=== Image Gallery Custom Post Type ===
Contributors: nziniwal
Tags: gallery, featured image, post thumbnail, image display, media
Requires at least: 5.8
Tested up to: 6.9
Stable tag: 2.2.1
Requires PHP: 8.0
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
Short Description: Create responsive image galleries with grid and list layouts and lightbox preview.

Create beautiful galleries with images from your Media Library, multiple layouts, colors, and a lightbox. Set defaults under **Galleries → Settings**. The free version includes Grid and Listing; Pro adds more layouts and a higher image limit.

== Description ==

**Image Gallery Custom Post Type** helps you build galleries that fit your site. Styles apply only to your gallery output, and scripts load when needed so pages stay light.

**What you get**

* **Galleries** — Add galleries under **Galleries** in the admin. Pick images from the Media Library, drag to reorder, and use the featured image when you like.
* **Look and feel** — Choose layout, columns, colors, and whether to show titles and captions. Save settings per gallery or use **Galleries → Settings** for new galleries.
* **Shortcode** — Place `[show_gallery_img id="123"]` on any page or post to show one gallery (replace `123` with your gallery ID). You can copy the shortcode from the gallery edit screen.
* **Lightbox** — Visitors can open images in a viewer with previous and next.
* **Free** — **Grid** and **Listing** layouts; up to **20** images per gallery.
* **Pro** — Adds **Mosaic**, **Showcase**, and **Carousel**, and up to **100** images per gallery. Pro is a separate **Image Gallery Pro** add-on plugin you install alongside this one (ZIP from your purchase or seller).

**How to get Pro (pay, install, use)**

1. **Pay** — Complete your purchase using the **PayPal payment link** sent to you by the seller (for example in an email, on their product page, or in your order confirmation). Follow PayPal until the payment is finished.
2. **Receive the add-on** — After payment, the seller will **send you the Image Gallery Pro add-on** (usually a ZIP file by email or a download link). Keep that file safe.
3. **Install** — In WordPress go to **Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin**, choose the Pro ZIP, install it, then **activate** **Image Gallery Pro (Add-on)**. Keep the free **Image Gallery Custom Post Type** plugin active too.
4. **Use Pro** — Edit a gallery and choose **Mosaic**, **Showcase**, or **Carousel** under **Appearance → Layout**, or open **Galleries → Settings** for defaults. Copy the shortcode to your pages as usual.

The free plugin also shows **Upload Pro add-on** and **Plugins** shortcuts in the gallery sidebar and under **Galleries → Settings** so you can reach the upload screen quickly.

**Need help?** If something does not work after payment or install, **contact the plugin support** or the seller using the email or support channel they gave you (receipt, product page, or WordPress.org support forum for the free plugin).

**Tip (Donate)**

A **Donate** link may appear in the admin to support ongoing development. You do not need your own website for it to work.

== Installation ==

1. Upload the plugin folder to `/wp-content/plugins/`, or install the ZIP under **Plugins → Add New → Upload**.
2. Activate **Image Gallery Custom Post Type**.
3. Optional: open **Galleries → Settings** to set defaults for new galleries.
4. Create a gallery under **Galleries**, add images, then paste the shortcode into a page or post.

Translated sites can drop a `.mo` file for this plugin into the `languages/` folder.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Where is my gallery data kept? =

Everything stays in your WordPress site: each gallery is a post, image order and design choices are saved with that post, and optional global defaults are stored in your database. Uninstalling this plugin does not delete your gallery posts; removing the plugin via **Delete** can remove only the shared default settings (see uninstall behavior in the plugin).

= What is the difference between Free and Pro? =

Free includes Grid and Listing and up to 20 images per gallery. Pro adds Mosaic, Showcase, and Carousel and raises the limit to 100 images per gallery. You unlock Pro by installing the official **Image Gallery Pro** add-on from your seller.

= How do I buy Pro, pay with PayPal, and get the add-on? =

1. Use the **PayPal link** from the seller (order page, email, or instructions they provide) and complete payment.
2. When payment is done, the seller will **share the Pro add-on ZIP** (email attachment or download link). If you do not receive it, check spam or contact the seller.
3. In WordPress: **Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin** → select the ZIP → **Install Now** → **Activate**. Leave the free **Image Gallery Custom Post Type** plugin active.
4. Open **Galleries**, edit a gallery, and pick a Pro layout under **Appearance** if you see the Pro active message.

For problems with payment, the ZIP file, or activation, **use the plugin support or contact method the seller lists** (support email, forum, or WordPress.org support for the free plugin if your question is about the free part).

= I bought Pro — what do I do? =

1. Keep **Image Gallery Custom Post Type** active.
2. Under **Plugins → Add New → Upload**, install and activate the **Image Gallery Pro** ZIP you received.
3. Edit a gallery: you should see that Pro is active. Under **Appearance → Layout**, choose Mosaic, Showcase, or Carousel if you want. Save the gallery.
4. Copy the shortcode from the sidebar and paste it into your page. Example: `[show_gallery_img id="123" layout="mosaic"]`.
5. Optional: use **Galleries → Settings** for defaults on *new* galleries.

If Pro options do not appear, confirm the Pro plugin is activated and check any notes from your seller.

= I sell Pro but I do not have my own sales website — is that OK? =

Yes. You can distribute the free plugin from WordPress.org and send customers the Pro ZIP by email or any download link after payment. They need both plugins installed.

= How does the Donate button work? =

It opens the author’s PayPal link from the plugin. You may see it on the Plugins list, on gallery edit screens, and on **Galleries → Settings**. If you need a different link or want to hide it, a developer can adjust this using WordPress filters in your theme or a small custom plugin.

= Why are some icon fonts not loaded on my public pages? =

The gallery does not rely on Font Awesome on the front of your site, which keeps pages faster. The Carousel layout (Pro) uses small icons packaged with that layout’s styles.

= Does the plugin send data to third-party services? =

Gallery content and shortcode output are served from your site like normal WordPress content. The optional **Donate** link in the admin (when shown) opens the author’s payment page (PayPal) in your browser only if you click it; no payment or personal data is collected by the plugin itself.

== Screenshots ==

1. Edit gallery — images, appearance, shortcode.
2. Galleries → Settings — default layout and colors.

== Changelog ==

= 2.2.0 =
* Clear **Free** vs **Pro** features (layouts and image counts).
* Faster front end: Carousel-only assets load when needed; lighter icon/CSS use on public pages.
* Safer saving in the admin (nonce checks on gallery and settings).
* Translations and `languages` folder support; uninstall removes global default settings when the plugin is deleted.
* Plugins list: quick links to manage galleries, optional Pro upload, and Donate.

= 2.1.1 =
* Per-gallery Media Library images, global defaults, lightbox, shortcode options.

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 2.2.0 =
Documents Free vs Pro and streamlines front-end assets. Existing galleries keep working; if Pro is not active, Pro-only layouts fall back to Grid. If you used more than 20 images on Free, check your galleries after updating.


= 2.2.1 =
Resolve some bugs