user-submitted-posts / readme.txt

readme.txt in User Submitted Posts – Enable Users to Submit Posts from the Front End 20250327, at readme.txt

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1	=== User Submitted Posts – Enable Users to Submit Posts from the Front End ===
2
3	Plugin Name: User Submitted Posts
4	Plugin URI: https://perishablepress.com/user-submitted-posts/
5	Description: Enables your visitors to submit posts and images from anywhere on your site.
6	Tags: frontend post, submit post, guest post, visitor post, public post
7	Author: Jeff Starr
8	Author URI: https://plugin-planet.com/
9	Donate link: https://monzillamedia.com/donate.html
10	Contributors: specialk
11	Requires at least: 4.6
12	Tested up to: 6.7
13	Stable tag: 20250327
14	Version: 20250327
15	Requires PHP: 5.6.20
16	Text Domain: usp
17	Domain Path: /languages
18	License: GPL v2 or later
19
20	Enable visitors to submit posts and images from the front-end of your site. Many features including anti-spam security, content restriction, and more.
21
22
23
24	== Description ==
25
26	🏆 The #1 Plugin for User-Generated Content!
27
28	Enable visitors to submit posts from the front end of your site.
29
30	User Submitted Posts (USP) provides a front-end form that enables visitors to submit posts and upload images. Just add the following shortcode to any Post, Page, or Widget:
31
32	[user-submitted-posts]
33
34	That's all there is to it! Your site now can accept user generated content. Everything is super easy to customize via Plugin Settings page.
35
36	The post-submission form may include any/all of the following fields:
37
38	* Name
39	* Email
40	* URL
41	* Post Title
42	* Post Tags
43	* Post Category
44	* Post Content
45	* Custom Field 1
46	* Custom Field 2
47	* Custom Checkbox
48	* Challenge Question
49	* Google reCAPTCHA (v2 or v3)
50	* Post Images
51	* Agree to Terms
52
53	Each of these fields may be set as required, optional, or disabled. You can set the Post Status of submitted posts as "Pending", "Draft", "Publish Immediately", or publish after a specific number of approved posts.
54
55	USP enables users to upload any number of images when submitting a post. You can customize the min/max width, height, and number of submitted images.
56
57	USP also includes a Login/Register Form, and three shortcodes to control access and restrict content (more information below).
58
59
60	🚀 User Submitted Posts is the first and best plugin for front-end content!
61
62
63	### ✨ Core Features ###
64
65	* Includes a fast & secure post-submission form
66	* Includes a simple login/register/password form
67	* Display forms anywhere via shortcode or template tag
68	* Includes shortcode to display a list of submitted posts
69	* Includes shortcodes to control access and restrict content
70	* Includes template tags to display submitted post content
71	* Includes configurable Custom Field for the post-submit form
72	* You choose which fields to display on the post-submit form
73	* Automatically display all submitted content on the front end
74	* Display post-submit & login forms via Text or HTML widgets
75	* Receive email notification alerts for submitted posts
76	* Image preview thumbnails for selected images
77	* NEW: front-end post deletion (via email link)
78
79	Boost your site value with user-generated content!
80
81
82	### ✨ Form Features ###
83
84	* Google reCAPTCHA: v2 ("I am not a bot") or v3 (hidden recaptcha)
85	* Built-in client-side form validation with [Parsley](https://parsleyjs.org/)
86	* Stops spam via input validation, captcha, and hidden field
87	* Use either Challenge Question, Google reCAPTCHA, or both!
