# Themes Plugins And Packages
In WordPress, the terms "themes," "plugins," and "packages" refer to different elements used to customize and extend the functionality of a WordPress website. Read through the below sections to get an explanation of each element.
# Configuration: plugins & themes
Plugins are components that enhance the functionality of a WordPress website. They allow users to add features, extend capabilities, and modify various aspects of their site. Plugins can range from simple tools like contact forms or social media integrations to complex functionalities like e-commerce systems or SEO optimization.
Themes determine the overall design, layout, and appearance of a WordPress website. They provide templates that control the visual presentation of the site. Themes allow users to change the look and feel of their website without altering its underlying content or functionality.
Packages create collections of themes or plugins bundled together. These packages might be offered as a convenient way to provide perfectly matched functionality and design options to WordPress users.
# Packages
Prepare a package that allows users to install and activate themes and plugins included in the package, providing greater flexibility and control over the website's design and features.
# Adding new package
To compose a package, proceed to Configuration → Plugins & Themes and press the "Add" button. A form to fill out will appear:
- Enter the package name
- Define plugin automation on assignment:
- install and activate plugins
- install plugins
- no action
- Select plugins that will be included in the package
- Define theme automation on assignment:
- install themes
- no action
- Select themes that will be included in the package
Allowed actions on packages:
- Edit the package
- Force installation
- Remove the package
# Theme categories
In this place, you can manage the theme categories. Add new categories, edit details or remove existing ones. Press the "Add Divider" button to separate the categories and maintain a clear and orderly display.
Add category - To add a new theme category simply press the corresponding button, enter the new category name and confirm the action.
Edit an existing category - On pressing the "Edit" button will be moved to the section where themes can be assigned to a single category.
Press "Add" to assign the first theme. A formula divided into "Custom" and "Marketplace" themes will appear. Type in the theme name and select the checkbox next to it to add multiple themes. You may also visit the homepage (Marketplace themes only), see its preview and add single theme to the category. You may reassign the themes at any time.
# Custom plugins
Custom WordPress plugins are created by administrators to add specific functionality to their WordPress websites. These plugins can be customized to meet the specific needs and requirements of their users. By developing custom plugins, administrators can incorporate features that may not be available in ready-made WordPress plugins, thereby providing a more personalized and tailored user experience. This allows administrators to enhance the functionality and uniqueness of their websites, catering to the specific requirements of their target audience.
Press "Add" to create a custom plugin. Fill out the form with following information, all fields are required:
- Name
- Description
- Version
- Attach the package file - must be in .zip format, you may also include a screenshot here
Allowed actions on a custom plugin:
- Enable/disable the plugin
- Edit the custom plugin: name, description and version number
- Show available versions
- Select version to activate it
- Delete a single version
- Upload a new version of the plugin
- Upload a new version
- Enter name
- Attach the zipped file
- Force plugin update on instances with this plugin assigned
- Delete the plugin
# Custom themes
Custom Themes function similarly to the custom plugins described above. They are created by administrators to give their WordPress website a unique look and feel. These themes can be customized to meet the specific needs and preferences of their users. By developing custom themes, administrators can provide their users with a more personalized experience and ensure that their website stands out from the rest. This enables administrators to establish a distinct visual identity for their website, aligning it with their branding and delivering a cohesive user experience.
Press "Add" to create a custom theme. Fill out the form with following information, all fields are required:
- Name
- Description
- Theme category (optional) - select from available
- Preview URL (optional) - link to a sample page with the theme preview for users comfort
- Version - version number of the theme
- Attach the package file - must be in .zip format
- Preview - include a screenshot here
Allowed actions on a custom theme:
- Enable/Disable the theme
- Edit: name, description, category, preview URL and version number
- Show available versions
- Select version to activate it
- Delete a single version
- Upload a new version of the plugin
- Upload a new version (assign a new package)
- Enter name
- Attach the zipped file
- Attach screenshot If the preview is not added or the preview is not included in the package, the previous screenshot will remain active.
- Force theme update on instances with this theme assigned
- Delete the custom theme
# Plans: plugins & themes
Assigning themes and plugins is the last step of creating a plan. Please refer to the following section to learn more about Plans.
Manage the plugins and themes that will be installed or deactivated on the instances:
- Automation:
- Default Plugin & Theme Packages - Assign packages of plugins and themes to a WordPress instance within the plan.
- Automatic Plugin Installation - Assign plugins that will be automatically installed during the WordPress instance installation process.
- Automatic Theme Installation - Assign themes that will be automatically installed during the WordPress instance installation process.
- Default Theme - select a default theme that will be installed on the instance.
- Blacklist:
- Plugin Blacklist - Assign prohibited plugins that will be deactivated from any WordPress instance in the plan
- Delete Blacklisted Plugins - Assign prohibited plugins that will be removed from any WordPress instance in the plan
- Delete Blacklisted Themes - Assign prohibited themes that will be removed from any WordPress instance in the plan
- Scan:
- Scan Interval (in hours) - Assign the frequency (in hourly time interval) at which the cron will deactivate and remove prohibited plugins and themes from the WordPress instances in the plan
# Services: plugins & themes
Packages containing themes and plugins can be assigned to a service directly from its details page. To do this, navigate to the Services section in the side menu and open the management page of the desired service.
Within the first widget displaying basic data about the plan, you will find a "Plugin & Theme Packages" section. Here, you can preview all the currently assigned packages to this plan, as well as assign additional packages. Simply click on the "Assign" button.
A dropdown menu with a list of available packages will be displayed, allowing you to select the desired package for assignment. Once you have made your selection, confirm your choice to proceed with the assignment. This enables you to easily manage and add packages of themes and plugins to your service, providing enhanced functionality and customization options.
# Client area: new instance
The process of creating a new instance can differ depending on the product, yet the step of selcting theme is fairly the same for alll products with standard onboarding method and those with quick onboarding method applied.
In most cases, you will be presented with a list of website themes to choose from. Take your time browsing, use the "Preview" option to get a better view and when you are satisfied, select the "Use This Theme" option. You can always change your theme later.
On the left side you will find theme categories:
- Popular and Latest - these ara the two default categories
- Recommended - displays themes taht are included in packages assigned to the current plan
- Other - remaininig custom Theme Categories, created by admin with set up dividers