Meet the All-New User Directory in WP User Frontend

We’ve got big news – the User Directory module has been completely revamped! It’s faster, smarter, and more beautiful than ever. Now, you can turn your WordPress site into a thriving community hub where members, contributors, and professionals truly shine.

Whether you’re building a membership platform, alumni network, or professional directory, the new User Directory makes it easier to showcase your users and help visitors connect with them. Best of all, you can design and customize everything with just a few clicks, no coding required.

Our developers poured their hearts into creating an all-in-one directory solution, and we hope their hard work makes your life easier. Let’s take a closer look at everything you’ll get with the updated User Directory.

Experience a Modern, Faster, and Smarter User Directory

The all-new User Directory isn’t just a facelift; it’s a complete upgrade designed to make your community-building effortless. Here’s how it transforms your site into a dynamic, people-first platform:

• Faster Registration: Onboard new users smoothly with intuitive forms and instant profile creation.
• Modern Design: Clean, stylish layouts that make your directory look fresh and professional.
• Smarter Filtering: Help visitors find exactly who they’re looking for with seamless browsing and precise search.
• Better Engagement: Encourage interaction with rich profiles, custom fields, and beautiful user showcases.
• Gutenberg Compatibility: Customize your directory right inside the block editor with full visual control.
• Setup Wizard: Go live in minutes with step-by-step guidance, no tech skills required.
• Multiple Layouts: Choose from flexible directory and profile designs that fit your site perfectly.

With these updates, your directory isn’t just functional, it’s engaging, interactive, and built for scale.

Sneak Peek: See the Revamped User Directory in Action

The new User Directory isn’t just functional, it’s visually engaging and intuitive. Get a first look at the all-new User Directory, redesigned with modern layouts and a sleek interface to make browsing profiles effortless. Here’s what you can expect when you explore it:

1. Guided Setup Wizard

Before, you had to manually drag and drop fields to start building your directory, with little guidance along the way. Now, the setup wizard walks you through the entire directory and profile creation process step by step. This makes everything much easier and faster.

Learn: How to Use the Directory Setup Wizard

2. Multiple Modern Layouts

The new User Directory gives you six sleek options to showcase profiles on the directory page. Pick from Table, Card Grid, Round Grid, Square Grid, or Minimal Grid layouts. Each one is built to blend seamlessly with your site while keeping a modern, stylish look.

WP User Frontend User Directory also comes with three modern layouts to showcase the profile content you have. You can choose the right layout for your needs when building the directory, using the setup wizard.

3. Sleek Profile Page

Showcase user photos, highlight essential details, and present all fields in a clean, professional layout that’s easy to scan. Each profile is organized for clarity, ensuring visitors can quickly find the information they need while enjoying a modern, polished design.

4. Instant Search and Filters

With AJAX-powered search, results update in real-time as visitors type, reducing wait times and the need for endless scrolling. Role-based filters enable users to narrow down the list to exactly who they’re looking for. The result? A smooth, frustration-free browsing experience that keeps visitors engaged.

5. Responsive Design Across Devices

Your directory needs to look great, no matter how people access it. That’s why every template is built to adapt seamlessly across desktops, tablets, and smartphones. No squished layouts, no awkward scrolling, just a clean, professional presentation that feels natural on any screen size.

6. Custom Profile Field Control

Show exactly the information you want on each profile, from bios and skills to social links and gallery images. No two communities are alike, so your directory should reflect what matters most to yours. Choose exactly which details to highlight and how they’re displayed, giving your directory a personalized feel that speaks directly to your audience.

7. Predefined Gutenberg Blocks

Building a user directory has never been this easy. WPUF now has 15+ predefined Gutenberg blocks that let you drop in directories or individual profile components in just a few clicks. You don’t need design skills or coding knowledge; simply drag, drop, and publish. It’s the fastest way to add a sleek, functional directory to any page of your site using WordPress.

8. Granular Customization with Blocks

Want to go beyond the standard setup? Granular customization with blocks gives you the flexibility to design your directory exactly the way you envision it. Rearrange layouts, emphasize certain profile fields, or create unique sections tailored to your community’s needs. Every detail can be fine-tuned.

9. Migrator for Old Directories

Already using an older User Directory? No worries. The built-in migrator lets you carry over your existing roles and meta fields without breaking your setup. When you update, you’ll see a notice to run the upgrader. Click it, and the migration runs in the background. For your data safety, we strongly recommend creating a full backup before starting the process.

With this sneak peek, it’s clear: the new User Directory isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a whole new experience for your users.

