How to Customize WordPress Admin

This article shows you how to customize your WordPress admin dashboard to match your business branding and make it easier to use.

Changing the Admin Colour Scheme

1. Log into your WordPress admin dashboard
2. Click on "Users" in the left menu, then "Your Profile"
3. Scroll down to the "Admin Color Scheme" section
4. Click on any colour scheme to preview it
5. Scroll to the bottom and click "Update Profile" to save your choice

The colour scheme affects the top bar, left menu, and buttons throughout your admin area.

Adding Your Business Logo to the Admin Area

1. Go to "Appearance" then "Customize" in your WordPress admin
2. Look for "Site Identity" or "Logo" (the exact name depends on your theme)
3. Click "Select Logo" or "Change Image"
4. Upload your logo image or choose one from your media library
5. Click "Publish" to save the changes

Your logo will now appear in the admin bar and on your login page. If you need help uploading images first, read our guide on adding images and media.

Hiding Unused Menu Items

1. Install the "Admin Menu Editor" plugin through "Plugins" > "Add New"
2. Search for "Admin Menu Editor" and install it
3. Go to "Settings" > "Menu Editor"
4. Uncheck the box next to any menu items you want to hide
5. Drag menu items up or down to reorder them
6. Click "Save Changes"

This is useful if you have menu items you never use, like "Comments" if your site doesn't allow comments.

Customizing the Admin Dashboard Widgets

1. Go to your main Dashboard page (click "Dashboard" in the left menu)
2. Click "Screen Options" at the top right of the page
3. Uncheck any widgets you don't want to see
4. Close the Screen Options panel
5. Drag the remaining widgets to arrange them how you like

Common widgets to hide include "WordPress Events and News" and "Quick Draft" if you don't use them.

Adding Custom CSS to the Admin Area

1. Go to "Appearance" > "Theme Editor"
2. Look for "functions.php" in the file list (be careful with this file)
3. Add this code at the bottom before the closing ?> tag:

function custom_admin_css() {
    echo '<style>
        /* Your custom CSS here */
        #adminmenu { background: #your-color; }
    </style>';
}
add_action('admin_head', 'custom_admin_css');

Replace "#your-color" with your preferred background colour code.

If you're still stuck with customizing your WordPress admin area, contact Web60 support through your account portal. Include screenshots of what you're trying to change and we'll help you sort it out.

FAQ

Q: Can I change the WordPress logo in the top left corner?

A: Yes, you can replace it with your own logo by going to Appearance > Customize > Site Identity. The logo will appear in both your admin area and on your website.

Q: Will customizing the admin area affect my website visitors?

A: No, admin area changes only affect what you see when logged into WordPress. Your website visitors won't see any of these changes.

Q: Can I hide the admin bar that appears when I'm logged in and viewing my site?

A: Yes, go to Users > Your Profile and uncheck "Show Toolbar when viewing site". This hides the black bar that appears at the top of your site when you're logged in.

Q: Is it safe to edit the functions.php file?

A: Be very careful when editing functions.php as mistakes can break your site. Always make a backup first and consider using a child theme for customizations.

Q: Can multiple users have different admin colour schemes?

A: Yes, each WordPress user can set their own admin colour scheme. Go to Users > Your Profile to change it for your account only.

Q: How do I reset the admin dashboard to default settings?

A: Deactivate any admin customization plugins, reset your colour scheme to "Default" in your profile, and re-enable any hidden dashboard widgets through Screen Options.