88	* Option to set submitted images as WP Featured Images
89	* Option to require users to be logged in to use the form
90	* Option to use WP's Rich Text Editor (RTE) for post content
91	* Redirect user to any URL or current page after submission
92	* Use the default HTML5 form or customize your own form
93	* Use the default form styles or add your own custom CSS
94	* Form fields may be set as optional or required
95	* Many action & filter hooks for advanced customization
96
97	USP is simple to use and built with clean, secure code via the WP API!
98
99
100	### ✨ More Features ###
101
102	* Translated into 20+ languages
103	* Automatically detects logged-in users
104	* Regularly updated to stay current with WordPress
105	* Multiple emails supported in email alerts
106	* Option to set a default post category
107	* Option to disable loading of form JavaScript & CSS
108	* Option to specify URL for targeted resource loading
109	* Option to disable tracking of IP addresses
110	* Option to specify custom email alert subject
111	* Option to specify custom email alert message
112	* Option to submit posts as WP Posts or Pages
113	* Choose which categories users are allowed to select
114	* Assign submitted posts to any registered user
115	* Customizable success, error, and upload messages
116	* Works with or without Gutenberg Block Editor
117
118	USP provides many options to help you create the perfect form!
119
120
121	### ✨ Content Restriction ###
122
123	USP provides three "Access Control" shortcodes to control access and restrict content. Here are some examples to give you an idea of how it works.
124
125	Display form and/or content only to users with a specific capability:
126
127	[usp_access cap="read" deny="Message for users without read capability"]
128	[user-submitted-posts] // Put the USP form or any other content here.
129	[/usp_access]
130
131	Display form and/or any content to logged-in users:
132
133	[usp_member deny="Message for users who are not logged in"]
134	[user-submitted-posts] // Put the USP form or any other content here.
135	[/usp_member]
136
137	Display form and/or any content to visitors only:
138
139	[usp_visitor deny="Message for users who are logged in"]
140	[user-submitted-posts] // Put the USP form or any other content here.
141	[/usp_visitor]
142
143	You can add and use Access Control shortcodes on any WP Post or Page. Tip: you can find this information (and more) in the plugin settings, under "Display the Form" > "Access Control".
144
145
146	### ✨ Image Uploads ###
147
148	* Optionally enable visitors to upload any number of images
149	* Specify minimum & maximum allowed images for each post
150	* Specify minimum & maximum width & height for images
151	* Automatically set submitted images as Featured Images
152	* Automatically display submitted images on the front end
153	* Includes template tags to display submitted images
154	* Includes shortcodes to display submitted images
155
156
157	### ✨ Post Management ###
158
159	* Custom Fields saved w/ each post: name, IP, URL, and image URLs
160	* Set posts to any status: Draft, Pending, Publish, or Moderate
161	* One-click filtering of submitted posts on the Admin Posts page
162
163	Plus much more! Too many features to list them all!
164
165
166	### ✨ Translations ###
167
168	User Submitted Posts supports translation into any language. Current translations include the following languages:
169
170	Arabic - usp-ar
171	Bengali - usp-bn_BD
172	Chinese (Simplified) - usp-zh_CN
173	Chinese (Traditional) - usp-zh_TW
174	Czech - usp-cs_CZ
175	Dutch - usp-nl_NL
176	French (France) - usp-fr_FR
177	German - usp-de_DE
178	Greek - usp-el
179	Hebrew - usp-he_IL
180	Hindi - usp-hi_IN
181	Irish - usp-ga
182	Italian - usp-it_IT
183	Japanese - usp-ja
184	Korean - usp-ko_KR
185	Norwegian - usp-no
186	Persian - usp-fa_IR
187	Polish - usp-pl_PL
188	Portuguese (Brazil) - usp-pt_BR
189	Portuguese (Portugal) - usp-pt_PT
190	Punjabi - usp-pa_IN
191	Romanian - usp-ro_RO
192	Russian - usp-ru_RU
193	Serbian - usp-sr_RS
194	Slovenian - usp-sl_SI
195	Spanish (Spain) - usp-es_ES
196	Swedish - usp-sv_SE
197	Turkish - usp-tr_TR
198	Urdu - usp-ur
199
200	__Note:__ most of the default translations are made via Google Translate. So they are automated and may be a little rough. Feel free to make your own translation as desired. Need a translation into your language? [Let me know!](https://plugin-planet.com/support/#contact)
201
202
203	### ✨ Pro Version ###
204
205	__USP Pro__ now available at [Plugin Planet](https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro/)!
