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Free Plugin by Paul Bearne v2.2.0

Author Avatars List/Block

Display lists of user avatars using widgets or shortcodes. With Gutenberg support.

Author Avatars List/Block

The facts

Rating
4.8★ from 32
Active installs
4k+
Price
Free
Last updated
7 Aug 2026
Added
Nov 2008
Requires WP
6.1
Tested up to
WP 7.1.0
Downloads
389,746

Our analysis

AI-assisted

The Author Avatars List/Block plugin allows you to display lists of user avatars on your multiuser WordPress site, organised by user roles. You can also insert single avatars into posts or pages, making it suitable for highlighting individuals in your content. It utilises built-in WordPress functions to retrieve user information and avatars, and integrates with various platforms such as Gutenberg and BuddyPress.

This plugin is designed for users who want to enhance their community or forum sites by showcasing user profiles visually. It offers customisation options for avatar display, including sorting, limiting the number of users shown, and grouping by blog in a multisite setup.

Best for: This plugin is suitable for community, forum, or multiuser sites looking to display user avatars.

What it does well

  • Displays user avatars grouped by roles
  • Supports single avatar insertion in posts/pages
  • Integrates with Gutenberg and BuddyPress
  • Customisable display options for avatars
  • Includes a shortcode and widget for easy use

Where it falls short

  • Limited information on specific features or limitations

Verdict

The Author Avatars List/Block plugin provides a straightforward way to manage user avatars on multiuser sites. It offers flexibility and integration with popular WordPress features, making it a useful tool for community-focused websites.

From the developer

Paul Bearne's own description of Author Avatars List/Block, lightly tidied.

This plugin makes it easy to display lists of user avatars, grouped by user roles, on your (multiuser) site. It also allows you to insert single avatars for blog users or any email address into a post or page – great for displaying an image of someone you’re talking about.

It makes use of built-in WordPress (core) functions to retrieve user information and get avatars.

Integrates with: Gutenberg, BuddyPress, xprofile, Multisite, Wpmu, BBPress, co-authors.

Avatar lists can be inserted into your sidebar by adding a widget or into posts/pages by using a shortcode. The plugin comes with a tinymce editor plugin which makes inserting shortcodes very easy.

This also provides Gutenberg Block for use with the Gutenberg editor.
Please help with the plugin Translations at https://translate.wordpress.org/projects/wp-plugins/author-avatars.

Both the shortcode and widget and Gutenberg Block can be configured to:

  • Show a custom title (widget only)
  • Only show specific user groups and/or hide certain users
  • Limit the number of users shown
  • Change the sort order of users or show in random order
  • Adjust the size of user avatars
  • Optionally show a user’s name or biography
  • Show users from the current blog, all blogs or a selection of blogs (on WPMU/Multisite)
  • Group users by their blog (when showing from multiple blogs), and show the blog name above each grouping.
  • Support users from Co-Author Plus, Ultimate Member, BBpress and BuddyPress (xprofile)
  • Limit the number of avatars per page for large sets by adding a page_size to the shortcode e.g. “page_size=30” (shortcode only)

Additionally, single user avatars can be inserted using the show_avatar shortcode and configured to:

  • Adjust the size of the user avatar.
  • Align the avatar left, centered or right.
    The Gutenberg Block support both single user avatars and role based selections of avatars

Please report bugs and provide feedback in the wordpress support forum.

Plugin support: In 2011, Ben stepped down as maintainer of the Plugin, handing over ownership to co-author Paul Bearne, who continues to provide support and drive the development of new features.

Read the full description on the official page →

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