Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Setup Guide for ReadyLaunch

Introduction

ReadyLaunch simplifies the process of launching your BuddyBoss site with a sleek, modern layout. It offers full control over your site’s branding, styling, sidebars, and menus, enabling you to create a visually cohesive and engaging community experience with minimal setup.

This guide walks you through the steps to quickly configure your site using BuddyBoss ReadyLaunch.

Note: Make sure the free BuddyBoss Platform plugin is installed and activated on your site. You can download the plugin through here: https://www.buddyboss.com/platform/.

Tutorial Video

Activation Settings

The Activation Settings allows you to enable ReadyLaunch and manage key backend configurations that shape your site’s structure and behavior.

Enabling ReadyLaunch

To activate ReadyLaunch, toggle the Enable ReadyLaunch switch under the ReadyLaunch > Activation Settings.

Setting up your Site Name

Setting your site name helps with SEO, brand identity,and consistent labeling across your site.

To add/edit your site name:

Navigate to the ReadyLaunch > Activation Settings > Site Name section
Enter your preferred site name (e.g., “ReadyLaunch Demo”).

Note: This matches the WordPress Site Title. Updating it will update it site-wide.

Configuring Platform Settings

You can easily access the Platform Settings section to adjust core functionality like activity feeds, groups, and moderation tools with ReadyLaunch. To do this:

Go to the ReadyLaunch > Activation Settings > Platform Settings section.
Click the Settings button beside each feature to configure.

Activity

The Activity Settings section in BuddyBoss allows you to fine-tune how members interact with activity posts and comments.

General Activity Settings

This section lets you control how activity posts behave across your community—what actions members can take, how posts appear, and how content is filtered.

Edit Activity: Define how long members can edit their posts using the dropdown (e.g., Forever).
Activity auto-refresh: Automatically refresh the feed to load new posts in real time.
Close comments: Allow users to disable comments on their own posts.
Pinned Post: Enable moderators and group owners to pin important posts.
Polls: Allow creation of polls in activity feeds.
Schedule posts: Let group owners schedule posts in advance.
Follow: Enable following other members to track their updates.
Link Previews: Automatically generate previews for shared links.
Relevant Activity: Limit visible activity to what’s relevant for the logged-in member.
Activity search: Enable a search bar for activity posts.

Activity feed filters: Select which filter types are available to users, such as All updates, My groups, or Mentions.
Profile timeline filters: Customize what types of activity appear on member profile timelines.
Activity sorting: Choose whether members can sort posts by New posts or Recent activity.

Activity Comments

Manage how users can interact with comments under activity posts, control structure, visibility, and editing permissions.

Enable comments: Allow members to comment on activity posts.
Comment threading: Enable nested replies and define how many levels deep replies can go.
Comment visibility: Limit how many comments appear by default (e.g., 3 comments per post).
Comments loading: Set how many additional comments load per request.
Edit Activity comments: Choose how long members can edit their own comments.

Posts in Activity Feeds

This section allows you to control which activities from the BuddyBoss Platform and WordPress will automatically publish posts in the activity feed.

BuddyBoss Platform: Enable triggers for actions like profile updates, group creation, forum discussions, etc.
WordPress: Choose whether to include a new blog post in the activity feed.
Enable WordPress Post comments in the activity feed: Allows members to comment on blog posts in the activity feed.

Activity Access

Specify which user roles (WordPress Role, Profile Type, Gamipress, Membership, or Gender ) are allowed to create activity posts. This gives you granular control over who can contribute to your site’s activity stream.

Activity Posts: Check the boxes next to roles (e.g., Editor, Customer, Group Leader) that should have permission to post in the activity feed.

Note: These settings do not apply to administrators or to activity within groups.

You can view the tutorials for Activity settings here: https://www.buddyboss.com/resources/docs/components/activity/

Profiles

The Profiles settings in BuddyBoss allow you to customize how member profiles appear and function across your site. From display names and avatars to cover images and member directories.

Profile Names

Control how member display names are formatted and presented throughout the platform.

Display Name Format: Choose the format (e.g., First Name & Last Name).
Display Name Fields: Select which fields are to be displayed. First Name, Last Name, Nickname.

Note: After changing the format, it is recommended to run the Repair Community Tools to apply updates site-wide.

Profile Links

Set how member profile URLs are generated and formatted.

Link Format: Choose between Username or Name for the profile slug structure (e.g., /members/username or /members/firstname-lastname).

Profile Images

Manage member avatar and cover image settings for a consistent profile appearance.

Profile Avatar: Select between BuddyBoss, or Avatar.
Upload Avatars: Enable or disable the ability for members to upload profile avatars.
Default Profile Avatars: Select between BuddyBoss, Legacy, Display Name, or Custom.
Enable Gravatars: Allow members to use Gravatar for profile photos.
Profile Cover Images: Enable cover image uploads on member profiles.
Default Profile Cover Image: Choose the fallback image for members who don’t upload a cover.
Upload Custom Avatar / Cover: Upload default images manually if desired.
Cover Image Size: Choose from available width and height settings (e.g., Default / Small).