206
207	Pro version includes many, many more features and settings, with unlimited custom forms, infinite custom fields, multimedia file uploads, and much more. [Check it out »](https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro/)
208
209
210	### ✨ Privacy ###
211
212	__User Data:__ This plugin enables users to submit post content. It collects data _only_ from users who voluntarily submit content via the USP form. The only involuntary data that is collected is the IP address of the person submitting the form. The plugin provides an option to disable IP collection completely.
213
214	__Cookies:__ This plugin uses simple cookies to enable dynamic form functionality. No cookies are used for any other purpose.
215
216	__Services:__ This plugin provides an option to enable Google reCaptcha, which is provided by Google as a third-party service. For details on privacy and more, please refer to official documentation for [Google reCaptcha](https://developers.google.com/recaptcha/). No other outside services or locations are accessed/used by this plugin.
217
218
219	### ✨ Developer ###
220
221	User Submitted Posts is developed and maintained by [Jeff Starr](https://twitter.com/perishable), 15-year [WordPress developer](https://plugin-planet.com/) and [book author](https://books.perishablepress.com/).
222
223
224
225	== Installation ==
226
227	### How to install the plugin ###
228
229	1. Upload the plugin to your blog and activate
230	2. Configure your options via the plugin settings
231	3. Display the form via shortcode or template tag
232
233	[More info on installing WP plugins](https://wordpress.org/support/article/managing-plugins/#installing-plugins)
234
235
236	### How to use the plugin ###
237
238	To display the form on any WP Post, Page, or widget, add the shortcode:
239
240	[user-submitted-posts]
241
242	Or, to display the form anywhere in your theme, add the template tag:
243
244	<?php if (function_exists('user_submitted_posts')) user_submitted_posts(); ?>
245
246
247	### Customizing the form ###
248
249	There are three main ways of customizing the form:
250
251	* Plugin settings, you can show/hide fields, configure options, etc.
252	* Custom form template (see "Custom Submission Form" for more info)
253	* By using USP action/filter hooks (advanced)
254
255	USP Hooks:
256
257	`Filters:
258	usp_post_status
259	usp_post_author
260	usp_form_shortcode
261	usp_mail_subject
262	usp_mail_message
263	usp_new_post
264	usp_input_validate
265	usp_require_login
266	usp_default_title
267
268	Actions:
269	usp_submit_success
270	usp_submit_error
271	usp_insert_before
272	usp_insert_after
273	usp_files_before
274	usp_files_after`
275
276	Check out the [complete list of action hooks for User Submitted Posts](https://perishablepress.com/action-filter-hooks-user-submitted-posts/)
277
278	More info about [WordPress Actions and Filters](https://codex.wordpress.org/Plugin_API#Hooks.2C_Actions_and_Filters)
279
280
281	### Custom Submission Form ###
282
283	Out of the box, User Submitted Posts provides a highly configurable submission form. Simply visit the plugin settings to control which fields are displayed, set the Challenge Question, configure submitted images, and much more.
284
285	There are situations, however, where advanced form configuration may be required. In order to allow for this, USP makes it possible to create a custom submission form. Here are the steps:
286
287	First, copy these two plugin files:
288
289	/user-submitted-posts/resources/usp.css
290	/user-submitted-posts/views/submission-form.php
291
292	Then, paste those two files into a directory named `/usp/` in your theme:
293
294	/wp-content/themes/your-theme/usp/usp.css
295	/wp-content/themes/your-theme/usp/submission-form.php
296
297	Lastly, visit the plugin settings and change "Form style" to "Custom Form + CSS". You now may customize the two files as desired; they will not be overwritten when the plugin is updated. For help with making basic changes to the custom form, check out the [USP FAQs](https://perishablepress.com/faqs-user-submitted-posts/#customize-form) at Perishable Press.
