Here are the Vanilla options for displaying profile photos.
Default Avatars
In the Dashboard under Appearance > Avatars you can set a default image that will display if a user does not upload a profile photo.
Here are a few samples that you can use (ctrl + click to save) :
On this page, you’ll also see a setting that will give users permission upload their own:
Gravatar
Gravatar is a global profile picture service run by Automattic (the people behind WordPress). If the Gravatar plugin is enabled, Vanilla will display a user’s Gravatar if they have one. Many people have created a Gravatar over the years when registering on a website built on Wordpress.
Vanillicons
Vanillicon is a plugin that can be used to create a unique profile image for each user. It combines colors and elements of a smiley face to create a unique icon. The Vanillicon plugin can be enabled in the Dashboard.
Avatar Pool
Allows you to upload a custom set of Avatars your users can choose from. With this you can limit users from uploading their own profile pictures, or give them either/or options here.
Passing Profile Photos via SSO
If you have implemented single-sign-on from your website or app to Vanilla, you can pass a URL to a profile photo. This URL will be updated each time the user signs in so that if the profile photo is changed on your end, it will update in Vanilla.
Social Logins
If your members are registering using social logins (ex, Facebook) the profile photo from that service will be used as the profile photo. Note, by default a user will not be able to change the photo in Vanilla if it has been passed via a social login.
How Members Update their Profile Photo
Updating a profile photo is as simple as hovering over the profile photo and clicking on ‘Change Picture’. Moderators and Admins can also change a member’s profile pic.
Ranks
Regardless of which one you choose, you can also control Avatars to a degree with ranks. Some forums only allow lower level ranks to choose from the default options and only allow higher ranking members to choose their own.
