=== Instant Knowledgebase === Contributors: 7thskysoftware Donate link: https://www.7thskysoftware.com/ Tags: knowledge base, documentation, help center, FAQ, wiki, Requires at least: 4.9 Tested up to: 6.9 Requires PHP: 7.4 Stable tag: 1.1.2 License: GPL v2 or later License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html Plugin URI: https://7thskysoftware.com/wordpress-plugins/instant-knowledge-base/ Author URI: https://www.7thskysoftware.com/ Create a fast, searchable knowledge base and docs in WordPress with AJAX search, FAQ schema, and analytics. == Description == **Instant Knowledge Base** helps you launch a modern self-service help center in minutes, perfect for product docs, SaaS onboarding, internal SOPs, and FAQs. It includes a clean UI, **AJAX live search**, **FAQ schema for rich results**, role-based access, and flexible templates. Reduce tickets, improve CSAT, and keep answers consistent across your site. == Highlights == - **AJAX live search & filters** for instant results. - **Custom post type** for structured articles plus **Help Topics (categories)**. - **FAQ system with Google FAQ schema** for SEO-friendly snippets. - **Role-based access** (global + per-article overrides). - **Related & most-viewed articles**, **breadcrumbs**, and **icons** for topics. - **Fully responsive** and theme-friendly. - **Shortcode** to embed anywhere: `[instant_knowledgebase]`. ==Why it’s different== - Built for **speed and clarity** (reduces support friction). - Thoughtful **privacy/GDPR** controls (analytics respect consent). - Templates for home, category, and single views; additional layouts are available in the separate Pro add-on. ==⭐ WALK-THROUGH: Instant Knowledge Base Tutorial== Learn how to install, activate, and configure your knowledge base with our easy step-by-step guide. https://youtu.be/IZZ_anhY97E ===Knowledge Base Features=== - Unlimited KB Articles: Create an unlimited number of KB articles - Unlimited FAQs: Create Modern & SEO Schema FAQs - Modern, responsive layout - Custom post type for Knowledge Base Articles - Help Topics (categories) + hierarchy - Typography (Google Fonts): - Real-time **AJAX search** and filters - Unified Shortcode: `[instant_knowledgebase]` - Related and Most Viewed articles - Like/Dislike feedback - Breadcrumbs and topic icons - Role-based access (global + per-article) - Category visibility controls & empty-category options - **Custom article & Help Topic ordering** for a structured homepage and categories == Go PRO for additional features == - **Layout Designs:** 4+ professionally designed layouts you can instantly switch between and customize to match your brand. - **Advanced analytics dashboard:** Track searched keywords, missing content, engagement, and article performance to optimize your KB. - **Conversion Funnels & Automated Insights:** Identify drop-off points, user intent, and improvement opportunities with smart automated insights. - **Advanced search UI:** Includes dropdown search, live suggestions, instant search results, and more. - **Hero section builder:** Customize your KB hero section, with colors, backgrounds, animations, and advanced options. - **Interactive checklists:** Add interactive checklists or single checkboxes inside articles for tutorials and workflows. - **PDF export:** Export articles or full analytics reports with one click. - **KB Widget** Add your knowledge base anywhere using the [ikbase_widget] shortcode. Give users quick search access with live, dropdown results right inside the page they’re on. - **Video Section** Add video/tutorial section for the demo videos - **Product sections & landing:** Multiple product lines, product-scoped help topics, and an optional product picker before the main knowledge base. ==👨‍💻 Help Center & Support== Need help setting up? Want to explore features or request support? - 📘 [Full Documentation](https://7thskysoftware.com/knowledge-base/) - 🎥 [YouTube Video Tutorials](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLer8JCsTREH_HsGTkBBOsHjzZ01fo2qwy) - 💬 [Support Forum on WordPress.org](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/instant-knwledgebase/) - 🌐 [Plugin Homepage](https://7thskysoftware.com/wordpress-plugins/instant-knowledge-base/) ==💙 Love Instant Knowledgebase?== If this plugin saves you time or improves your support process, show your support: - ⭐ [Leave a 5-Star Review](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/instant-knwledgebase/reviews/#new-post) - 📺 [Subscribe to our YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@7thskywp) == Screenshots == 1. **Default Template (Free) – Home Page** Search bar and categories layout 2. **Default Template (Free) – Category Page** – Clean category layout 3. **Default Template (Free) – Single Article Page** – Single Article layout for easy reading == Installation == You can install the Instant Knowledgebase plugin in three ways: = Automatic = 1. In **Plugins → Add New**, search for **Instant Knowledge Base**. 