298
299	Alternately, you can set the option "Form style" to "HTML5 Form + Disable CSS" to use the default USP form along with your own CSS. FYI: here is a list of [USP CSS selectors](https://m0n.co/e).
300
301	Or, to go further with unlimited custom forms, [check out USP Pro](https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro/) :)
302
303
304	### Displaying submitted posts ###
305
306	User-submitted posts are handled by WordPress as regular WP Posts. So they are displayed along with your other posts according to your theme design. Additionally, each submitted post includes a set of Custom Fields that include the following information:
307
308	* `is_submission` - indicates that the post is a user-submitted post
309	* `user_submit_image` - the URL of the submitted image (one custom field per image)
310	* `user_submit_ip` - the IP address of the submitted-post author
311	* `user_submit_name` - the name of the submitted-post author
312	* `user_submit_url` - the submitted URL
313	* `usp_custom_field` - configurable Custom Field
314
315	There are numerous ways to display these Custom Fields. The easiest way is to visit the plugin settings and configure the options available under "Auto-Display Content". There you can enable auto-display of submitted email address, URL, and images. Note that submitted images also are uploaded to the WP Media Library.
316
317	For more flexibility, you can use a variety of WP Template Tags (e.g., [get_post_meta()](https://codex.wordpress.org/Function_Reference/get_post_meta)) to display Custom Fields. Here are some tutorials for more information:
318
319	* [WordPress Custom Fields, Part I: The Basics](https://perishablepress.com/wordpress-custom-fields-tutorial/)
320	* [WordPress Custom Fields, Part II: Tips and Tricks](https://perishablepress.com/wordpress-custom-fields-tips-tricks/)
321
322	And here are some tutorials that may help with custom display of submitted images:
323
324	* [Display all images attached to post](https://wp-mix.com/display-images-attached-post/)
325	* [Display images with links](https://wp-mix.com/display-images-with-user-submitted-posts/)
326
327	Also, here is a [Helper Plugin to display Custom Fields](https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro-custom-field-helper-plugin/). It originally is designed for use with USP Pro, but also works great with the free version of USP.
328
329
330	### Auto Display Images ###
331
332	To automatically display submitted images on the front end, visit the plugin settings, "Images Auto-Display" and select whether to display the images before or after post content. Save changes.
333
334
335	### Featured Images ###
336
337	To set submitted images as Featured Images (aka Post Thumbnails) for submitted posts, visit the plugin settings, "Image Uploads" and check the box to enable "Featured Image". Save changes.
338
339
340	### Shortcodes ###
341
342	User Submitted Posts provides a set of useful shortcodes. Check out the "Display the Form" panel in the plugin settings for examples and more information.
343
344	[user-submitted-posts] : displays the form on any Post or Page
345	[usp-login-form] : displays a login/register/password form
346	[usp_display_posts] : displays list of all submitted posts
347	[usp_gallery] : displays a gallery of all submitted images for the current post
348	[usp-reset-button url="https://example.com/"] : displays a button to reset the form
349	[usp_access cap="read" deny=""][/usp_access] : limits access to specific user capability
350	[usp_visitor deny=""][/usp_visitor] : limits access to visitors (not logged in) only
351	[usp_member deny=""][/usp_member] : limits access to logged-in users
352
353
354	Here is more info about these shortcodes:
355
356	__`[user-submitted-posts]`__
357
358	Displays the post-submit form. This shortcode does not accept any attributes.
359
360
361	__`[usp-login-form]`__
362
363	Displays the login/register/password form. This shortcode does not accept any attributes.
364
365	To add Google reCaptcha to the form, you can use any good reCaptcha plugin. Here are a few examples:
366
367	* [reCAPTCHA Lite](https://wordpress.org/plugins/recaptcha-lite/)
368	* [Smart Captcha (reCAPTCHA)](https://wordpress.org/plugins/smart-recaptcha/)
369	* [reCaptcha by BestWebSoft](https://wordpress.org/plugins/google-captcha/)
370
371	These are not endorsements for these plugins. They have been tested and work with the USP login/register/password form.
