=== Display Category and Taxonomy List ===
Contributors: arosh019
Tags: category list, category image, term image, categories, taxonomy list
Tested up to: 7.1
Requires at least: 6.5
Requires PHP: 8.2
Stable tag: 2.0.0
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html 

Display categories and custom taxonomy terms in a responsive image grid with customizable layouts, sorting, and display options.

== Description ==

**Display Category and Taxonomy List** is a clean and flexible plugin for showcasing WordPress categories or any custom taxonomy in a grid layout. It's perfect for blogs, directories, WooCommerce stores, and content-heavy websites that want a more visual, engaging way to organize taxonomies.

🏆 **Core Features (Free Version):**
- Display categories or custom taxonomy terms using `[dcatl_category_list]`
- Set featured images for terms (categories, tags, or any custom taxonomy)
- Multiple layout styles with responsive design
- Custom wrapper height and auto height options
- Background image auto sizing for clean layout
- Title and button hover color options
- Title hover effect for interactive UI
- Counter badge with color and font customization
- Show or hide title, description, button, and counter individually
- Flexible design options: overlay color, font size, font color, box shadows
- Range sliders for spacing, height, and layout control
- Clean wrapper and item structure for easy design control
- Padding and margin settings for main wrapper and content area
- Sorting options and taxonomy selection via settings
- Built-in media queries for mobile responsiveness
- Button design controls including font size, background color, and padding

🌟 **Get More with [Premium Version](https://dcatl.diviaccessories.com/):**
Unlock full design flexibility and pro-level controls:
- Multiple taxonomy display
- Slider, Mosaic, and advanced Grid layouts
- Advanced layout modes & transitions
- Elementor & block editor support
- Priority support & regular updates
- Export/import settings
- Enable/disable plugin stylesheet
- Content length control
- Custom "Read More" text.
- Child item depth control (e.g. 2nd, 3rd level)
- Additional sorting and ordering controls
- Title position control (top/bottom)
- Image, icon, or color for terms
- Special button icon
- Display selected terms only
- Custom counter position
- Tree view with vertical/horizontal layouts
- Multi-line or single-line display
- Multiple Image hover effects

👉 **[Upgrade to Premium](https://dcatl.diviaccessories.com/)** and unlock all features!

== How It Works ==

1. Go to the **Category** section and add a term image.
2. Go to the **Category List** menu in your WordPress admin.
3. Configure the layout, design, and display settings. *(In the free version, you can use one taxonomy item.)*
4. Add `[dcatl_category_list]` to any page, post, or widget.
5. The plugin will automatically display taxonomy terms based on your settings.

👉 **[Documentation and tutorials](https://dcatl.diviaccessories.com/)**

== Shortcode ==

Use this shortcode: `[dcatl_category_list]`

Note: The shortcode does not accept attributes at this time. All options are managed globally through the **Category List** settings panel.

== Note ==

The plugin does not use shortcode attributes — all customization is handled through the admin settings panel.

== Screenshots ==

1. Frontend category grid layout
2. General settings panel
3. Design customization panel
4. Example with overlay, counter, and button styles

== Upcoming Features ==

- Shortcode attributes for layout and filtering
- Additional layout styles (masonry, carousel, list view)
- AJAX filtering and live search
- Additional RTL and accessibility refinements
- Per-term image override via filters
- Import/export settings

== Installation ==

1. Upload the plugin folder to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory.
2. Activate the plugin from the **Plugins** menu in WordPress.
3. Navigate to **Category List** in your dashboard.
4. Configure your desired settings.
5. Add image on your term.
6. Use `[dcatl_category_list]` in any content area.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Can I use this plugin with custom taxonomies? =  
Yes. It supports any registered taxonomy, when they are public, visible in the WordPress admin, and exposed through the REST API. This includes common taxonomies created by WooCommerce or CPT UI when configured accordingly.

= How do I assign a featured image to a category or taxonomy term? =  
Go to **Posts > Categories** (or your custom taxonomy). Edit the term and upload an image using the "Upload an image" field added by the plugin.

= Can I display a list of product categories? =  
Yes. If you're using WooCommerce, your product categories will be detected automatically. Just make sure to set images for each product category.

= Is this plugin responsive? =  
Absolutely. The layout adapts to any screen size, ensuring a great look on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.

= Can I hide the "Uncategorized" category? =  
Yes. There's an option in the settings to disable the display of the default "Uncategorized" term.

= Does the plugin support multiple layouts or templates? =  
Yes. You can select a layout style under the "General" tab in the settings. More templates are planned in future updates.

= Is there a way to control what’s shown (title, description, counter, button)? =  
Yes. Under the "General" settings, you can enable/disable individual elements like title, description, counter, and read more button.

= Can I sort the terms by name, count, or other options? =  
Yes. Use the “Items Order By” and “Items Order” options to control sorting logic.

= Can I use this inside a page builder like Elementor or Gutenberg? =  
Definitely. Just use a shortcode widget/block and paste `[dcatl_category_list]`.

= Are there any shortcode parameters? =  
Not at the moment. All display logic is controlled via the settings panel, but shortcode attributes will be added in a future version.

== Changelog ==

= 2.0.0 =

* Improved plugin security and settings validation.
* Improved frontend performance with conditional asset loading.
* Improved shortcode rendering and error handling.
* Improved taxonomy image security and accessibility.
* Fixed settings save and notification issues.
* Fixed invalid sorting, column, and template values.
* Changed the default sorting to Name in ascending order.
* Changed taxonomy selection to support one taxonomy at a time.
* Added complete plugin data cleanup during uninstall.
* Improved translations and accessibility throughout the plugin.

= 1.0.0 =

* Initial release
* Shortcode display of categories or taxonomies
* Global settings for layout, visibility, and design
* Responsive design and theme compatibility


== Support ==

Need help? Visit the [support forum](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/display-category-and-taxonomy-list/) or reach out via the plugin page.

== License ==

This plugin is open-source and released under the [GPLv2 or later](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html).

== Credits ==

Built with care to enhance how WordPress displays taxonomy content. Contributions and feedback are always welcome!
