AncestryCodex User Management
Manage user accounts, registrations, and access permissions in AncestryCodex.
User Settings Overview
Access user settings from Admin Panel > Users. Configure:
- Public registration options
- Default roles for new users
- Email verification requirements
- File upload limits
Registration Settings
Allow Public Registration
| Setting | Effect |
|---|---|
| Enabled | Anyone can create an account via the registration page |
| Disabled | Only administrators can create new accounts (invitation-only) |
Email Verification
When enabled:
- New users receive a verification email
- They must click the link to activate their account
- Prevents fake accounts and spam registrations
Requirement
Email verification requires proper email server configuration. Ensure SMTP settings are configured in General Settings.
User Roles
AncestryCodex uses role-based access control:
| Role | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Administrator | Full access to all features, settings, and user management |
| Manager | Can manage content and users, but not system settings |
| Editor | Can add, edit, and delete all genealogy records |
| Contributor | Can add content and edit their own submissions |
| Viewer | Read-only access to view the family tree |
| Pending | Awaiting admin approval before gaining access |
Default User Role
Choose the role automatically assigned to new registrations:
- Viewer - Safe default for public sites
- Contributor - Good for collaborative family projects
- Pending - Requires manual approval before access
Managing Individual Users
View All Users
- Go to Admin Panel > Users
- Click Manage Users
- View list of all registered users
Edit a User
- Find the user in the list
- Click the Edit button
- Modify:
- Name and email
- Role/permissions
- Account status (active/suspended)
- Save changes
Suspend a User
To temporarily disable a user account:
- Edit the user
- Set status to Suspended
- The user cannot log in but their data is preserved
Delete a User
Warning
Deleting a user is permanent. Consider suspending instead if you may need their account later.
- Edit the user
- Click Delete Account
- Confirm the deletion
File Upload Settings
Maximum Upload Size
Set the maximum file size users can upload (1-100 MB):
- 10 MB - Suitable for web-optimized photos
- 25 MB - Good balance for most needs
- 50+ MB - For high-resolution scans and documents
Server Limits
Your web server (PHP/Apache) may have its own limits. Check upload_max_filesize and post_max_size in PHP settings.
Allowed File Types
Specify which file extensions can be uploaded:
jpg,jpeg,png,gif,webp,pdf,doc,docx,ged- Images: jpg, jpeg, png, gif, webp
- Documents: pdf, doc, docx
- Genealogy: ged (GEDCOM files)
Best Practices
Security
- Use "Pending" role for public sites
- Require email verification
- Regularly audit user list
- Remove inactive accounts
Collaboration
- Use Contributor role for family members
- Assign Editor role to trusted researchers
- Reserve Administrator for site owners
- Consider Manager for family coordinators