Have you noticed the small profile photo next to comments on many blogs? Most of the time, that image comes from Gravatar.
Gravatar, short for Globally Recognized Avatar, is a free service that connects a profile picture to your email address. Once you set it up, your photo appears automatically on sites that support it, including WordPress sites with avatars turned on.
How does Gravatar work?
You create a free account on gravatar.com and upload a picture for your email address. When you comment on a WordPress blog with that email, WordPress asks Gravatar for the matching image and shows it next to your name.
Your email address itself is not displayed. Instead, WordPress sends a scrambled code, called a hash, made from it.
It works just like an ID card that travels with you, so you don't upload a new photo on every site you visit. Gravatar is run by Automattic, the same company behind WordPress.com.
How to change avatar settings in WordPress
- First, go to Settings → Discussion and scroll down to the Avatars section.
- Now, tick or untick Show Avatars to turn them on or off.
- Next, choose a Maximum Rating, such as G, which is suitable for all audiences.
- Here, pick a Default Avatar for people without a Gravatar, like Mystery Person or Identicon.
- Finally, click Save Changes.
Your own profile picture in Users → Profile also comes from Gravatar. WordPress doesn't let you upload one there without a plugin.
Why should you use Gravatar?
A real face next to your comments builds trust and makes your name easier to remember. For blog owners, avatars make the comment section look lively and personal.
If you are worried about privacy, you can simply untick Show Avatars, and WordPress will stop loading the images. To learn more about the screen where these options live, read our lesson on WordPress discussion settings. For your account details, see our lesson on the WordPress profile.
Gravatar gives you one picture that follows you across the web, free of cost. That's all for now. If you face any trouble setting it up, let us know in the comments below.