2. Click **Install Now**, then **Activate**. = Upload = 1. Download the ZIP. 2. Go to **Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin**. 3. Upload the ZIP, **Install Now**, then **Activate** --- == Frequently Asked Questions == = How do I display the knowledge base on my site? = Use the [instant_knowledgebase] shortcode on any WordPress page or post to display the knowledge base. = Can I restrict access to certain users? = Yes. You can enable user-role restrictions from Settings > Knowledge Base to control who can view articles. = Is this plugin mobile-friendly? = Yes, it is fully responsive and optimized for smartphones and tablets. = Can I customize the look and feel? = Absolutely. You can apply custom CSS or override the plugin's templates to match your site's branding. = Does it include article analytics? = Yes. Built-in view counters, like/dislike feedback system, and comprehensive analytics dashboard help track user engagement. = Can I import or export articles? = Yes. The plugin includes import/export functionality for easy backup and transfer of knowledge base content. = Does this plugin support FAQs? = Yes. From v1.0.5, you can enable a dedicated FAQ system with schema markup for SEO. = Can I hide certain categories? = Yes. Categories can be hidden or shown on the frontend from category settings (new in 1.0.5). = Can I hide empty categories? = Yes. There’s a global option in **Basic Settings** to show/hide empty help topics. = Does it include analytics? = Yes. The free plugin includes basic counters, feedback, and admin analytics summaries. Advanced analytics, funnels, and external integrations (GA4, Mixpanel) are provided by the separate Pro add-on. = Can I use the widget anywhere? = The KB widget shortcode (`[ikbase_widget]`) is provided by the separate Pro add-on. = Can I change the terms "Articles" and "Categories"? = Yes. You can rename "Articles" to "Knowledge Base" and "Categories" to "Help Topics" in the settings. = How do I organize articles? = Articles can be grouped using help topics (formerly categories) for better organization and navigation. = Can I control access per article? = Yes. You can set access permissions globally or override them on a per-article basis. = What happens when I uninstall the plugin? = The plugin provides options to retain or remove data, giving you more control during uninstallation. = What analytics features are available? = The free plugin includes view counts, feedback, and admin analytics summaries. Advanced analytics and exports are provided by the separate Pro add-on. = Can I use custom fonts? = Yes. The free plugin supports core typography settings. Additional typography options (including more Google Fonts controls) are provided by the separate Pro add-on. = Are there premium templates available? = Yes. Additional layouts (Help Center Modern, Opt-in Focus v2, Content Focus, etc.) are provided by the separate Pro add-on. --- == Changelog == = 1.1.2 – 2026-04-07 = * Moved remaining Pro settings ownership out of core and into Pro extension hooks * Fixed Product taxonomy bootstrap so Product sections register correctly again * Removed leftover locked Product Sections messaging from core settings * Simplified the Upgrade page with guideline-safe Pro feature messaging * Updated the Upgrade page link to the current Instant Knowledge Base product page * Cleaned dead legacy hero and product admin callbacks from core settings * Improved free and Pro runtime separation for shortcode and hero behavior * Refined Product tab notices to use neutral administrative wording * Fix: Escaped shortcode article links, titles, and excerpts for safer frontend output * Fix: Hardened JSON-LD and JSON export output with safer wp_json_encode() defaults * Fix: Hardened admin settings request handling with nonce verification, unslashing, and stricter input sanitization * Fix: Added nonce protection to category term metadata and Product assignment save handlers * Fix: Normalized AJAX request validation for search, ratings, category loading, and analytics session tracking * Fix: Improved frontend query parameter handling for product filters, breadcrumbs, templates, and search routing * Fix: Secured article access and taxonomy meta box saving with verified nonces and validated IDs * Tweak: Replaced direct usermeta cleanup calls with WordPress metadata APIs where available * Tweak: Reduced direct SQL usage in basic analytics by switching totals and popular articles to cached WordPress queries * Tweak: Added caching and targeted compliance annotations for required custom analytics table queries * Tweak: Documented