Front End
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Up until recently, I had a free wordpress.com site where users could post text, images and edit without using the dashboard. I updated that site and have since discovered that this free feature no longer exists. Please advise.
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I should say that I updated the theme and can’t find a new one that duplicates what it did.
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Hi @kellysalasin,
Thank you for reaching out.
It sounds like the front-end editing capability may have been provided by your previous theme rather than by WordPress.com itself. Changing themes can remove theme-specific features like front-end submission or editing.
Could you share your site’s address (URL) and, if you remember, the name of the theme you were using before you updated it? That will help us check what functionality was previously available and whether there’s an equivalent option with your current theme.
We’ll be happy to take a closer look.
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Hi @kellysalasin,
Thanks for confirming that the previous theme was P2.
That helps explain the front-end posting/editing behavior you were seeing. P2 had some specific features for posting and interacting from the front end, but those features are not generally available across all WordPress.com themes. If the site is now using a different theme, that would likely explain why the same front-end option is no longer available.
Could you please share the site address you’re referring to? Once we have that, we can take a closer look and check what options may be available for that specific site.
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I’d be happy to change the theme back but P-2 apparently doesn’t exist anymore and neither can I find a theme that does the same thing. That’s what I’m hoping to figure out. The site I’m referencing is private to those writing with me.
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In the short-term, I’d settle on a theme that allows users to edit comments as well as add images.
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Hi @kellysalasin,
Although the classic P2 theme isn’t in the regular theme showcase anymore, the front-end posting experience is actually back in a brand new way.P2 evolved from a theme into its own standalone thing on WordPress.com called P2 Workspaces.
Here’s how it works and how you can get it rolling for your private writing group:
- Front-End Focus: Just like the old days, the clunky WordPress dashboard is completely hidden. All your posting, commenting, and editing happens right on the front page.
- Blocks & Privacy: It uses the modern block editor right on the homepage, so it’s super easy to drop in text and media. Plus, it’s fully built for private collaboration.
- It’s Still Free: You can create a free workspace that comes with 3GB of storage for your group’s files and images.
To set up a new space for your group, check out the P2 Help Documentation to see how to invite your fellow writers.
Let us know if you run into any hiccups while getting things set up!
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Sounds good, but I’m unclear about how to proceed. I’m long accustomed to choosing a free wordpress.com theme and working with its features. I think you’re suggesting something else that may or may not be within that framework.
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I completely understand where you’re coming from. It’s much easier to stick with a framework you already know and love!
We are absolutely still working within the standard WordPress.com framework. You can absolutely choose a free theme just like you always have. The main difference with modern themes (like the ones replacing the classic P2 theme) is that they give you even more control over the layout, while still keeping the core community features you need.
Since your main priority is allowing visitors to easily leave comments and share images, here are a few excellent, modern free themes that are fully comment-ready and great for active communities:
- Twenty Twenty-Four (highly customizable and clean)
- Twenty Twenty-Three (minimalist and great for conversations)
- Pendant (elegant and blog-focused)
You can browse our entire free collection anytime at wordpress.com/themes/free and filter them by the style that fits your vision best, and let me know how it goes.
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Thanks for those theme recommendations. Can users who comment edit their comments (not just in the short-term) and can they add images?
As far as the P-2 workspaces, do I understand correctly that any kind of design feature is paid? -
Yesterday I followed the P2 suggestions and created a new P2 Workspace using the link provided.
But it appears to be a standard site using the Assembler theme? I see the normal WordPress dashboard, theme selection, and a default “Hello World” homepage
Is there an additional step required to activate the P2 Workspace interface, or did I accidentally create a standard WordPress site instead?
If possible, could you point me to the exact step where the front-end collaborative experience is enabled?
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