At LearnWP we specialize in explaining technical terms in plain language that even new WordPress users can understand. But sometimes students attending our WordPress workshops have some issues that have been puzzling and frustrating them for some time. These aren’t highly technical problems, just simple WordPress user tips.
We really enjoy the reactions and their excitement when we solve their challenge.
Here are the solutions to three four common but oh so frustrating issues encountered by WordPress beginners.
TIP#1: How do I get a single line instead of a full paragraph break in WordPress?!!
Are you frustrated with the WordPress visual editor? Every time you hit enter you get a paragraph break. BUT you only want a single return! You aren’t alone, this is a common question we hear from WordPress beginners.
Use the shift key with the enter key. Voila!
(Did you see how I did that Voila! is just one line below without that annoying extra line gap?)
Shift + Enter together = a single return not a full paragraph break.
Give it a try yourself.
TIP #2: Do you only see one row of icons in the WordPress Visual editor?
Perhaps you are you looking to add headings (h2, h3) to your page. The WordPress Visual Editor has a toolbar toggle to get to the second row of icons that are initially hidden.
Look for an icon that looks like this
Mouse over it for a tooltip that tells you this is the Toolbar Toggle icon.
It is the last icon in the row on a default WordPress install – note that plugins or themes may add additional icons.
Click on the Toolbar Toggle Icon to reveal a second row of icons. Now you’ll discover so some really important tools such as the drop down to change text from regular paragraph text to headings (H2, H3).
TIP #3 My WordPress Dashboard only shows icons! Where have the words gone and how can I get them back?
Are you are in the wp-admin dashboard but you only see a list of icons on the left side menu instead of an icon with words?
Here’s how to get the words back beside the icons in your WordPress Dashboard menu:
Scroll to the bottom of the WordPress Dashboard.
Click on the arrow.
The menu was collapsed. You may find collapsing the menu useful if you are editing your site on an iPad or other tablet.
TIP #4 My Publish / Update button is missing!
A friend emailed me in desperation this week, she had made a number of edits to a page but she couldn’t find the update button to save her changes. I asked her to send me a screenshot so I could see what she was seeing.
She had inadvertently collapsed the publish panel. Just click the arrow next to Publish to open it up again.
Extend your Learning…
If you liked this post, you’ll love our WordPress Made Easy Online Course. Perfect for WordPress website owners and users who want the skills and knowledge to create and manage a WordPress website.
If you liked this post, you might also be interested in one of these.
4 thoughts on “WordPress for Beginners | 4 Tips every new user needs to know”
Jennifer Pollman
I am a novice In wordpress. I am starting on my first website using WordPress. I am a graphic Designer of over 15 years and have designed dozens of websites using Dreamweaver in html.
I have one question that I can’t seem to find a good answer. By the way, I have purchased 3 books and can’t seem to understand.
In the past, I have created websites on my desktop, tested them on my desktop and eventually loaded the sites through ftp on to a hosting service. I have 15 different sites located in a folder on my drive.
With WordPress I have downloaded MAMP and I am beginning to start a new website.
1. Do I load all of wordpress into a seperate folder or do I create a folder inside this website folder on my Mac drive? and eventually load this to a hosting service.
2. If I eventually have another website (for a different client) do I once again create and download another Wordprss folder?
Great question. The easiest way is to signup for a hosting account that allows you to hand off the finished site to the client. Check out Flywheel and WPEngine WordPress hosting. When the site is ready, the install is transferred to the client and they pay for the hosting. I’ve done it other more complicated ways but really this is the best!
I am a novice In wordpress. I am starting on my first website using WordPress. I am a graphic Designer of over 15 years and have designed dozens of websites using Dreamweaver in html.
I have one question that I can’t seem to find a good answer. By the way, I have purchased 3 books and can’t seem to understand.
In the past, I have created websites on my desktop, tested them on my desktop and eventually loaded the sites through ftp on to a hosting service. I have 15 different sites located in a folder on my drive.
With WordPress I have downloaded MAMP and I am beginning to start a new website.
1. Do I load all of wordpress into a seperate folder or do I create a folder inside this website folder on my Mac drive? and eventually load this to a hosting service.
2. If I eventually have another website (for a different client) do I once again create and download another Wordprss folder?
I would truly appreciate an answer, thank you
Hi Jennifer,
Great question. The easiest way is to signup for a hosting account that allows you to hand off the finished site to the client. Check out Flywheel and WPEngine WordPress hosting. When the site is ready, the install is transferred to the client and they pay for the hosting. I’ve done it other more complicated ways but really this is the best!
Hi! Just found your blog through Pinterest. Loved the tips! Quick question, do you have a tip for how to remove the date from posts? TIA!
Hi Nay,
Add the following to the style.css file in a child theme or the CSS editing area in customize.
.entry-meta {display: none;
}
That should do the trick.