Gallery Access Types
Access Type is a per-gallery setting that adds an extra layer of control over who can view your gallery images. While Gallery Type determines the primary access method (public, password, or private), Access Type lets you add requirements like requiring a login, an email address, or restricting access to only people with the direct link.
How to Set It Up
- Go to Sunshine > Galleries and create or edit a gallery
- In the General Options tab, find the Access Type setting
- Choose one of the four options described below
- Save the gallery
Access Type Options
Default
No additional access restrictions beyond the gallery type. If the gallery is public, anyone can view it. If it's password-protected, anyone with the password can view it.
This is the standard setting for most galleries.
Registered and Logged In
Visitors must have a WordPress account on your site and be logged in to view the gallery. If they aren't logged in, they'll be prompted to log in or register before they can see the images.
Use this when you want to know exactly who is viewing a gallery. It works well combined with the Default gallery type — the gallery appears in your listings, but visitors must log in before viewing the images.
Provide Email Address
Visitors must enter their email address before viewing the gallery. The email is stored in their browser session, so they only need to enter it once per visit.
Use this when you want to collect contact information from people viewing your galleries. This is a lighter-weight alternative to requiring a full account — visitors don't need to create a password or remember login credentials.
Direct URL
The gallery is hidden from all gallery listings and can only be accessed by someone who has the exact URL. It won't appear on your main galleries page, in search results, or in any gallery navigation — even for logged-in users. Only administrators see it in listings.
Use this when you want to share a gallery link directly with a client (via email, text, etc.) without it being discoverable on your site. This is useful for proofing galleries or surprise events where you don't want other visitors stumbling onto the gallery.
How Access Types Interact with Gallery Types
Access Type and Gallery Type work together. Gallery Type is checked first, then Access Type adds its requirement on top.
| Gallery Type | Access Type | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Default | Default | Fully public — no restrictions |
| Default | Account | Gallery is listed, but must log in to view images |
| Default | Gallery is listed, but must provide email to view images | |
| Default | Direct URL | Gallery is hidden from listings, accessible only via direct link |
| Password | Default | Gallery is listed, must enter password to view |
| Password | Gallery is listed, must enter password and email | |
| Private | Default | Gallery is hidden from non-allowed users, allowed users see it after login |
| Private | Direct URL | Gallery is hidden from everyone, allowed users can access via direct link |
Notes
- Administrators always bypass all access restrictions and can view any gallery while logged in.
- Email and password sessions last up to 7 days by default, so returning visitors may not need to re-enter their information within that window.
- The Direct URL access type only hides the gallery from listings. It does not add password protection — anyone with the link can view it. If you need both hidden listings and password protection, combine Direct URL with the Password Protected gallery type.
- Access Type settings apply per gallery. There is no global default — each gallery starts with Default access type.
- For comprehensive protection, combine access types with watermarks and image protection settings.
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