Category: WordPress • Est. reading time: 2 minutes
Settings > Writing controls what happens when you create a post. It is a short screen these days, so do not expect much. Older guides online still show emoticon and XHTML options here; WordPress removed those, so if you do not see them, nothing is wrong with your install.
The Fields
Default Post Category. The category assigned to a post if you forget to pick one. Most people only ever touch this setting.
Default Post Format. Used by themes that support post formats to style different kinds of posts. Only appears if your theme supports it.
Post via e-mail. An advanced, rarely used feature that lets you publish by sending email to a secret address. It needs a dedicated mail account, and most people can safely ignore it.
Update Services. A list of services WordPress pings when you publish, to announce new content. This only helps if your site is public, so make sure “Discourage search engines” is unchecked on the Reading screen.
Our advice: for most sites, set your Default Post Category and leave the rest alone.
Want a Hand With This?
We cover all of it in our live, one-on-one Learn How to Use WordPress classes. Grab a spot at allydrez.com/learn-how-to-use-wordpress, or reach us at support@allydrez.com or 1-321-209-2004.