=== WP Preloader ===
Contributors: mamunitiw
Tags: preloader, loading screen, spinner, page loader, preload
Requires at least: 5.0
Tested up to: 6.8
Requires PHP: 7.4
Stable tag: 2.0.0
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

A simple, responsive and customizable WordPress preloader plugin with CSS spinners, fade-out animation, and zero configuration required.

== Description ==

**WP Preloader** displays a beautiful loading screen while your website loads — and fades it out smoothly once the page is ready.

Version 2.0 is a complete rewrite with modern features, improved performance, and full WordPress 6.x compatibility.

= ✨ What's New in v2.0 =

* **Auto-inject** — No shortcode or theme file editing needed. Just activate and go.
* **5 built-in CSS spinners** — Circle, Ring, Dots, Bars, and Pulse. No image required.
* **Live preview** in the admin settings panel
* **Fade-out animation** — Smooth and configurable
* **Minimum display time** — Control how long the preloader stays on screen
* **Disable for logged-in users** — Admins won't see the preloader
* **Disable on mobile** — Optional, for faster mobile experience
* **Exclude specific pages** — Skip the preloader on chosen pages
* **Background opacity control** — Solid or semi-transparent overlay
* **Custom image / GIF support** — Still supported for those who prefer it
* **PHP 8.x compatible**
* **WordPress 6.x compatible**

= 🎨 Spinner Styles =

1. **Circle** — Classic rotating arc
2. **Ring** — Dual-color spinning ring
3. **Dots** — Three bouncing dots
4. **Bars** — Four animated wave bars
5. **Pulse** — Ripple / sonar effect

= ⚙️ Settings =

All settings are available under **Settings → WP Preloader** in your WordPress admin.

* Enable / disable the preloader
* Choose spinner type and color
* Set background color and opacity
* Upload a custom GIF or image (optional)
* Set minimum display time (ms)
* Set fade-out animation duration (ms)
* Disable for logged-in users
* Disable on mobile devices
* Exclude specific pages by slug or ID

= Backward Compatibility =

The legacy shortcode `[new_loader]` from v1.0 is still supported but no longer required.

== Installation ==

1. Upload the plugin files to `/wp-content/plugins/wp-preloader/`, or install via **Plugins → Add New** in WordPress admin.
2. Activate the plugin through the **Plugins** screen in WordPress.
3. Go to **Settings → WP Preloader** to configure.
4. That's it — no theme file editing required!

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Do I need to edit my theme files? =
No. WP Preloader v2.0 automatically injects the preloader HTML using WordPress hooks. No shortcode or header.php editing needed.

= Does it work with page builders like Elementor, Divi, Beaver Builder? =
Yes. The preloader is injected at the WordPress level and works with any theme or page builder.

= Can I still use a GIF image? =
Yes. Upload your GIF via **Settings → WP Preloader → Custom Image**. When an image is set, it replaces the CSS spinner.

= Will logged-in admins see the preloader? =
By default, no. The "Disable for Logged-in Users" option is enabled by default so admins don't see it while editing.

= How do I exclude a page? =
Go to Settings → WP Preloader and enter page slugs or IDs (comma-separated) in the "Excluded Pages" field. Example: `contact, 42, about-us`

= The preloader doesn't go away — what's wrong? =
There is a built-in 8-second failsafe — the preloader will always disappear after 8 seconds even if the page fails to fully load. If you're having issues, try increasing the "Minimum Display Time" or check for JavaScript errors in your browser console.

== Screenshots ==

1. Admin Settings Panel with Live Preview
2. Circle Spinner on dark background
3. Dots Spinner example
4. Bars Spinner example
5. Pulse Spinner example
6. Custom GIF / Image mode

== Changelog ==

= 2.0.0 =
* Complete rewrite for WordPress 6.x and PHP 8.x compatibility
* Added auto-injection via wp_body_open / wp_footer hooks (no shortcode needed)
* Added 5 CSS-only spinner styles: Circle, Ring, Dots, Bars, Pulse
* Added live preview in admin settings panel
* Added spinner color picker
* Added background opacity control
* Added minimum display time setting
* Added fade-out duration control
* Added disable for logged-in users option
* Added disable on mobile option
* Added excluded pages option
* Added custom image width control
* Added 8-second failsafe timeout
* Improved security: nonces, sanitization, escaping throughout
* Improved admin UI with toggle switches and card layout
* Backward compatible: legacy [new_loader] shortcode still works

= 1.0 =
* First Release

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 2.0.0 =
Major update — full rewrite with new features, WordPress 6.x compatibility, and improved security. After upgrading, visit Settings → WP Preloader to review your settings. The plugin now auto-injects — you can remove the old shortcode from your header.php if you added it manually.