How to create a Gravatar account

A Gravatar (short for Globally Recognized Avatar) is a single profile picture that follows you from site to site, appearing beside your name when you do things like comment on a blog or post in a forum. Since most WordPress-related sites (including WordPress.org) use Gravatar, having one set up is essential for a professional online presence.

Why Use Gravatar?

• Consistency: Change your photo in one place, and it updates across millions of websites.

• Professionalism: It adds a face to your name in developer communities and comment sections.

• Ease of Use: It is owned by Automattic (the company behind WordPress.com), so it integrates seamlessly with the WordPress ecosystem.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Gravatar

1. Visit the Gravatar Website

   Go to Gravatar.com and click the "Create your Gravatar" button (or "Log In" if you already have a WordPress.com account).

2. Sign In or Create a WordPress.com Account

   Gravatar uses WordPress.com for its authentication system.

   • If you have a WordPress.com account: Simply log in with your existing credentials.

   • If you don't: Enter your email address, choose a username, and set a password.

   Important Note: To ensure your photo appears on your WordPress.org profile, you must use the exact same email address for both accounts.

3. Confirm Your Email

   Check your inbox for a confirmation email from WordPress.com. Click the "Activate Account" button to verify your identity.

4. Upload Your Image

   • Once logged in, click "Add a new image".

   • Choose a source: You can upload a file from your computer, use a URL, or even take a photo with your webcam.

   • Crop your photo: Gravatar will ask you to crop the image into a square.

5. Choose a Rating

   To ensure your image is appropriate for different audiences, you must select a rating:

   • G: Suitable for display on all websites with any audience type. (Recommended for most users).

   • PG, R, or X: For images that may contain offensive or adult content.

6. Verify the Link

   Your image is now associated with your email address. Any site that uses the Gravatar API (like a WordPress blog where you leave a comment) will now automatically pull this photo.

Managing Multiple Emails

If you use different email addresses for work and personal projects, you don't need multiple Gravatar accounts.

• Go to "My Gravatars" in your dashboard.

• Click "Add email address".

• After verifying the new email, you can assign either the same photo or a completely different one to that specific address.

Common Troubleshooting