Why the Revamped Directory Makes Your Site More Valuable

A directory isn’t just a list of names; it’s the backbone of your community. With the revamped User Directory, you can finally give users the experience they deserve while boosting the value of your site. Here’s what this update unlocks for you:

• Build Trust Instantly: Professional profile layouts make your site feel credible and reliable.
• Stronger Community Engagement: Rich profiles, modern vibe, and smooth navigation encourage users to connect, browse, and stay active.
• Frictionless Discovery: Advanced search and filters mean no more endless scrolling; visitors can find exactly who they need in seconds.
• Fits Any Niche: From membership sites and alumni networks to business directories and marketplaces, the User Directory adapts to your vision.

In short, the new directory isn’t just about displaying users, it’s about helping your community thrive.

How the New Directory Looks Compared to the Old One

The new User Directory is more modern, intuitive, and visually appealing than the old version. From sleek layouts to responsive profiles, every detail has been redesigned to make browsing and managing your directory faster and easier.

Before

Previously, when you navigated to User Frontend > User Listing, the directory creation page felt cluttered. With so many options in front of you, it was easy to get confused about where to start and what to do next.

• Cluttered interface with too many elements.
• No clear guidance on the first step.
• Overwhelming for beginners to navigate.
• Required guesswork instead of a guided process.
• Lacked a smooth, step-by-step flow.

Now

Now, the new design fixes those UX issues. When you go to User Frontend > User Directory, you’ll see a clean, organized page with a list of all your existing directories. Clicking [+ New Directory] opens an intuitive setup wizard that guides you step by step, making the process simple and smooth.

• Modern layouts that look sleek, professional, and customizable.
• A guided setup wizard that gets your directory live in minutes.
• Smart filtering and real-time search for effortless discovery.
• Responsive design that looks perfect on any device.
• Editor blocks compatibility for easy drag-and-drop customization.

We’ve reimagined the User Directory from the ground up, and the difference speaks for itself.

How to Start Using the New User Directory Today

The User Directory module is Getting your new User Directory up and running is easy, even if you’re not a tech expert. Follow these simple steps:

1. Install the Plugin: Download and install WP User Frontend Pro from your account dashboard.
2. Enable the Module: Go to User Frontend → Modules in your WordPress dashboard and activate the User Directory module.
3. Configure Your Settings: Customize fields, templates, and permissions to fit your site’s needs. You can control what shows on each profile, which roles are included, and more.
4. Add Your Directory to a Page: Use the shortcode [wpuf_user_listing id="xxxx"] on any page to display your directory instantly.
5. Optional: Use the Gutenberg Block: For full visual control, use the User Directory blocks. Preview changes in real-time and customize layouts without touching code.

With just a few clicks, your directory is live, looking professional, and ready for your community to explore.

Read the detailed doc here: How to Use the User Directory Module

Frequently Asked Questions About the All-New User Directory

Here are answers to the most common questions about the revamped User Directory:

1. How do I enable or access the new User Directory after updating?
Navigate to User Frontend → Modules in your WordPress dashboard and activate the User Directory module. All the new features and settings will appear under the User Directory submenu.

2. Is it compatible with my existing WP User Frontend setup?
Yes! Your current shortcodes and setup will keep working. Old layouts are replaced with modern, visually appealing designs.

To keep your existing user roles and meta fields, we’ve added a migration system. You’ll see a notice for the upgrader. Click it, and the process runs in the background. A new item will appear in the User Directory menu, without affecting your existing directory.

Note: For your data safety, we strongly recommend creating a full backup before running the migration.

3. Can I display custom user fields in the directory and profiles?
Absolutely! Add unlimited custom fields from the backend and choose exactly which fields appear in listings and on individual profiles.

4. How can I control which users appear in the directory?

• During setup, select which roles to include or exclude using a simple dropdown menu.
• If you use shortcodes, add parameters like roles_include="role1,role2" or roles_exclude="role1,role2".
• With the Gutenberg block, control roles directly from the block’s settings panel.

5. Are the new templates responsive and mobile-friendly?
Yes! All directory and profile templates are fully responsive, so your users look great on every device.

6. Do I need coding knowledge to set up the User Directory?
Not at all. The directory is beginner-friendly, with intuitive settings, Gutenberg blocks, and shortcodes — no coding required.

Build Your Perfect User Directory Today

With WP User Frontend’s revamped User Directory module, bringing your community, team, or members into the spotlight has never been easier.

From beautiful profile layouts and real-time search to role-based filtering and responsive design, every feature is built to help your users connect and your site shine. Whether you’re creating a membership platform, professional network, or volunteer directory, the new User Directory gives you full control.

Ready to elevate your community? Update or get WP User Frontend Pro Today and start building your modern, engaging User Directory in minutes.