The WordPress Screen Options button provides the users with the ability to customize which elements appear on the one admin screen, including meta boxes, columns and other layout settings. This button, located in the top-right corner of the WordPress admin area, is particularly useful for adjusting the view of different pages like the posts edit screen.
However, there are situations where it might be beneficial to disable Screen Options button, such as when managing multi-author blogs or client websites. Disabling this feature helps ensure a consistent interface for all the users, preventing changes to important settings.
This guide will let you explore how to programmatically control screen element settings in WordPress and how to disable the Screen Options button in WordPress with ease. Whether through code snippets in the functions php file or by creating custom plugins, you’ll learn how to hide the Screen Options button effectively.
What is the screen options button in WordPress?
The Screen Options button in WordPress is a feature that allows all users to control the visibility of various elements in the admin area. It is a key tool for adjusting the layout of the dashboard and other screens. Here are the locations and roles of these buttons in customizing the dashboard layout.
- Location of the screen options button
Once you login to a WordPress site dashboard, you will find the button is located in the top-right corner of the screen. It appears as a small tab labeled “Screen Options” when users access different pages, such as the post screen or dashboard. Clicking on this tab reveals options to control which screen elements are visible or hidden on that particular page.
- Adjusting the dashboard layout with the screen options button
The Screen Options feature is essential for modifying the WordPress dashboard admin area. It allows users to choose which screen elements to display or hide, giving them control over the layout of their dashboard.
For example, users can decide whether to show or hide columns like categories, tags and featured images on the posts edit screen. This customization can make it easier to focus on important information while managing content.
The ability to control screen element settings helps users tailor their admin experience to suit workflow. However, this flexibility can create inconsistencies in the admin view on websites with multiple users.
As a result, many site administrators need to know how to disable the Screen Options button in WordPress to maintain a uniform dashboard layout across different user roles, ensuring that important settings remain consistent for all users.
Why would you want to disable the screen options button?
Depending on your website’s needs, disabling the screen options button in WordPress can be a strategic decision. Although this button allows customization, there are instances where limiting this flexibility is advantageous. Below, we explore key reasons for disabling the button and situations where it may be better to keep it enabled.
Reasons to disable the screen options button
- Managing client sites
For client websites, it’s crucial to keep the screen simple and consistent. Disabling the Screen Options button prevents clients from accidentally altering the admin view or hiding important screen elements. This ensures a streamlined experience, focusing only on necessary features and avoiding confusion over hidden options.
- Multi-user management
Maintaining a uniform admin screen is important on websites with multiple users or multi-author blogs. Allowing users to access screen options menu change can help create inconsistencies, making content management more difficult.
By disabling the button, administrators can ensure all users see the same layout on the edit screen and other admin pages, which is especially useful for training or managing large teams.
- Enhancing security
Disabling the button can also improve security by preventing users from altering the display of certain screen elements that may contain sensitive information. This is particularly important in cases where multiple users have access to the admin area, but not all should have control over specific settings. It helps maintain the integrity of important components and reduces the risk of accidental changes.
When to keep the screen options button enabled
- For advanced users or developers
If the website is managed by experienced users like Bluehost, keeping the screen options button enabled can be beneficial. It allows them to access and customize additional screen elements that support their workflow, such as advanced meta boxes or debugging tools, making their work more efficient.
- Customizing personal sites
For personal websites or single-user environments, there is usually no need to disable the screen options button. The ability to adjust screen element settings with global options link can help users tailor the WordPress admin area to their specific needs, enhancing their overall experience and productivity by allowing them to focus on what matters most.
- Training and education
When WordPress is being used for training or educational purposes, it may be best to leave the screen options button enabled. It allows new users to explore the WordPress admin screen and understand how to adjust screen elements.
Methods to disable the screen options button in WordPress
For WordPress administrators looking to gain greater control over the WordPress admin area, disabling the screen options button can be achieved through various methods. By using code or installing plugins, administrators can programmatically control screen element settings in WordPress.
Programmatic control allows you to disable the screen options button directly through code, without relying on external plugins. This ensures a consistent WordPress admin area layout for all users.
This allows them to simply disable the screen options button without relying on external plugins, providing a tailored approach for each WordPress website.
Method 1: Disabling screen options via the functions.php file
- Access the functions.php file:
Go to Appearance > Theme Editor in the WordPress dashboard.
