﻿=== Z-Downloads ===

Contributors: urbanbase
Tags: download manager, zip, download button, statistics, zip archive
License: GPLv2
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
Requires PHP: 5.6
Requires at least: 4.9
Tested up to: 6.8
Stable tag: 1.12.1

Convenient download manager and automatic ZIP archive creator

== Description ==

The convenient download manager for WordPress.

Z-Downloads makes file delivery simple: upload, place a shortcode, done. It automatically builds ZIP archives, keeps them updated when files change, and gives you clear stats and a clean UI.

**Example use case:** A single file is present in multiple ZIP archives (e.g., press kits). Update the file once—every affected ZIP is rebuilt automatically.

[Z-Downloads Website](https://code.urban-base.net/z-downloads?utm_source=wporg)

= Benefits =

- User-friendly interface with inline help
- Time-saving automation (auto-rebuild of ZIP archives)
- Reliable performance with smart caching

= Top features =

- GDPR compliant: IP address anonymization by default
- Built-in security: direct file paths remain hidden
- Download statistics + dashboard widget
- Shortcodes for files, ZIPs, lists, audio, and video
- Download button (with optional icons)
- Display info like file size or download count
- Generate file lists
- Embed an audio player
- Embed a video player
- Show MD5 and SHA1 hashes in the frontend (**Premium**)
- Option to activate direct URL paths for PDF files
- Centralized file management
- Automatic ZIP archive creation
- Drag-and-drop file upload
- Log page to trace actions and troubleshoot
- Safe uninstall option to remove all plugin data on request
- PHP 8 compatible
- Ready for internationalization (English & German included)
- Multilingual
- And more...

= Effortlessly embed download buttons with shortcodes =

Upload your file, then add this shortcode to a post or page:

`[zdownload file="123"]`

= Embed automatically generated ZIP archives with shortcodes =

Create a ZIP entry in the backend, link your files, then use:

`[zdownload zip="123"]`

= Embed external files with shortcodes =

Link to a file hosted elsewhere and render a download button:

`[zdownload url="https://example.com/file.zip"]`

= Output a list of files linked to a ZIP archive =

Display all files attached to an archive as a neat list:

`[zdownload_list zip="123"]`

= Output audio files as an audio player =

Turn an audio file (MP3, WAV, OGG, …) into a player:

`[zdownload_audio file="123"]`

= Output video files as a video player =

Render a video file directly as a player:

`[zdownload_video file="123"]`

== Languages ==

Z-Downloads can be translated into multiple languages. Currently supported:

- English
- German

== Installation ==

= In the WordPress plugin directory =

Search for "Z-Downloads" in your WordPress plugin directory, install, and activate.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Is Z-Downloads free? =

Yes. All basic functions are free.

For advanced features there is [Z-Downloads Premium](https://code.urban-base.net/z-downloads?utm_source=wporg) — e.g., MD5/SHA1 hash output or unlimited files per ZIP archive.

= Who is this plugin for? =

Site owners who want an easy, fast way to offer downloads and ZIP packages without manual maintenance.

= Is this plugin GDPR (DSGVO) compliant? =

Yes. No personal visitor data is stored. IP addresses are anonymized by default (can be changed in the settings).

= What language is the plugin in? =

The plugin ships in English and is fully translated into German. Other languages can be added easily.

== Screenshots ==

1. Overview of all uploaded files
2. Overview of all archives
3. Dashboard widget with download statistics
4. Detail view of an audio file with audio player
5. Available shortcodes for an archive
6. Use case in a post

== Changelog ==

- You can find the versions here: [Z-Downloads release notes](https://code.urban-base.net/z-downloads/release-notes/?utm_source=wporg)

== Upgrade Notice ==
