=== Knowledge Base for Documents and FAQs ===
Author URI: https://www.echoknowledgebase.com
Plugin URI: https://www.echoknowledgebase.com
Contributors: echoplugins
Tags: knowledge base, docs, documentation, knowledgebase, documents, faqs, help, admin, plugin, articles
Requires at least: 4.0
Tested up to: 5.3
Stable tag: 5.2.0
License: GPL2+
License URI: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
Organize your documentation and FAQs with our extendable Knowledge Base plugin. It's easy to use, flexible and professional.
== Description ==
Professional WordPress Knowledge Base plugin for articles, documents and FAQs is easy to use, works with any theme and has predefined layouts, styles, and colors.
Help your users and customers find documents and FAQs with one of the best and most professional-looking knowledge bases.
See our knowledgebase demos [here](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/demo-1-knowledge-base-basic-layout/ "KB Demos") and our knowledgebase documentation [here](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/documentation/ "KB documentation")
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x1njLJvgOc]
Demo Links
* Basic Layout - Demo 1 [here](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/demo-1-knowledge-base-basic-layout/?utm_source=plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=demo1 "KB Demo 1")
* Basic Layout - Demo 2 [here](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/demo-2-knowledge-base-basic-layout/?utm_source=plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=demo2 "KB Demo 2")
* Tabs Layout - Demo 3 [here](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/demo-3-knowledge-base-tabs-layout/?utm_source=plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=demo3 "KB Demos 3") (Multi Product Example)
* Tabs Layout - Demo 4 [here](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/demo-4-knowledge-base-tabs-layout/?utm_source=plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=demo4 "KB Demos 4") (Multi Product Example)
= Why Choose Echo Knowledge Base for Your Organization and Business? =
* This is already a proven product with a 5-star rating from more than 10,000 customers.
* Get a truly professional look with the option to customize nearly all components.
* Easily organize your docs by team, product, service, and more using Tabs Layout.
* Extend it to fit any organization, big or small.
* Get friendly support, seven days a week.
* Use add-ons to enhance your Knowledge Base with more professional features.
* Get regular updates and new features.
* Use it to answer customer questions and save on support tickets.
= Main Features of the Knowledge Base Plugin =
* Ready to use as soon as it’s installed.
* Let Wizard help you set up your knowledge base in five easy steps.
* Articles with table of contents (TOC).
* A fast search bar with listed results.
* An easy and flexible style with behavior customization.
* Adaptation to any device including tablets and phones.
* Multiple levels of categories and sub-categories for hierarchical documentation.
* Creation of as many Products as you need using Tabs layout.
* Ordering articles and categories alphabetically, chronologically, or in any order.
* Over 500 icons to display for top categories.
* 16 pre-defined color themes.
* Choice of your theme or a Knowledge Base theme.
* There are Over 10 themes and multiple color presets to choose from.
* Ability to add tags, breadcrumbs, back button and comments to your knowledgebase articles.
* Visual builder for styling your Knowledge Base main page.
* Coded for best SEO results.
* Text in any language and all text translatable via .pot files.
* Use with or without Gutenberg.
* Compatibility with WPML, Elementor, Beaver Builder, Divi, Visual Composer, and others,
= Additional Features with Professional Add-ons =
* The ability to control access based on groups, WordPress users and roles, and custom roles.
* Fine-tuned control of who can access and see content.
* Multiple Knowledge Bases with separate articles, categories, tags, and more.
* Sidebar and Grid layouts.
* Voting on articles, a feedback form, and analytics.
* Widgets and shortcodes for categories, articles, the search bar, and others.
* The option to replace articles with PDFs, external docs, video links, and more.
* Advanced search filtered by category.
* Advanced search analytics to determine the most popular and empty searches.
* Advanced search with custom backgrounds and support links.
* The ability to control who can read, write, and edit articles.
= How Our Customers Use the Echo Knowledge Base =
* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
* Internal knowledge base for company employees and teams on an intranet
* External knowledge base for customers
* Products and services documentation
* Product manuals
* E-commerce websites
* Standards and policies at government agencies
* Schools and colleges
> GO FURTHER WITH ADD-ONS
>
>
> Access Manager
> [Access Manager](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/wordpress-plugin/access-manager/?utm_source=plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=access-mgr) allows administrators, companies, and organizations to control and restrict access to their private Knowledge Base based on WordPress user accounts. Grant permission using roles and groups.
