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Visibility Controls Extension

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Overview

The Visibility Controls Extension provides advanced options to show or hide blocks based on user roles, login status, dates, and other conditions. Perfect for creating personalized content, member-only sections, or time-sensitive displays without coding.

Key Features

  • User Role Visibility: Show/hide based on WordPress user roles
  • Login Status: Display for logged-in or logged-out users only
  • Date/Time Scheduling: Show blocks during specific date ranges
  • Query String Parameters: Conditional display based on URL parameters
  • User Capability Checks: Show content based on specific capabilities
  • Cookie-based Visibility: Track user interactions and show/hide accordingly
  • Works with All Blocks: Apply to any WordPress block

How to Use

  1. Select any block you want to control
  2. Navigate to the Visibility tab in block settings
  3. Choose your visibility condition(s)
  4. Configure the specific parameters
  5. Combine multiple conditions if needed
  6. Preview behavior in different states
  7. Save and test on frontend

Visibility Conditions

User Authentication

  • Logged In Users Only: Show block only to authenticated users
  • Logged Out Users Only: Show block only to visitors
  • Specific User Roles: Display for Administrator, Editor, Author, Subscriber, etc.
  • Multiple Roles: Show to users with any of the selected roles

Date & Time Scheduling

  • Start Date: Show block starting from a specific date/time
  • End Date: Hide block after a specific date/time
  • Date Range: Display only within a date range
  • Recurring Schedule: Show on specific days or times

Advanced Conditions

  • URL Parameters: Show if specific query string is present
  • Referrer Source: Display based on where visitor came from
  • Cookie Detection: Check for specific cookie values
  • User Capabilities: Fine-grained capability-based visibility

Common Use Cases

  • Member Content: Show premium content only to subscribers
  • Login Prompts: Display login CTAs to logged-out users
  • Welcome Messages: Greet logged-in users by role
  • Limited Offers: Show promotions during specific dates
  • Event Information: Display event details before event date
  • Admin Notices: Show special messages to administrators
  • Seasonal Content: Display holiday or seasonal content automatically
  • A/B Testing: Show different content based on URL parameters

Combining Conditions

You can combine multiple visibility conditions using AND/OR logic:

  • AND Logic: All conditions must be met (more restrictive)
  • OR Logic: Any condition can be met (more permissive)

Example Combinations

  • Show to Subscribers AND during March 1-31
  • Show to logged-out users OR users without purchase capability
  • Show if URL has ?promo=spring AND user is logged in

Best Practices

  • Test visibility conditions in different user states
  • Provide alternative content for users who cannot see hidden blocks
  • Use clear naming for URL parameters
  • Set reasonable date ranges with timezone considerations
  • Document complex visibility rules for future reference
  • Consider SEO impact of hidden content
  • Use role-based visibility for security, not authentication
  • Test with browser cookies disabled

Scheduling Tips

  • Account for server timezone vs visitor timezone
  • Set end dates to avoid content showing too long
  • Use buffer time before/after critical dates
  • Test scheduled content before publication date

Troubleshooting

  • Block not hiding: Clear cache, verify user role/login status
  • Date scheduling not working: Check server timezone settings
  • Visibility conflicts: Review combined conditions logic
  • Content visible to wrong users: Verify role assignments and capabilities

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