When BuddyPress is first installed a basic profile of name and profile picture upload option are provided.
These fields can’t be modified or removed as they are the minimum requirements of a members profile .
The extended profile feature allows the super admin user to create specific profile fields for members to complete.
It’s a similar concept to profile information in Facebook and on Ning sites; to socially network your members need to know more than a person’s name.
Extending profiles by adding questions that your members answer when they join your network means members can use this profile information to determine:
- If they have similar interests
- If they already know each other (or socialize with each other on other network)
Here’s an example of using an About Me field to extend members profile:
How To Use Extended Profiles
The idea is you create profile fields that allow them to describe themselves in a manner that is relevant to the theme of your network.
With extended profile, you can decide which ones must be answered when joining the network and which members can choose to answer later (if they choose). You also have the choice of a range of field types (such as text box, date selector, radio buttons, drop down select box etc.
The key is to work out what is the most important details to be included in a members profile that will help them connect with each other without making it too hard for them to answer the questions.
How To Create Extended Profiles for your Sign up page
1. Go to Users > Profile Field in your dashboard
Users > Profile Field in the network admin dashboard if you are using WordPress Multisite.
2. Click Add New Field under Base (Primary)
Any fields in the base group will appear on the signup page whereas the Add New Field Group is used to create extended profiles for groups — this is covered in Working With Groups.
3. Complete the following field details:
a) Field Title
b) Field description (so members know the information you want supplied)
c) Choose whether the Field is required or not required
d) Select the Field type
e) Select the default visibility
f) Select the Pre-member visibility
4. Once completed click Save
5. This new field is now be added to your Base profile for members.
6. Now displayed on your signup page.
And in a members Edit Profile page.
