve, reply, edit, or delete comments. This feature is crucial for maintaining engagement with your audience.

Accessing Site Customization

Under the "Appearance" section, you can access the theme customizer. This tool allows you to change your site’s look, including header images, menus, and colors. Experiment with different settings to find a design that reflects your brand.

Checking for Updates

Keeping your site updated is vital for security and performance. By clicking on the "Updates" link, you can see if your themes, plugins, or WordPress version require updates. Regular updates ensure your site runs smoothly and securely.

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Utilizing Toolbar Shortcuts

The WordPress Toolbar is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Here are some shortcuts you can utilize:

  • • Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts for common actions. For example, pressing Ctrl + N allows you to quickly create a new post.
  • • Hover Menus: Hovering over items like "Posts" or "Pages" provides a dropdown menu for quick actions. This feature allows you to access various functions without navigating through multiple layers of menus.

Customizing the WordPress Toolbar

You can customize the toolbar to fit your workflow better. Here’s how:

  • • Manage Toolbar Items: By clicking on your username in the toolbar and selecting “Edit My Profile,” you can show or hide various items in the toolbar.
  • • Add Custom Links: You can add custom links to the toolbar for quick access to frequently used pages or external sites. You might need to use a plugin for this, like “Admin Menu Editor” or “Adminimize.”
  • • Rearranging Toolbar Items: Drag and drop items in the toolbar to rearrange them according to your preferences. This feature makes it easy to prioritize the links you use most often.

Turning Off the WordPress "Toolbar"

Most people find the WordPress "Toolbar" useful, but some people may want to turn the WordPress "Toolbar" off from the front end of the site. Remember, the WordPress "Toolbar" is only visible to you when you’re logged in to your website. To turn off this view, click the "Edit my Profile" link. From this screen, you’ll see a checkbox to Show Toolbar when viewing the website. Simply uncheck this box to turn this view off, then scroll to the bottom and click Update profile. If you decide later that you’d like to turn the "Toolbar" back on, just return to your edit profile and check the box to show the toolbar again.

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Popular Toolbar Plugins for WordPress

Hide Admin Toolbar

This plugin is used to hide admin toolbar from website. It will hide that bar when you are logged in and viewing the site.

The Accessibility Toolbar

Boost the Accessibility of Any Website with The Accessibility Toolbar. Add front-end accessibility options to your website in just seconds. Add this plugin and immediately provide WCAG compliant features for those with disabilities.

Bottom Admin Toolbar

Natively WordPress doesn’t offer the possibility to change your admin bar position. With this simple extension you can stick it at the bottom forever and hide it by pressing shortcut

Toolbar Publish Button

Simple jQuery script of this plugin duplicates Update / Publish / Save Changes / Save Draft / Preview Changes button for posts, pages, custom posts, taxonomies, user profiles, and settings to the top WordPress admin bar

Admin Toolbar Menus

Add 3 new menu locations to the WordPress toolbar so you can quickly and easily create your own custom toolbar menus using the built in WordPress menus page. Supports multi level and works seamlessly with the existing toolbar menus.

Remove/Hide Admin Toolbar

Removing or requiring removal of the admin toolbar from display on the front end of your website is tedious. This plugin uses a built-in WordPress filter (show_admin_bar) to disable it globally.

Emoji Toolbar

Accessing the Emoji library can be painful 😫 on some operating systems. You always have to leave the editor which is not useful for distraction-free writing.

Connections Business Directory Toolbar

This is an extension plugin for the Connections Business Directory Plugin. Quick click access without having to scroll to all of Connections admin pages from either the admin or the front end for easy management. You can even go to a specific settings tab of filter the entry list with a single click making you life easier

Fixed HTML Toolbar

A fixed HTML toolbar which displayed at the bottom or at the top of your website. You can add up to 5 linked icons or just an HTML code. It mostly used to show social icons or any other notification that needs to be static during page scrolling.

One Click Accessibility

The One Click Accessibility toolbar is the fastest plugin to help you make your WordPress website more accessible. While most accessibility issues can’t be addressed without directly changing your content, One Click Accessibility adds a number of helpful accessibility features with the minimum amount of setup and without the need for expert knowledge.

Summary

The WordPress Toolbar is a powerful tool that enhances the user experience for WordPress beginners and seasoned users alike. By familiarizing yourself with its features and customizing it to fit your needs, you can save time and improve your site's management efficiency.

We covered the essentials of the WordPress Toolbar, how to navigate its features, and ways to customize it for your specific needs. As you continue your journey in WordPress, remember that practice makes perfect. Explore the toolbar’s capabilities and utilize them to enhance your content management experience.

If you want to dive deeper into the world of WordPress, consider exploring additional tutorials and resources available online. With the right tools and knowledge, you can create a stunning website that reflects your unique voice and vision.

WordPress logoWordPress Resources and Links

Developers WordPress.org
Explore WordPress development with our comprehensive guides and resources. Learn to create themes, plugins, and optimize your site

Security WordPress.org
Discover WordPress security best practices to protect your site. Learn about updates, secure hosting, and essential plugins to keep your content safe from threats

Themes WordPress.org
Browse thousands of free WordPress themes to customize your site’s look. Find the perfect design for your blog, business, or portfolio, and enhance your site’s functionality

Plugins WordPress.org
Unlock your site's potential with thousands of free WordPress plugins! Enhance functionality, improve performance, and add features easily. Explore, install, and elevate your website

Widgets WordPress.org
Discover WordPress widgets to customize your site’s layout easily! Add functionality and content in sidebars and footers without coding

Codex WordPress.org
Explore the WordPress Codex for comprehensive documentation and tutorials. Find guides on themes, plugins, and customization to help you master WordPress

Online Courses WordPress.org
Explore free WordPress courses designed for all skill levels! Learn about themes, plugins, and site management through structured lessons to boost your skills and create stunning websites

Community WordPress.org
Join the WordPress community! Collaborate with passionate contributors, share ideas, and help shape the future of WordPress. Get involved in events, discussions, and projects today

WordPress Resources RSHWeb.com
RSH Web Services complete WordPress resources. Our blog helps you find WordPress Resources like optimize your site, improve performance, and master all things WordPress

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