Profile Headers

Customize how headers appear on member profiles and directories.

Header Style: Select between Left or Centered layout for profile headers.
Elements: Choose which elements to show, Online Status, Profile Type, Followers, Joined Date, etc.

Member Directories

Define how members are displayed in directories and what views are available.

Enabled View(s): Choose between Grid, List, or Both.
Default View: Select which view loads first (e.g., List).
Elements: Choose which elements to show
Profile Actions: Enable actions like Follow, Connect, and Send Message.
Primary Action: Select which action displays as the main button

Profile Types

Enable profile types to assign different fields and permissions based on user type.

Enable Profile Types: Toggle to enable unique types per member.
Display Profile Types: Show profile type on the member’s profile page.
Default Profile Type: Choose which type applies automatically during registration.

Note: After setting the default, run the Repair Community Tools to apply it to existing users.

Profile Search

Activate advanced search capabilities on the member directory.

Enable Profile Search: Toggle to allow users to filter members using advanced search options.

You can view the tutorials for Activity settings here: https://www.buddyboss.com/resources/docs/components/profiles/

Groups

The Groups Settings in the BuddyBoss Dashboard provides a centralized interface for managing all user-created groups on your site. From this panel, you can view, filter, sort, and perform bulk actions on groups, including editing descriptions, statuses, and group types.

You can view the tutorials for Activity settings here: https://www.buddyboss.com/resources/docs/components/groups/

Media

The Media Settings in BuddyBoss let you manage how members upload and interact with media files.

Photos

Manage photo upload permissions and limitations across various components.

Profiles: Enable members to upload photos and use albums in profile and activity posts.
Groups: Allow uploads in group activity posts, messages, and forums.
Messages: Allow photo uploads in private messages.
Forums: Enable photo uploads in forum discussions and replies.
Upload Size: Set the max upload file size per image (in MB).
Upload Limit: Set the number of images allowed per batch (e.g., 10 per batch).

Documents

Control document uploads in community components.

Profiles: Allow members to upload documents to their profiles and activity posts.
Groups: Enable uploads in groups, activity posts, messages, and forums.
Messages: Allow documents in private messages.
Forums: Permit document uploads in forums.
Upload Size: Set a maximum file size for document uploads (e.g., 15 MB).
Upload Limit: Specify how many documents can be uploaded at once.
File Extensions: Manage which file formats are allowed.

Videos

Configure how members can upload video files and define limitations.

Note: Server support for ffmpeg is required to auto-generate video thumbnails.

Profiles: Enable video uploads in profile and activity posts.
Groups: Allow uploads in group activity, messages, and forums.
Messages: Permit video uploads in private messages.
Forums: Enable video sharing in forum discussions and replies.
Upload Size: Set the file size limit (e.g., 30 MB).
Allowed Per Batch: Limit how many videos can be uploaded at once.
File Extensions: Configure allowed file types for video uploads.

Emoji

Allow members to enhance their conversations using emojis.

Profiles: Use emojis in profile activity posts.
Groups: Enable emojis in group activity, messages, and forums.
Messages: Allow emojis in private messages.
Forums: Enable emojis in forum discussions and replies.

Animated GIFs

Enable support for animated GIFs via GIPHY integration.

GIPHY API Key: Enter your API key from GIPHY.
Profiles: Allow animated GIFs in profile activity posts.
Groups: Enable GIFs in groups, messages, and forums.
Messages: Permit use in private messages.
Forums: Enable in forum replies and discussions.

Media Access

Set access permissions for uploading media by member roles.

Upload Photos: Select roles allowed to upload images.
Upload Documents: Assign document upload permissions by role.
Upload Videos: Define which roles can upload videos.

Note: These permissions do not apply to administrators or group media.

Media Security & Performance

Improve media handling and protect files on your server.

Symbolic Links: Enable or disable symbolic links used to optimize media file storage.
Direct Access: Prevent direct file access to improve media file security.

You can view the tutorials for Activity settings here: https://www.buddyboss.com/resources/docs/components/media/

Moderation Settings

The Moderation Settings in BuddyBoss allow site administrators to manage member behavior and content reporting.

Member Moderation

Member Blocking: Enable this to allow members to block others.
Member Reporting: Enable this to let members report others who violate site policies.
Auto Suspend: Automatically suspend members after a certain number of blocks and reports.
Email Notification: Notify administrators via email whenever a member has been auto-suspended.

Content Reporting

This section allows admins to define which types of content can be reported and auto-hidden once they reach a report threshold.

Content Types Available for Reporting:
Enable and configure auto-hide settings for any of the following:
- Activity posts
- Activity Comments
- Groups
- Standalone Forums
- Forum Discussions
- Forum Replies
- Documents
- Photos
- Videos
- Blog Comments
Email Notification: Notify administrators when reported content is automatically hidden from view.
Reporting Categories: Customize and manage the list of reporting categories used by members on the frontend by clicking Manage.

You can view the tutorials for Activity settings here: https://www.buddyboss.com/resources/docs/components/moderation/

Styles

The Style Settings section in ReadyLaunch allows you to customize your community’s branding by adjusting appearance modes, logos, and primary theme colors.

