In Higher Logic Vanilla (Vanilla), spoofing allows Admin-level users to "impersonate" other users in order to experience the Vanilla community as that user would.
This is beneficial for troubleshooting an issue or a strange behavior that might arise for non-Admin users, but which Admins don't experience due to their permissions.
By logging in to the community as a non-Admin user, an Admin can experience an issue or strange behavior first-hand and not have to rely solely on a user's notes or explanations.
📝 NOTE: The spoofing feature is enabled by default in all Vanilla accounts.
Permissions limitations
When you spoof a user, you will be experiencing your Vanilla community as that user and, as such, you will be limited by that user's permissions.
You will be able to access, see, and do only those things that the spoofed user can access, see, and do, based on their permissions.
Spoof a user
- Navigate to Moderation > Site > Users.
- Click the Spoof icon (see image below) next to the user you want to spoof.
At the confirmation prompt, click Okay.
You are now experiencing your Vanilla community as though you are the spoofed user.
End a spoofing session
In order to end your spoofing session, you must sign out of Vanilla.
📝 NOTE: Log back in with your own credentials in order to access your Admin account. You cannot "cancel" the spoofing session by spoofing yourself.
🛑 WARNING: Do not attempt a second-level spoof, either as another user or as yourself to reclaim your own user experience.