>
>
> Elegant Layouts
> [Elegant Layouts](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/wordpress-plugin/elegant-layouts/?utm_source=plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=elegant-layouts) adds Grid and Sidebar Layouts. Use Grid Layout or Sidebar Layout for KB Main page or combine Basic, Tabs, Grid and Sidebar layouts in a variety ways. [Learn More](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/wordpress-plugin/elegant-layouts/?utm_source=plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=elegant-layouts).
>
>
> Multiple Knowledge Bases
> Create [Multiple Knowledge Bases](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/wordpress-plugin/multiple-knowledge-bases/?utm_source=plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=multiple-kbs), one for each product, service, topic or department. Each Knowledgebase has separate articles, URLs, KB Main Page and admin screens. [Learn More](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/wordpress-plugin/multiple-knowledge-bases/?utm_source=plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=multiple-kbs).
>
>
> Advanced Search
> Enhance users search experience and view search analytics including popular searches and no results searches. [Learn More](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/wordpress-plugin/advanced-search/?utm_source=plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=advanced-search).
>
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> Article Rating and Feedback
> Let your readers rate the quality of your articles and submit insightful feedback. Utilize analytics on most and least rated articles. [Learn More](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/wordpress-plugin/article-rating-and-feedback/?utm_source=plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=article-rating).
>
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> Widgets
> Add Knowledgebase Search, Most Recent Articles and other Widgets and Shortcodes to your articles, sidebars and pages. [Learn More](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/wordpress-plugin/widgets/?utm_source=plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=widgets).
>
>
> Links Editor for PDFs and More
> Set Articles to links to PDFs, pages, posts and websites. On KB Main Page, choose icons for your articles. [Learn More](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/wordpress-plugin/links-editor-for-pdfs-and-more/?utm_source=plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=links-editor).
>
Subscribe to our [Newsletter](https://www.echoknowledgebase.com/subscribe-to-our-newsletter/?utm_source=plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=newsletter "KB Newsletter") to learn about new features, to receive special offers and more.
== Installation ==
You can install the Knowledge Base for Documents and FAQs from your WordPress Dashboard or manually upload it through FTP.
= OPTION 1: Install Knowledgebase Plugin from WordPress Dashboard =
1. Navigate to Plugins -> Add New.
2. Search for 'Knowledge Base for Documents and FAQs' and install the plugin.
3. Activate the plugin in the Plugins menu.
4. Optional step: configure the plugin in Admin menu, in Knowledge Base -> KB Configuration page.
= OPTION 2: Manually Upload Plugin Files =
1. Download the plugin file from the plugin page: echo-knowledge-base.zip.
2. Unzip the file echo-knowledge-base.zip.
3. Upload the 'echo-knowledge-base' folder to your '/wp-content/plugins' directory (do not rename the folder).
4. Optional step: configure the plugin in Admin menu, in Knowledge Base -> KB Configuration page.
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
= Where can I find complete documentation on your knowledgebase? =
Full searchable docs can be found at [Knowledge Base](http://www.echoknowledgebase.com/documentation/?utm_source=plugin&utm_medium=readme&utm_content=home&utm_campaign=docs "plugin documentation")
= What browsers work with Echo Knowledge Base? =
We support the current major release and one past major release of the following browsers: Internet Explorer/Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Chrome.
== Screenshots ==
1. Example of the Basic Layout of Knowledge Base
2. Easy setup with Wizard
3. Knowledge Base configuration settings in visual builder
4. Example of the Tabs Layout of Knowledge Base
5. Professional and clean design
6. Drag and drop to reorder categories
7. Hierarchy of your documentation
8. Article with breadcrumbs, back button, tags and comments
9. Styles for Category Archive Page
10. Extend your knowledge base with add-ons
== Changelog ==
= 5.2.0, Jan 2, 2019 =
* Update: Wizard improvements
* Update: Do not show TOC for empty headings
* Fix: Minor issues
= 5.1.0, Dec 24, 2019 =
* New: Initial Wizard for new installations (more comming soon)
* Fix: Minor issues
= 5.0.1, Dec 2, 2019 =
* Fix: Mobile view of the main page
= 5.0.0, Nov 30, 2019 =
* New: Table of Contents for article pages.
* New: Option to set search title HTML tag and font size.
