Configuring Components (v1.2)


Archived file. Good only up to BP 1.2 version


After installing and activating BuddyPress, a new menu button with links to help you configure BuddyPress will be added to your dashboard under the Dashboard menu button.

General Settings General Settings

  • Base Profile Group Name
  • Full Name field name
  • Enable BuddyPress to WordPress profile syncing?
  • Hide admin bar for logged out users?
  • Disable avatar uploads? (Gravatars will still work)
  • Disable user account deletion?
  • Disable global forum directory?
  • Disable activity stream commenting on blog and forum posts?
  • Default user avatar

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Component Setup Component Setup

By default, all BuddyPress components are enabled. You can selectively disable any of the components by using the form. Your BuddyPress installation will continue to function. However, the features of the disabled components will no longer be accessible to anyone using the site

  • Activity Streams
    Allow users to post activity updates and track all activity across the entire site.
  • Blog Tracking
    Track blogs, blog posts and blog comments for all users across a WordPress Network (or Multisite) installation.
    N.B. “Network mode” is a feature of WordPress that needs to be manually enabled and configured first. Instructions for enabling this can be found on the WordPress codex WP Codex – Create A Network
  • bbPress Forums
    Activates bbPress forum support within BuddyPress groups or any other custom component.
  • Friends
    Allows the creation of friend connections between users.
  • Groups
    Let users create, join and participate in groups.
  • Private Messaging
    Let users send private messages to one another. Site/Super admins can also send site-wide notices.
  • Extended Profiles
    Activates customizable profiles and avatars for site users.

Forums Setup

Forums in BuddyPress make use of a bbPress installation to function. You can choose to either let BuddyPress set up a new bbPress install, or use an already existing bbPress install. Note that bbPress forums in BuddyPress are fully integrated and attached to groups instead of the categorical and hierarchical format available in an external bbPress forum. Choose one of the options below:

  • Set up a new bbPress installation
    You’ve decided to set up a new installation of bbPress for forum management in BuddyPress. This is very simple process and is usually just a one click process. When you’re ready, click on the “Complete Installation” button.

    • Go to dashboard > BuddyPress menu > Forums Setup.
    • Click on “Set up a new bbPress installation” button.
    • Click on “Complete Installation” button.
    • All done! Configuration settings have been saved to the file bb-config.php in the root of your WorPress install.
    • Enable Forum for each Group
      • Create a Group
      • Go to the group’s “Admin” link
      • Select Group Settings
      • Check “Enable Forum” box and save settings
      • Create a Topic to test
  • Use an existing bbPress installation
    BuddyPress can make use of your existing bbPress install. Just provide the location of your bb-config.php file, and BuddyPress will do the rest

    • Input bb-config.php file location:
      e.g. directory /home/yoursite/public_html/bb-config.php
    • Internal bbPress installation is a success when you get the message:
      Forums were set up correctly using your existing bbPress install!
      BuddyPress will now use its internal copy of bbPress to run the forums in your site. If you wish, you can remove your old bbPress installation files, as long as you keep the bb-config.php file in the same location.

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Profile Field Setup Profile Field Setup

Your users will distinguish themselves through their profile page. You must give them profile fields that allow them to describe themselves in a way that is relevant to the theme of your social network.

Note: Any fields in the first group will appear on the signup page.