Branding

Choosing Your Site’s Appearance

You can choose between light, dark, or user-controlled appearance modes to match your brand’s identity. To do this:

Go to ReadyLaunch > Styles > Branding > Appearance.
Select from:
- Light Mode – Enables you to upload a dedicated logo optimized for light-themed interfaces. You can also configure a primary color specifically for Light Mode to maintain visual consistency.

Dark Mode – Allows you to upload a logo tailored for dark-themed interfaces. Additionally, you can define a primary color for Dark Mode to enhance readability and aesthetic alignment.

User Preference – When this option is selected, you can upload separate logos for both Light and Dark Modes. It also enables the configuration of distinct primary colors for each mode, allowing the interface to adapt dynamically based on the user’s system preferences.

When User Preference is enabled, site members can choose their preferred appearance mode by following these steps:

On the site’s frontend, click the profile image to open the profile dropdown menu.
Select Theme from the dropdown options.
Choose between Light Mode or Dark Mode.

This setting allows users to personalize their visual experience based on individual preference.

Uploading the Site’s Logo

You can easily upload your site’s logo by doing the following:

In the ReadyLaunch > Styles > Branding > Logo section, you may upload the following depending on the Appearance style that you have chosen.

Light mode logo – It is recommended to use a dark-colored logo,
Dark mode logo – It is recommended to use a light-colored logo,

Use Replace to change the file or Remove to delete it.

Notes:

Use a 280×80 px logo image
The file formats should either be JPG or PNG

Choosing Theme Color

Define your site’s color scheme with a single primary color to unify button and link styles. This will be applied to buttons, links, and interactive elements. To do this:

Go to the ReadyLaunch > Styles > Branding > Theme Color
Select the color of your brand or enter its hex color (e.g., #3E34FF).

Note: This will be applied to buttons, links, and interactive elements.

Pages and Sidebars

The Pages & Sidebars section in BuddyBoss ReadyLaunch allows you to control the styling of specific pages and manage which sidebar widgets appear across different sections of your site.

Configuring Sidebar Widgets

Enable contextual widgets to help users navigate or interact with different areas of your community. To do this:

Go to the ReadyLaunch > Pages & Sidebars > Sidebar Widgets and configure the following:

Activity Feed

These widgets appear alongside the activity feed and provide discovery and engagement opportunities.

Toggle widgets you want visible on the activity feed:

Complete Profile
Latest Updates
Recent Blog Posts
Active Members

Activity Feed Widgets

Member Profile

These widgets appear on individual profile pages and offer users personalized options.

Toggle widgets for the member profile page:

Complete Profile
Connections
My Network (Follow/Followers)

Member Profile Widgets

Group

Widgets in this area provide information about the group and help users discover members.

Toggle widgets on the group single page:

About Group
Group Members

Group Widgets

Note: The available widget options depend on which BuddyBoss components are enabled on your site. For instance, if the Social Groups component is disabled, any group-related widgets will not appear in the ReadyLaunch settings.

Menus

The Menu Settings section in allows you to manage navigation menus for both the header and sidebar areas of your community site.

Setting Header Menu

Choose the menu that appears in your site’s main navigation bar at the top of your site..

Go to the ReadyLaunch > Menus > Menu Settings > Header.
Choose the type of menu that you want to use as your Header menu. (e.g., ReadyLaunch Menu).

You can also create or update your menu by going into your WordPress Dashboard > Appearance > Menus, or by clicking the Menu hyperlink.

Header Menu

Configuring Side Menu

Control what appears in the sidebar and allow reordering to improve user experience.

Under the ReadyLaunch > Menus > Menu Settings > Side section, enable or disable sidebar links using the toggles:
- Activity Feed
- Members
- Groups
- Courses
- Forums
- Messages
- Notifications

Use the drag-and-drop handles to reorder items as needed.

Side Menu

Adding Custom Side Menu Links

Insert new links to internal or external pages to expand your navigation.

Scroll down to the ReadyLaunch > Menus > Menu Settings > Link section and click + Add New Link.
Provide the Label and URL for your custom link.
- Example 1:
  - Label: Test Link
  - URL: https://www.google.com

Edit or delete links anytime using the icons beside each link.

Custom Link Menu

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: I enabled ReadyLaunch, but the layout didn’t change.
A: Make sure your pages are assigned and that no other theme or plugin is overriding your styles.

Q: The logo is not displaying correctly.
A: Ensure you uploaded a logo sized for visibility (280×80 px) and that it contrasts well with your selected theme mode.

Q: Sidebar widgets aren’t showing.
A: Confirm you’ve enabled widgets in the corresponding sections under “Pages and Widgets.”

Q: Primary color is not applying to buttons or links.
A: Double-check that you’ve used a valid hex code, and clear your site cache if using a caching plugin.

Q: Can I control which menu items appear on mobile only?
A: ReadyLaunch doesn’t have mobile-specific visibility controls by default, but you can use custom CSS or a child theme for advanced behavior.

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