How can I create a custom post type with specific capabilities in WordPress?

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Q&A Network · Accepted Answer

Creating a custom post type in WordPress allows you to extend the functionality of your site by adding new content types with specific capabilities. This can be achieved by using the `register_post_type` function in your theme's `functions.php` file or a custom plugin.

function my_custom_post_type() {
        $args = array(
            'label'  => 'Books',
            'public' => true,
            'capability_type' => 'book',
            'map_meta_cap' => true,
            'capabilities' => array(
                'publish_posts' => 'publish_books',
                'edit_posts' => 'edit_books',
                'edit_others_posts' => 'edit_others_books',
                'delete_posts' => 'delete_books',
                'delete_others_posts' => 'delete_others_books',
                'read_private_posts' => 'read_private_books',
                'edit_post' => 'edit_book',
                'delete_post' => 'delete_book',
                'read_post' => 'read_book',
            ),
            'supports' => array('title', 'editor', 'thumbnail'),
        );
        register_post_type('book', $args);
    }
    add_action('init', 'my_custom_post_type');

ADDITIONAL COMMENT:

Replace "book" and "Books" with your desired post type name and label.
  Ensure you define the capabilities in your user roles to manage access properly.
  Consider using a plugin like "User Role Editor" to manage custom capabilities easily.
  Test your custom post type thoroughly to ensure it behaves as expected.

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How can I create a custom post type with specific capabilities in WordPress?

Asked on Jan 14, 2026

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