intentional uninstall database cleanup paths with explicit WordPressCS-safe annotations = 1.1.1 = * Improved fonts and text styles across articles, FAQs, and search for a consistent reading experience * Refined layout and spacing for better readability on all screen sizes, including wide monitors * Enhanced live search with faster results, cleaner UI, and improved accuracy * Fixed search issues and removed duplicate or conflicting search processes * Improved navigation with clearer categories, hierarchy, and sidebar structure * Fixed multiple bugs affecting icons, templates, and overall stability = 1.1.0 = * Feature: Added Analytics Dashboard with article views, searches, popular articles, and feedback stats * Feature: "Was this helpful?" feedback added to articles and FAQs * Feature: Hero Background toggle added for the knowledge base header * Feature: Added Pro Video Tutorials section for PRO Version * Improvement: Cleaner search bar design and more consistent layouts * Improvement: Better readability when Hero Background is disabled * Fix: Article view counts now work correctly without the Pro plugin * Fix: Improved compatibility and stability when using the Pro plugin * Improvement: General performance, security, and WordPress compliance updates * Product sections and Product Landing Page are provided by **Instant Knowledge Base Pro** (not in the free plugin). * [Premium] Improved Pro update handling and reliability = 1.0.9 = * UI Enhancement: Modern Search Interface & Improved User Experience for default Layout Design * UI Enhancement: Default layout homepage improvement with configurable Frequently Read Articles visibility and position * UI Enhancement: Moved Universal Hero Section Settings to dedicated Hero Section tab in settings menu * Tweak: Optimized search bar spacing and padding for improved readability * Update: Compatibility update to WP version 6.9 = 1.0.8 = * Feature: Style-specific FAQ templates – all FAQ URLs now support style selection (Default, Compact, Content Focus) * Feature: FAQ category taxonomy templates – complete template system for FAQ category pages (`/faq-category/`) * Feature: Compact style FAQ templates – archive, single, and category templates with modern gradient design * Feature: Enhanced FAQ breadcrumb system – automatically includes "Knowledge Base > FAQ > Category" hierarchy * Feature: Fallback content processing function – ensures compatibility when the Pro plugin is not active * Feature: Complete separation of premium features into a standalone Pro plugin * Feature: Added complete French (France) translation with 30+ translated strings * Feature: Added complete Spanish (Spain) translation with 30+ translated strings * Improvement: All FAQ templates follow consistent design standards matching article templates * Tweak: Related FAQs and category links added to single FAQ templates * Tweak: Search functionality integrated into all FAQ archive templates * Fix: Template hierarchy now properly supports all FAQ URLs (archive, single, category) = 1.0.7 = * Fix: Minor bug fixes and improvements * Fix: Enhanced stability and performance optimizations = 1.0.6 = * Fix: Shortcodes in article content now display as plain text instead of being executed * Feature: Article ordering within categories - set custom order numbers for articles (Premium) * Feature: Subcategories with parent category relationships - organize content hierarchically * Feature: Interactive checklists - add checkable task lists to articles (Premium) * Feature: Single checkboxes - add individual checkboxes anywhere in articles (Premium) * Improvement: Optimized article content spacing - reduced line spacing and list item spacing for better readability * Improvement: Updated default layout with clean "Was this helpful?" feedback system and simplified "Also Read" section * Feature: Customizable widget text - edit widget title and subtitle from Knowledge Base > Settings > Widget = 1.0.5 = * Feature: Category visibility controls – hide or show help topics/categories on the frontend * Feature: Admin interface – added “Frontend Visibility” dropdown in category editor * Feature: Category list view – new “Visibility” column with status indicators * Feature: Empty categories setting – option to show/hide empty help topics * Feature: FAQ system – enable/disable from settings with dedicated categories * Feature: Google FAQ structured data – proper schema markup for SEO rich snippets * Feature: Default FAQ category – automatically created when FAQ system is enabled * Feature: [Premium] Knowledge Base Widget `[ikbase_widget]` with customization options * Feature: [Premium] Real-time analytics dashboard with live activity tracking * Feature: [Premium] Conversion funnel tracking with visualization * Feature: [Premium] External analytics integration with Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Mixpanel * Feature: [Premium] Automated insights and recommendations system * Feature: [Premium] Widget-specific analytics tracking and performance monitoring * Feature: [Premium] Advanced activity feed with user behavior visualization * Tweak: Hidden categories are excluded from frontend but remain accessible via direct URL * Tweak: Updated templates to support category filtering consistently * Tweak: Empty category logic improved – global setting to hide them from frontend * Tweak: FAQ SEO optimization – FAQs follow Google schema guidelines * Tweak: [Premium] Widget – improved customization, responsive design, and AJAX search * Tweak: Enhanced analytics database structure for real-time data and funnels * Tweak: Improved error handling, debugging, and security for analytics endpoints * Fix: Fixed real-time analytics data refresh and display issues * Fix: Resolved conversion funnel visualization and loading problems * Fix: Improved analytics tracking reliability and consistency * Fix: Enhanced widget analytics with proper event tracking = 1.0.4 = * Feature: [Premium] Content editor tools with code formatting and content boxes (Tip, Info, Warning) * Feature: [Premium] Media support with image, GIF, video, and iFrame embedding via WordPress Media Library * Feature: Image Lightbox – Click any editor-inserted image/GIF to open a fullscreen preview with next/previous navigation and keyboard support (Arrow keys, Esc) * Feature: [Premium] iFrame embedding with customizable dimensions and responsive design * Feature: Editor toolbar buttons for Tip, Info, Warning, GIF, Video, and iFrame now use icons for a cleaner, consistent UI * Feature: Automatic frontend styling for code blocks, content boxes, media elements, and iFrames * Fix: Import/Export – Improved reliability, added support for all settings, categories, and tags, and enhanced security checks * Tweak: Enhanced frontend styling with responsive design and dark theme support * Tweak: Improved import/export interface with clearer messages and better usability * Tweak: Rebranded footer text to “Powered by Seventh Sky” across templates and admin preview * Fix: Branding visibility logic – plugin credit is opt-in and controlled by an admin setting * Feature: Slug/Permalink improvement – you can now use a page at /knowledgebase without conflicts; the CPT archive auto-disables when a page with the same slug exists, while single article URLs remain at /knowledgebase/{article}. After creating/removing the page, re-save Permalinks to flush rewrites = 1.0.3 = * Feature: [Premium] Comprehensive analytics dashboard with search tracking, article performance, and user engagement metrics * Feature: [Premium] Advanced hero section builder with customizable backgrounds, animations, and content * Feature: [Premium] Premium templates (Help Center Modern, Opt-in Focus v2, Content Focus) with enhanced layouts * Feature: [Premium] GDPR compliance tools with customizable cookie consent banner * Feature: [Premium] Typography customization with Google Fonts integration * Feature: [Premium] Export/Import functionality for easy data management and backup * Feature: Article hierarchy system with sections, subcategories, and article types * Feature: Breadcrumb navigation for improved user experience * Feature: [Premium] PDF export functionality for reports and articles * Feature: [Premium] Performance tracking with scroll depth and time spent metrics * Feature: [Premium] Advanced search features including dropdown search and live suggestions * Tweak: Enhanced admin interface with improved settings organization * Tweak: Better mobile responsiveness across all templates * Tweak: Improved search algorithm for more relevant results * Tweak: Enhanced user role management and access controls * Fix: Various bug fixes and performance improvements * Fix: Improved compatibility with different WordPress themes * Fix: Enhanced security measures and data validation = 1.0.2 = * Feature: Added option to restrict knowledge base access to logged-in users. This can be set globally, with the option to override on individual articles. * Feature: Introduced import/export functionality for easier data management. * Feature: Added more user control during uninstallation. * Tweak: Renamed Articles to Knowledge Base. * Tweak: Renamed Categories to Help Topics. * Tweak: Improved UI/UX for a smoother user experience. * Fix: Minor bug fixes and performance enhancements. = 1.0.1 = * Improvement: Enhanced relevance of search results. * Fix: Corrected search result alignment to better match theme settings. = 1.0.0 = * Initial Release == Upgrade Notice == This plugin is free. Additional features and premium support are available at: https://7thskysoftware.com/instant-knowledge-base/