* New: Three new category levels.
* New: Option to show articles before categories.
* Fix: Minor issues
= 4.8.1, Nov 7, 2019 =
* Fix: issue with missing text for article meta data
= 4.8.0, Nov 7, 2019 =
* New: option to display author above or below article
* New: option to display created date above or below article
* New: breadcrumbs on Category Archive page
* Update: improve category reading accessibility
* Update: links and hooks for Article Rating and Feedback add-on
= 4.7.1, Sept 28, 2019 =
* Fix: category links for tabs layout
* Update: add option to switch on or off category links in Tabs layout
= 4.7.0, Sept 26, 2019 =
* New: category links for tabs layout
* Update: improve visibility of sections for KB configuration
* Update: code refactoring
= 4.6.1, Sept 15, 2019 =
* Update: Chrome HTML engine build 77 broke CSS. Apply temporary fix.
= 4.6.0, Aug 3, 2019 =
* New: category links for basic layout
* Update: Changed CPT Name and removed the KB prefix.
* Update: Added aria label.
* Update: Improve initial KB setup and defaults.
* Fix: Category archive page title icon alignment.
* Fix: Minor issues
= 4.5.0, April 4, 2019 =
* Update: Overview page to show KB status, help and new features.
* Improved: Do not trigger preview when still configuring KB (longer wait)
= 4.4.3, Feb 20, 2019 =
* Fix: WPML settings affected after saving KB configuration.
= 4.4.2, Feb 18, 2019 =
* Updates: adjusting configuration for add-ons
* Fix: Minor issues
= 4.4.1, Dec 26, 2018 =
* Fix: PHP issue with upper case Self:: reference
* Fix: Minor issues
= 4.4.0, Dec 25, 2018 =
* Update: Preparation for FAQ feature
* Fix: compatibility with Gutenberg
* Fix: Minor issues
= 4.3.0, Dec 13, 2018 =
* New: Make article updates compatible with Gutenberg
* New: Finalize WPML compatibility
* Fix: Add Section Head Category icon for Tabs Layout
= 4.2.0, Nov 1, 2018 =
* New: Make KB compatible with Gutenberg
* Fix: Minor issues
= 4.1.0, Oct 17, 2018 =
* New: Add initial version of analytics page
* New: Prepare for WPML compability
* Fix: Minor issues
= 4.0.0, Sep 1, 2018 =
* New: Option to have Icons for top categories in Basic and Tabs layout
* New: Option to display Article title in Sidebar Layout
* Fix: Multisite network plugin activation did not saved initial configuration
* Fix: Translatable text
= 3.5.0, July 18, 2018 =
* Improved: Ability to change heading on Category Archive Page
* Improved: Added paging to KB Template - Category Archive page
* Improved: Ensure all text is ready for translation
* Fix: Handle articles that are in future, draft or pending.
* Fix: Minor issues
= 3.4.0, May 30, 2018 =
* New: Hook to change search mechanism
* Improved: Remove new lines and slashes from search
* Improved: logging
* Improved: enable KB installation for multisites (networked site)
* Improved: refactored code
* Fix: Saving KB Main Pages clears old pages
* Fix: WordPress search results page not affected by KB Template
* Fix: Minor issues
= 3.3.1, April 17, 2018 =
* Fix: Do not include KB Template in search results
= 3.3.0, Feb 27, 2018 =
* New: KB Templates: added template and styles for Category Archive page
* Improved: Refactored code
* Fix: Minor issues
= 3.2.3, Dec 13, 2017 =
* New: Added font Awesome
* Fix: Custom sequencing of sub-sub-categories
* Fix: Added missing Back Button options
* Fix: Minor issues
= 3.2.2, Oct 20, 2017 =
* New: Option to turn off Main Page title when using KB templates
* New: Option to add custom margin to breadcrumbs
* New: Option to match style of Main page articles index and search results.
* New: Option to add paddings and/or margins around article when using KB templates
* Improved: Increase search results list to 20.
* Fix: Make the Last Updated On based on the site language
* Fix: Do not count in KB stats trashed articles.
* Fix: Minor issues
= 3.2.1, Oct 6, 2017 =
* Fix: Properly handle saving KB with no articles and no categories.
