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Replacing the Default Dashboard

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Plugin: Bright Dashboard Pro
Category: Access & Visibility

One of the best ways to simplify the WordPress experience for your clients is to hide the standard dashboard entirely. This prevents them from seeing the cluttered “At a Glance,” “Quick Draft,” and “WordPress Events” widgets that often cause confusion.

1. How the Replacement Works

When you enable this feature, Bright Dashboard Pro removes the default Dashboard > Home menu item for any user who has access to a custom dashboard.

Instead of seeing the standard WP widgets, the user is encouraged to use your branded Client Dashboard as their primary workspace.

2. Enable Dashboard Replacement

This is a global setting that affects both the Client and Admin environments.

  1. Navigate to Bright Dashboard > Dashboard Settings.
  2. Click on the Global Settings tab.
  3. Locate the Hide Default Dashboard toggle.
  4. Switch it to ON.
  5. Click Save Changes.

3. What the User Sees

  • The “Dashboard” menu item in the sidebar still exists, but the “Home” sub-menu is removed.
  • The main “Dashboard” link now directs the user to their custom assigned dashboard (if redirects are enabled).
  • If a user tries to access `/wp-admin/index.php` directly, they are redirected to their custom dashboard.

Important: This setting only applies to users who have been granted access to a custom dashboard. Administrators will still be able to access the standard WordPress dashboard if needed to ensure they can manage core site functions.

4. Pro Tip: The Cleanest UX

For the ultimate white-labeled experience, combine these three settings:

  1. Enable Login Redirect: Sends them to your dashboard immediately on login.
  2. Hide Default Dashboard: Removes the standard WP clutter.
  3. Renaming Dashboard Labels: Changes “Client Dashboard” to simply “Dashboard.”