How to create a WordPress.org user account

A WordPress.org account (often called a WordPress.org Profile) is your gateway to the global WordPress community. This account is separate from any specific website you might own and is used to participate in forums, leave reviews for plugins and themes, contribute to the open-source project, and manage your developer profile.

Before You Begin: The "Dot-Org" Difference

It is important to distinguish between the two versions of WordPress to ensure you are in the right place:

• WordPress.org (Self-Hosted): This is where you download the free WordPress software to install on your own web hosting. The account you create here is for community participation (forums, Slack, and the Plugin/Theme Directory).

• WordPress.com (Hosted): This is a service that hosts your website for you. If you want to start a blog or website immediately without buying separate hosting, you likely want a WordPress.com account.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Visit the Registration Page

   Navigate to the official registration link: login.wordpress.org/register.

2. Choose Your Credentials

   • Username: Pick a unique name. Note that this cannot be changed later and will be public on the forums and in any contributions you make.

   • Email Address: Use a valid email address. This is where your activation link will be sent.

3. Confirm the Privacy Policy

   Read and check the box to agree to the WordPress.org Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

4. Create Account

   Click the Create Account button. You will see a message confirming that an email has been sent to you.

5. Activate Your Account

   • Open your email inbox and look for a message from WordPress.org.

   • Click the activation link inside the email.

   • You will be redirected to a page to set your password. Choose a strong, secure password.

Next Steps: Enhancing Your Profile

Once your account is active, you can personalize it to better engage with the community:

• Set a Profile Picture (Gravatar): WordPress.org uses Gravatar to display your photo. If you don't have one, visit Gravatar.com and sign up using the same email address as your WordPress.org account.

• Fill Out Your Bio: Go to your profile (click your username in the top right) and select Edit Profile. Here you can add your job title, location, website link, and a short bio.

• Join the Slack Channel: If you plan on contributing to WordPress development or design, you can use your WordPress.org credentials to join the Making WordPress Slack at chat.wordpress.org.

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