= 3.2.0, Sept 1, 2017 =
* New: Add debug tab for easier troubleshooting
* New: Add option for KB Templates to use CSS reset and/or default CSS
* Fix: Use string, not array, to avoid PHP limit in posting sequence of articles
* Fix: Minor issues
= 3.1.2, July 27, 2017 =
* Fix: Prevent loosing configuration for elegant layouts on deactivation
= 3.1.1, July 27, 2017 =
* New: Use CSS reset to ensure themes do not affect KB CSS
* New: Set breadcrumb font size
* Improved: Handling of Current Theme and KB Templates
* Improved: Custom Post Type now contains KB name
* Improved: Improved colors and styles values for resets
* Improved: Better organization and display for the Overview tab
* Improved: Isolate as much add-ons from KB Core as possible
* Improved: KB Templates now handle Main Page with content around it
* Improved: If articles and categories are sorted by date show recently created first
* Fix: Minor issues
= 3.0.1, June 8, 2017 =
* Fix: Configuration caching
* Fix: Article Page shortcode not working in some cases
* Fix: Configuration screen refresh issue
= 3.0.0, June 2, 2017 =
* New: Tags with configuration to display on article pages
* New: Control whether or not to display comments for each article
* New: Breadcrumbs with configuration
* New: Back button with configuration
* New: Choice between current theme template and KB template for articles
* New: On/off display of top category description
* New: User interface to configure KB using Mega Menu
* Improved: Handling shortcodes in articles
* Improved: Search input now uses OR condition for all entered words
* Fix: Selected tab is not highlighted
* Fix: Respect Main Page hierarchy
* Fix: Add missing configuration for text when Tabs Layout has top categories drop down
* Fix: Minor issues
= 2.1.0, May 4, 2017 =
* New: Basic Layout now has 3 levels of categories
* New: Visual configuration with live preview of configuration changes including layouts
* New: Overview screen now displays a link to What's New page
* New: Switch to Demo KB in order to better see what given layout and style looks like
* New: Switch between Main Page and Article Page configuration
* Improved: Reorganized some configuration settings, grouping them by common visual elements
* Improved: Add Name to Feedback form
* Improved: Code cleanup and refactoring
* Fix: Various small fixes
= 2.0.0, March 9, 2017 =
* New: Visual builder admin page where user can order articles and categories in any sequence
* New: Visual builder allows user to dynamically switch between sorting by title and sorting alphabetically
* New: Search box now has a new configuration to adjust its padding, margin and input field width
* Fix: Various small improvements
= 1.3.0, Feb 25, 2017 =
* New: Categories can now be sequenced by date or name
* New: Code and page setup for future release of a visual builder (not available yet)
* New: Polish translation (thanks to Arthur)
* Improved: Hide advanced configuration with accordion
* Fix: Ensure that no other KB has the same common article path
* Fix: Refresh rewrite rules when needed
* Fix: Sub-sub categories not showing
* Fix: Article links in search results could be old
= 1.2.0, Feb 11, 2017 =
* New: Initial work to enable translations for the plugin (WIP)
* New: Add configuration of the front-end text such as a search label
* New: Option to completely hide the Search Box
* Improved: Cache settings and default configuration for better performance
* Improved: Changed menu name from Plugin Settings to Plugin Info
* Improved: Better mobile experience on admin pages
* Fix: Replaced spaces with dashes for the Common Path for Articles
* Fix: Welcome Screen appears after installation
* Fix: Search on older iPhones
* Fix: Display 'Show more articles' for sub-categories
= 1.1.0, Jan 29, 2017 =
* New: Four ways to set each color theme.
* New: Selection of tab in the Tabs Layout is now part of browser history.
* New: Selected tab in the Tabs Layout can be bookmarked.
* New: Extension to KB through add-on plugins.
* New: Responsive admin interface
* Improved: Selection of the Common Path for KB Articles.
* Improved: administrative screens work better on tablets and smaller laptops
* Improved: some terminology
* Improved: Compatibility with PHP < 5.4
* Improved: code refactoring
= 1.0.1, Jan 19, 2017 =
* New: Extra small font for sections
* Improved: Do not show plugin notifications within tabs
* Improved: Help text
* Improved: Help themes display KB categories on a KB article page
* Improved: Show 'Articles coming soon' when subcategories are empty
* Fix: Conflict with other plugins that show hidden form on page
* Fix: Do not show 'Articles coming soon' when articles present in category
= 1.0.0: Jan 15, 2017 =
* Initial release