372
373
374	__`[usp_display_posts]`__
375
376	Displays a list of all submitted posts. This shortcode accepts two optional attributes, "userid" and "numposts". Examples:
377
378	[usp_display_posts] : default displays all submitted posts by all authors
379	[usp_display_posts userid="current"] : displays all submitted posts by current logged-in user
380	[usp_display_posts userid="1"] : displays all submitted posts by registered user with ID = 1
381	[usp_display_posts userid="Pat Smith"] : displays all submitted posts by author name "Pat Smith"
382	[usp_display_posts userid="all"] : displays all submitted posts by all users/authors
383	[usp_display_posts userid="all" numposts="5"] : limit to 5 posts from all users
384	[usp_display_posts post_type="page"] : display only submitted pages
385
386	So the shortcode attributes can be used to customize the post list as desired. Note that the Pro version of USP provides many more options for the [display-posts shortcode](https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro-display-list-submitted-posts/).
387
388
389	__`[usp_gallery]`__
390
391	__Note:__ This shortcode works only when added to a submitted post. It does nothing when added anywhere else.
392
393	Displays a gallery of all submitted images for the current post. Customize via the following attributes:
394
395	size = image size as thumbnail, medium, large or full -> default = thumbnail
396	format = whether to make the image a linked image -> default = image (can use image or image_link)
397	target = whether to open linked image in new tab -> default = blank (can use blank or self)
398	class = optional custom class name(s) -> default = none
399	number = the number of images to display for each post -> default = 100
400	post_id = an optional post ID to use -> default = false (uses global/current post)
401
402	Check out the source code inline notes for more info
403
404
405	__`[usp-reset-button]`__
406
407	Displays a button to reset the form. Accepts the following attributes:
408
409	class = classes for the parent element (optional, default: none)
410	value = link text (optional, default: "Reset form")
411	url = the URL where your form is displayed (required, default: none)
412	custom = any attributes or custom code for the link element (optional, default: none)
413
414	Note that the `url` attribute accepts `%%current%%` for the current URL (useful when the form is displayed in the sidebar).
415
416
417	__`[usp_access]`__
418
419	Limits access to specific user capability. Example:
420
421	[usp_access cap="read"]
422	Content for users that have "read" access
423	[/usp_access]
424
425	The `cap` attribute specifies the required capability or capabilities (comma-separated). This shortcode also accepts an optional `deny` attribute. The `deny` attribute displays a message to users who are denied access. Tip: to include markup in the deny message, you can use `{tag}` to display `<tag>`. Check out the "Display the Form" panel in the plugin settings for examples and more info.
426
427
428	__`[usp_visitor]`__
429
430	Limits access to visitors (not logged in) only. Example:
431
432	[usp_visitor]
433	Content for for users who are not logged in
434	[/usp_visitor]
435
436	This shortcode accepts an optional `deny` attribute. The `deny` attribute displays a message to users who are denied access. Tip: to include markup in the deny message, you can use `{tag}` to display `<tag>`. Check out the "Display the Form" panel in the plugin settings for examples and more info.
437
438
439	__`[usp_member]`__
440
441	Limits access to logged-in users. Example:
442
443	[usp_member]
444	Content for for users who are logged in
445	[/usp_member]
446
447	This shortcode accepts an optional `deny` attribute. The `deny` attribute displays a message to users who are denied access. Tip: to include markup in the deny message, you can use `{tag}` to display `<tag>`. Check out the "Display the Form" panel in the plugin settings for examples and more info.
