PatternSkinCssCookbook Recipe: Hide action buttons

This recipe shows how to hide the action buttons for unauthorised and/or guest users: (Edit, Attach ...)

Note that the solutions in thic cookbook do not hide links to missing topics and unknown WikiWords.

There are two options:

Hide buttons for logged in, but unauthorized users

This is the recommended approach. Edit buttons will be visible for guests, and will be hidden if a logged in user does not have access. This is the most "friendly" approach in that a guest can click any button (for ex. edit or attach) and will be prompted to log in.

This line loads the extra style definition: 
   * Set USERSTYLEURL = %PUBURLPATH%/%SYSTEMWEB%/PatternSkinCssCookbookHideActions/hideunauthaction.css

Hide buttons for guests, and for unauthorized users

This requires guests to find and click the login button to authenticate before the buttons become visible.

TIP Note: This is not a good way to prevent search engines from following edit links. The buttons are present, but are hidden using CSS.

This line loads the extra style definition: 
   * Set USERSTYLEURL = %PUBURLPATH%/%SYSTEMWEB%/PatternSkinCssCookbookHideActions/hideguestaction.css

You can write this line in DefaultPreferences, in SitePreferences, in WebPreferences, in your user topic or on a single page.

Alternative CSS

Another option is to leave the buttons present, but disabled. The following CSS sets the opacity to 50%, and disables the button. 
/* Hide action buttons for guests, and for logged in users without change permission */
.foswikiHasNoChangePermission.foswikiLoggedIn .foswikiRequiresChangePermission {
   pointer-events: none;
   cursor: default;
   opacity: 0.5;
  }
.foswikiHasNoChangePermission.foswikiGuest .foswikiRequiresChangePermission {
   pointer-events: none;
   cursor: default;
   opacity: 0.5;
  }