Enabling Modules

This is where Switchboard really shines. You pick exactly what you need, turn it on, and it works. Let’s cover how.

Two Types of Modules#

Toggle Modules

These are simple on/off features. Click the toggle switch, and they start working immediately. No settings to configure.

Examples: Hide WP Version, Disable XML-RPC, Remove Query Strings

Settings Modules

These have configurable options. You’ll see a gear icon next to the toggle. Click it to open the settings panel.

Examples: Reading Time (set words-per-minute), Table of Contents (choose heading levels), Admin Logo (upload your logo)

Enabling a Module#

1. Find the module you want (search or browse categories)
2. Click the toggle switch to turn it on
3. If there’s a gear icon, click it to configure settings
4. Click Save in the settings panel

That’s it. The module is now active.

The Settings Panel#

When you click the gear icon, a slide-out panel appears with:

• Module name and description
• All available settings
• Save button

Settings vary by module. Some have toggles, some have text fields, some have dropdowns. Each setting includes a description so you know what it does.

After making changes, click Save. The panel confirms your settings are saved.

Settings Are Preserved#

Here’s something useful: disabling a module doesn’t delete its settings.

Turn off Reading Time today, turn it back on next month — your words-per-minute setting is still there. No need to reconfigure.

This only changes if you explicitly clear the module’s data (covered in Global Settings).

Shortcodes#

Some modules give you shortcodes to use in your content. You’ll see these in the settings panel, usually with copy buttons.

For example, the Reading Time module provides:

[reading_time]
[reading_time format="short"]

Click to copy, paste into your post or page.

Where Does It Work?#

Each module card has a “Where to Find” section when expanded. This tells you:

• Frontend — visitors see it on your site
• Admin — works in WordPress dashboard
• Automatic — runs in the background, nothing to see

For example:

• Reading Time → Frontend (shows on posts)
• Admin Logo → Admin (changes login page)
• Disable XML-RPC → Automatic (just blocks the endpoint)

Best Practices#

Start small. Enable 2-3 modules you definitely need. Make sure they work as expected. Then add more.

Check the frontend. After enabling a module, visit your site to see it in action. Some modules only appear on certain pages or post types.

Read the description. Each module explains what it does. If you’re unsure, the “Use Cases” section gives practical examples.

Use favorites. If you manage multiple sites with similar needs, favorite your go-to modules. Makes setup faster next time.

Bulk Enable/Disable#

In the header, you’ll find “Enable All” and “Disable All” buttons. Use these carefully — they affect every module.

More useful is the preset system:

1. Set up modules how you like them
2. Go to Settings → Export
3. Save the configuration file

Now you can import this setup on other sites. Great for agencies or developers with a standard toolkit.

Ready to explore plugin-wide options? Check out Global Settings.