448
449
450	### Template tags ###
451
452	User Submitted Posts provides a set of useful template tags:
453
454	/*
455	Display the Post-Submission Form
456	Usage: <?php if (function_exists('user_submitted_posts')) user_submitted_posts(); ?>
457	*/
458
459	user_submitted_posts()
460
461
462	/*
463	Display the Login/Register/Password Form
464	Usage: <?php if (function_exists('usp_login_form')) usp_login_form(); ?>
465	*/
466
467	usp_login_form()
468
469
470	/*
471	Display a configurable list of submitted posts
472	Usage: <?php if (function_exists('usp_display_posts')) echo usp_display_posts(array('userid' => 'all', 'numposts' => -1)); ?>
473	*/
474
475	usp_display_posts()
476
477
478	/*
479	Check if post is a submitted post
480	Returns true or false
481	Usage: <?php if (usp_is_public_submission()) return true; ?>
482	*/
483
484	usp_is_public_submission()
485
486
487	/*
488	Get all image URLs
489	Returns an array of image URLs that are attached to the current submitted post
490	Usage: <?php $images = usp_get_post_images(); foreach ($images as $image) echo $image; ?>
491	*/
492
493	usp_get_post_images()
494
495
496	/*
497	Display all images
498	Outputs a set of <img> tags for images attached to the current submitted post
499	Usage: <?php usp_post_attachments($size, $beforeUrl, $afterUrl, $numberImages, $postId); ?>
500	Parameters:
501	$size = image size: thumbnail, medium, large or full -> default = full
502	$beforeUrl = text/markup displayed before each image URL -> default = <img src="
503	$afterUrl = text/markup displayed after each image URL -> default = " />
504	$numberImages = number of images to display for each post -> default = false (display all)
505	$postId = an optional post ID to use -> default = uses global post
506	*/
507
508	usp_post_attachments()
509
510
511	/*
512	Display submitted author name and URL
513	This tag displays one of the following:
514	- The author's submitted name as a link (if both 'User Name' and 'User URL' fields are included in the form)
515	- The author's submitted name as plain text (if 'User Name' is included in the form, but 'User URL' is not included)
516	- The author's registered username as a link to the author's post archive (if 'User Name' is not included in the form)
517
518	Usage: <?php usp_author_link(); ?>
519	*/
520
521	usp_author_link()
522
523
524	/*
525	Get an array of image URLs, wrapped in optional HTML
526	Syntax: <?php if (function_exists('usp_get_images')) $images = usp_get_images($size, $format, $target, $class, $number, $post_id); ?>
527	Usage: <?php if (function_exists('usp_get_images')) $images = usp_get_images(); foreach ($images as $image) echo $image; ?>
528	Parameters:
529	$size = image size as thumbnail, medium, large or full -> default = thumbnail
530	$format = whether to make the image a linked image -> default = image (can use image or image_link)
531	$target = whether to open linked image in new tab -> default = blank (can use blank or self)
532	$class = optional custom class name(s) -> default = none
533	$number = the number of images to display for each post -> default = 100
534	$post_id = an optional post ID to use -> default = false (uses global/current post)
535
536	Check out the source code inline notes for more info
537	*/
538
539	usp_get_images()
540
541
542	These template tags should work out of the box when included in your theme template file(s). Keep in mind that for some of the tags to work, there must be some existing submitted posts and/or images available.
543
544	The source code for these tags is located in `/library/template-tags.php` and `shortcode-login.php`.
545
546
547	### Upgrades ###
548
549	To upgrade User Submitted Posts, remove the old version and replace with the new version. Or just click "Update" from the Plugins screen and let WordPress do it for you automatically.
550
551	__Important!__ The `/custom/` directory is deprecated. If you are using a custom form template, please move it to `/wp-content/your-theme/usp/`. For more information, check out the "Custom Submission Form" section under [Installation](https://wordpress.org/plugins/user-submitted-posts/#installation).
552
553	__Note:__ uninstalling the plugin from the WP Plugins screen results in the removal of all settings from the WP database. Submitted posts are NOT removed if you deactivate the plugin, reset default options, or uninstall the plugins; that is, all submitted posts must be removed manually.
