=== Plugnition Download Button for WooCommerce ===
Contributors: plugnition
Tags: woocommerce, downloads, free downloads, digital products, ecommerce
Requires at least: 5.0
Tested up to: 7.1
Stable tag: 1.2.3
License: GNU General Public License v3.0
License URI: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.html

Make free WooCommerce downloads truly instant with a one-click Download button. No cart, no checkout — just download.

== Description ==

A WooCommerce plugin that automatically replaces the Add to Cart button with a Download button for free downloadable products, giving customers instant access with one click.

### What the Plugin Does ###

This plugin is built for WooCommerce stores and is designed to **automatically replace** the standard "Add to Cart" button with a dedicated Download button — but only for products that meet two criteria:

* The product is set to **free** (i.e., price = 0).
* The product is marked as **downloadable**.

In other words: if you have a digital product (eBook, PDF, template, music, open-source file, etc) that you wish to give away for free, this plugin simplifies the user experience by letting them click "Download" immediately — no cart step, no checkout or payment process.

Customers can access your free files instantly — no checkout, no forms, no friction.

### Key Features & Benefits ###

Here are the main features as described, along with how each benefit works in practice:

* **Instant Download Button**: The plugin swaps out the usual "Add to Cart" button with a download button for qualifying products. So instead of adding a product to the cart and checking out, a user simply clicks "Download".
* **Checkout-Free Experience**: Since the product is free and downloadable, there's no need to go through the checkout process. This removes friction, especially for users who just want a free digital file.
* **Automatic Detection**: The plugin checks whether the product is both "free" and "downloadable" before applying the button replacement. So you don't have to manually toggle it for each product (in most cases).
* **Variable Products**: Supports variation downloads.
* **Download Types**: Works for both local and remote file downloads.
* **Pages**: Replaces the button on both the shop and single-product pages.
* **Clean & Native Integration**: The download button uses your theme's default WooCommerce button styles, so it looks consistent with your store's design.
* **Easy Setup**: The plugin emphasizes "Install, activate, and you're done." So, a minimal configuration is required to get started.
* **Lightweight & Fast**: The plugin leaves a minimal footprint, meaning it shouldn't bloat your site performance or slow things down noticeably.

### Ideal Use Cases ###

Here are scenarios where the plugin is particularly valuable:

* Digital creators offering **free samples**: For example, you might sell a full eBook or a paid template, but give away a "chapter zero" or a sample resource.
* Stores that provide **free eBooks, guides, and downloadable content**: If you want to offer resources for free to build engagement, drive mailing list sign-ups, or build loyalty, this simplifies the process.
* Membership websites offering **free resources**: Members may receive free downloads as part of their sign-up benefits. The plugin helps streamline that.
* Developers or **open-source authors sharing demos, open-source files, or free assets**: If you have downloadable files you give away, the plugin reduces the friction of "Add to Cart → Checkout → Download" to "Download now".

### Why It's Useful ###

* **Better UX (User Experience)**: When a user sees "Download" instead of going through a checkout flow for a free item, it communicates clearly and avoids confusion.
* **Reduced friction / higher conversion**: Especially for free items, eliminating the cart/checkout step means fewer drop-offs.
* **Cleaner store presentation**: Keeps the workflow for free items separate from paid ones, so you don't force all users through the same process.
* **Time saver**: For site admins, you don't need to code or customize much – the plugin handles the logic of detecting free downloadable items and presenting the right button.

**Need more power? Upgrade to Pro**

Take it to the next level, and **track how many times each free downloadable product is downloaded directly**:

[Plugnition Download Button for WooCommerce Pro](https://plugnition.com/plugin/woocommerce-download-button/)

### Things to Check / Consider ###

* Make sure your products are properly marked as **downloadable** (and optionally virtual) in WooCommerce settings. The core WooCommerce guide on downloadable products explains how the "Downloadable" checkbox and file uploads work.
* If you also sell **paid** downloadable items, note that this plugin is specifically for "free & downloadable" items — so paid items will still go through the normal cart/process unless you use additional logic or plugins.
* Styling & compatibility: while the plugin adapts to your theme's button styles, always test on your store (front end and mobile) to ensure the download button appearance and behaviour meet your expectations.
* Performance: it is lightweight, but, as with any plugin, especially for digital downloads, ensure your hosting and file-serving setup is optimized. For large file downloads, you might want to review WooCommerce's recommended settings for download methods (force download vs. redirect) to ensure a good user experience & security.
* Use case clarity: this is best for **free** digital items. If you want to give away a limited-access free download (e.g., require email capture, membership, or limit downloads), you may need additional plugin features or customizations.

### 🗘 Feedback ###

* We are open to your suggestions and feedback. Thank you for using or trying out one of our plugins!
* [Visit plugin site](https://plugnition.com/plugin/woocommerce-download-button/).

== Installation ==

1. Upload the entire plugin folder to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory.
2. Activate the plugin through the "Plugins" menu in WordPress.

== Changelog ==

= 1.2.3 - 23/09/2026 =
* Tested up to: 7.1.
* WC tested up to: 11.1.

= 1.2.2 - 10/06/2026 =
* Dev - Product validation - Price validation - Accept only free products (i.e., not with an empty price).
* Dev - Product validation - Check if the product is in stock.
* Dev - Product validation - Check if the product is purchasable.
* Dev - Product validation - Check if the product is not password-protected (or unlocked).
* Dev - Product validation - Check if the product is visible (i.e., product status).

= 1.2.1 - 29/05/2026 =
* Tested up to: 7.0.
* WC tested up to: 10.8.

= 1.2.0 - 15/05/2026 =
* Dev - Add "Button label" option.
* Dev - Add options to show or hide the button on shop pages, single product pages and variations.
* Dev - Add download click tracking.
* Dev - Move variations JS to a separate JS file.
* Dev - Improve coding standards.
* Create free plugin version.
* Tested up to: 6.9.
* WC tested up to: 10.7.

= 1.1.0 - 02/12/2025 =
* Add - Add product variation support.
* Dev - Update class, file, constant, etc. names.

= 1.0.0 - 17/11/2025 =
* Initial release.

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.0.0 =
This is the first release of the plugin.
