Alphabet Avatars

Alphabet Avatars gives registered users colorful SVG initials when they don’t have a local profile photo - a polished look without depending on Gravatar.

Requires an active WP PowerSuite license.

What it does

When enabled, it:

• Filters get_avatar to output a base64 SVG of the user’s initials.
• Lets you choose letter source, background (random per user or one custom color), shape, and letter size.
• Defers to local / uploaded avatars so Local User Avatar (and similar) still win.
• Adds “Alphabet Avatar (Initials)” as an option under Settings -> Discussion default avatars.
• Leaves guest commenters on the site’s Discussion default avatar.

When to use it

Enable it if:

• You want consistent member/author avatars without Gravatar accounts.
• Membership or community sites need readable initials in lists and comments.
• You’re okay with SVG data-URI images instead of remote Gravatar URLs.

When not to use it

Caution

Leave it off or expect deferral if:

• Everyone already has Local User Avatar uploads - initials won’t show for those users.
• You need photo avatars from Google/GitHub only - use those modules’ store-avatar options instead (or together; local still wins).
• Theme CSS assumes square raster Gravatars - test shape/size in your theme.

Settings

Open Settings under WP PowerSuite -> Modules -> Alphabet Avatars:

Setting	Purpose	Default
Letter source (letter_source)	first_last, full_name, username, or display_name.	first_last
Background (bg_mode)	random (per user) or custom.	random
Custom color (custom_color)	Hex when background is custom.	#3498db
Shape (shape)	circle, rounded, or square.	circle
Letter size (size)	small or regular (relative to the avatar).	regular

A live preview of your own avatar appears in the settings panel.

How to enable it

1. Confirm an active license.
2. WP PowerSuite -> Modules -> Alphabet Avatars - turn on.
3. Open Settings, pick letter source / colors / shape, save.

How to test it

• View a registered user without a local avatar (Users list, comments, or admin bar). ✅ Working: colored initials SVG.

Upload a photo via Local User Avatar.

• ✅ Working: photo shows; initials do not override it.

As a guest, leave a comment - site Discussion default should still apply.

Troubleshooting

• Still seeing Gravatar. User may resolve as a guest, or another plugin filters get_avatar later. Confirm the module is on and licensed.
• Wrong letters. Change Letter source (e.g. username vs first + last).
• Local photo missing but initials show. Expected until a local avatar is set; Google avatar meta may still apply depending on other modules’ priority.
• Admin bar looks off. Module injects small admin-bar CSS; hard-refresh.

FAQ

Do Alphabet Avatars replace uploaded profile photos?

No. Local User Avatar uploads and other non-Gravatar avatars set via get_avatar_data take priority; initials are a fallback.

Do guest commenters get initials?

No. Guest commenters still use the site default avatar from Settings -> Discussion. Registered users without a local photo see initials.

Can I use one brand color for everyone?

Yes. Set Background to Custom color and choose a hex value.

Where do the letters come from?

From Letter source: first + last name (recommended), full name, username, or display name.

Developer notes (hooks & filters)

Source: modules/alphabet-avatars/module.php. Boot: display. Context: both. License required for hooks.

• get_avatar priority 10 - initials fallback; defers when shouldDeferToExistingAvatar() detects a local/non-Gravatar URL via get_avatar_data args.
• avatar_defaults - adds alphabet -> “Alphabet Avatar (Initials)”.
• admin_head / wp_head - admin bar sizing styles.
• SVG served as data:image/svg+xml;base64,....
• Local User Avatar / Google Sign-in typically use higher-priority or get_avatar_data paths so photos win.

Related modules

• Local User Avatar
• Google Sign-in