=== Smart Author Box Widget ===
Contributors: Vinethemes  
Tags: author box, author profile, author social icons, author bio, guest author  
Requires at least: 5.6  
Requires PHP: 7.4  
Tested up to: 6.7  
Stable tag: 1.0.4  
License: GPLv2 or later  
License URI: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html  

Smart Author Box Widget displays author bio box with an image, description, and social links—perfect for multi-author blogs and personal sites.

== Description ==

Smart Author Box Widget is a lightweight and highly customizable plugin that lets you display a professional author bio box with an image, name, social media links, and bio. It seamlessly integrates with WordPress widgets and supports multiple layouts to match your theme design.

= Features =

* Displays author name, profile image, subtitle, author bio, and social icons.  
* Profile Picture Support – Displays the Author's profile image.
* Signature Image Support – Displays the Author's signature image.
* Choose from **5 customizable design styles**.  
* Mobile-friendly and responsive design.  
* Lightweight and **optimized for performance**.  
* Works with most **WordPress themes and page builders**.  
* Easy to use via the **Widgets menu** in WordPress.  

= GDPR Compliance =  
This plugin does not collect or store any user data. However, it may load external resources (such as social media icons) from third-party services.

== Installation ==

1. Download the plugin as a `.zip` file.  
2. Go to **Plugins > Add New** in WordPress.  
3. Click **Upload Plugin**, select the `.zip` file, and install.  
4. Activate the plugin.  
5. Navigate to **Appearance > Widgets**, find **Smart Author Box Widget**, and drag it to your sidebar.  
6. Customize the settings and save.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= How do I add the author box to my site? =  
Go to **Appearance > Widgets**, search for **Smart Author Box Widget**, and drag it into your preferred widget area.

= Can I customize the design? =  
Yes! The widget provides multiple design styles to match your theme.

= Does this plugin slow down my site? =  
No, the plugin is optimized for speed and performance.

= Is it compatible with page builders like Elementor? =  
Yes, Smart Author Box Widget works with most WordPress themes and page builders.

== Screenshots ==

1. **Author Box Example** – How the widget looks when displayed on a post.  
2. **Widget Settings** – Customize author details, images, and social links.  
3. **Style Options** – Choose from different author box layouts.

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.0.4 =  
Updated readme.txt file to include missing sections: Short Description, FAQs, Upgrade Notice, and Screenshots.

== Changelog ==

= 1.0.4 =  
* 2025-04-11  
* Updated readme.txt file to include missing sections: Short Description, FAQs, Upgrade Notice, and Screenshots.

= 1.0.3 =  
* 2025-04-10  
* Fixed text domain issue for better translation support.  

= 1.0.2 =  
* 2025-04-06  
* Prefixed function names and class names with `vinethemes_sabw` to avoid conflicts.  

= 1.0.1 =  
* 2025-03-21  
* Removed "by Vinethemes" from the plugin name.  

= 1.0 =  
* 2025-03-10  
* Initial release with core features.