- Add code:
Paste the following code:
php
add_filter('screen_options_show_screen', '__return_false');
- Save changes:
Click “Update File.”
Method 2: Programmatically disable screen options for specific user roles
- Access the functions.php file:
Open Appearance > Theme Editor.
- Add role-based code:
php
add_action('admin_head', 'disable_screen_options_for_specific_users');
function disable_screen_options_for_specific_users() {
if (current_user_can('editor') || current_user_can('author')) {
add_filter('screen_options_show_screen', '__return_false');
}
}
- Save changes:
Click “Update File.”
Method 3: Using a custom plugin to simply disable the screen options button
- Create a plugin:
In wp-content/plugins, create a new folder (e.g., disable-screen-options) and file disable-screen-options.php.
- Add code:
<?php
/*
Plugin Name: Disable Screen Options
Description: Disables the screen options button.
Version: 1.0
*/
add_filter('screen_options_show_screen', '__return_false');
- Activate the plugin:
Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins, find “Disable Screen Options,” and activate it.
Additional tips for managing the WordPress admin area
Managing the WordPress admin area effectively enhances user experience and security. Here are some concise tips:
- Use plugins for dashboard simplification
Utilize plugins like the Adminimize plugin to hide elements unnecessary for specific user roles, streamlining the WordPress admin screen.
- Limit user roles and capabilities
Assign appropriate user roles based on responsibilities, ensuring users have as much control as needed and only access relevant screen elements and settings.
- Organize the dashboard
Use the “Screen Options” feature to customize the layout by choosing which screen elements to display, helping users focus on essential information.
- Regularly update WordPress and plugins
Keep your WordPress website updated to ensure security and functionality, minimizing vulnerabilities in the admin area.
- Monitor user activity
Consider using activity log plugins to track user actions in the admin area, which can help you manage access and detect unauthorized changes and user roles.
Common issues and troubleshooting
When managing the WordPress admin area, you may encounter common issues when learning how to disable the Screen Options button in WordPress. Here are a few potential problems and their solutions:
- Changes not taking effect
Issue: Sometimes, the code added to the functions.php file may not reflect immediately.
Solution: Clear your browser cache and refresh the page. Additionally, ensure there are no syntax errors in the code that could prevent it from executing.
- Access errors
Issue: If you inadvertently disable the Screen Options button for all users, it can cause confusion, especially for those who need access to specific settings like the file manager option.
Solution: To regain access, revert the changes made in the functions.php file using FTP or the hosting provider’s file manager option.
- Conflicts with other plugins
Issue: Some plugins may conflict with your code, preventing the Screen Options button from being disabled as intended.
Solution: Disable other plugins temporarily to identify if there is a conflict. If found, consider using a different method to manage Screen Options.
- Incompatibility with themes
Issue: The code may not work correctly if you switch themes.
Solution: Keep in mind that any code added to the functions.php file of a theme will be lost when you switch to a new theme. Consider using a custom plugin instead for more consistent functionality.
Final thoughts
Disabling the Screen Options button in WordPress website can streamline and control the user experience. Understanding how to manage the WordPress admin area is essential for effective site management.
If you’re hosting your WordPress site with Bluehost, the one-click installation makes it easy to implement these changes. Bluehost also offers managed WordPress hosting plans for optimized performance and security, along with 24/7 support to help you navigate any issues while managing your WordPress admin area.
FAQs
Using a plugin to disable the Screen Options button generally has a minimal impact on site load time. However, it’s essential to choose lightweight plugins to maintain performance. Overusing any sort of plugins can slow down your site, so assess your needs before installation.
Yes, disabling the Screen Options button can enhance UX for site administrators by simplifying the interface. By reducing clutter, administrators can focus on essential features, leading to increased productivity and a more intuitive experience.
If you add the code to the functions.php file of a specific theme and later switch themes, the code will be lost and the screen options button will reappear. To maintain the functionality, consider creating a custom plugin for your code, ensuring it persists across theme changes.
Yes, you can re-enable the Screen Options button for specific users by modifying the code in the functions.php file or your custom plugin. Use conditional checks to determine user roles and apply the filter accordingly, ensuring that only desired users can access the button.
Disabling the Screen Options button typically does not affect the settings of third-party plugins. However, some plugins may rely on specific screen elements and hiding these options could limit their functionality. Always test your site after making changes to ensure compatibility with all plugins.