554
555
556	### Restore Default Options ###
557
558	To restore default plugin options, either uninstall/reinstall the plugin, or visit the plugin settings > Restore Default Options.
559
560
561	### Uninstalling ###
562
563	User Submitted Posts cleans up after itself. All plugin settings will be removed from your database when the plugin is uninstalled via the Plugins screen. Submitted posts are NOT removed if you deactivate the plugin, reset default options, or uninstall the plugins; that is, _all submitted posts must be removed manually_.
564
565
566	### Pro Version ###
567
568	Pro version of USP now available! USP Pro includes many more awesome features and settings, with unlimited custom forms, infinite custom fields, multimedia file uploads, and much, much more.
569
570	* [Check out USP Pro for virtually limitless form-building action »](https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro/)
571	* [Read what users are saying about USP Pro »](https://plugin-planet.com/testimonials/)
572
573
574	### Like the plugin? ###
575
576	If you like USP, please take a moment to [give a 5-star rating](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/user-submitted-posts/reviews/?rate=5#new-post). It helps to keep development and support going strong. Thank you!
577
578
579
580	== Upgrade Notice ==
581
582	To upgrade User Submitted Posts, remove the old version and replace with the new version. Or just click "Update" from the Plugins screen and let WordPress do it for you automatically.
583
584	__Important!__ The `/custom/` directory is deprecated. If you are using a custom form template, please move it to `/wp-content/your-theme/usp/`. For more information, check out the "Custom Submission Form" section under [Installation](https://wordpress.org/plugins/user-submitted-posts/#installation).
585
586	__Note:__ uninstalling the plugin from the WP Plugins screen results in the removal of all settings from the WP database. Submitted posts are NOT removed if you deactivate the plugin, reset default options, or uninstall the plugins; that is, all submitted posts (and any attached meta data) must be removed manually.
587
588
589
590	== Screenshots ==
591
592	1. USP Settings Screen (panels toggled closed)
593	2. USP Plugin Settings, showing default options (panels toggle open/closed)
594	3. USP Form (with all fields enabled)
595	4. USP Form (with just a few fields enabled)
596	5. Example showing how to display the form on a Page (using a shortcode)
597
598	More screenshots and infos available at the [USP Homepage](https://perishablepress.com/user-submitted-posts/)
599
600
601
602	== Frequently Asked Questions ==
603
604	Can you add this feature or that feature?
605
606	Please check the [Pro version of USP](https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro/), which includes many of the most commonly requested features from users. The free version also may include new features in future updates.
607
608
609	Images are not uploaded or displaying
610
611	If everything is configured properly, USP will display submitted images on the front-end. If that is not happening, here are some things to check:
612
613	* Make sure that the setting "Images Auto-Display" is enabled
614	* And/or make sure that the setting "Featured Image" is enabled
615	* And/or make sure that your theme is set up to display submitted images
616
617	Assuming that everything is set up to display submitted images, here are some further things to check:
618
619	* Is there any error message when trying to submit an image?
620	* Check that the submitted images are uploaded to the Media Library
621	* Check that the URL of the submitted image is attached to the submitted post as a Custom Field (on Edit Post screen)
622	* Check the permission settings on the upload folder(s) by ensuring that you can successfully upload image files directly via the Media Uploader
623	* Double-check that all the "Image Uploads" settings make sense, and that the images being uploaded meet the specified requirements
624
625	Note: when changing permissions on files and folders, it is important to use the least-restrictive settings possible. If you have to use more permissive settings, it is important to secure the directory against malicious activity. For more information check out: [Secure Media Uploads](https://digwp.com/2012/09/secure-media-uploads/)
626
627
628	How to set submitted image as the featured image?
629
630	Here are the steps:
631
632	1. Visit USP settings > Options panel > Image Uploads > Featured Image
633	2. Check the box and click "Save Settings" to save your changes
634
635	Note that this setting merely assigns the submitted image as the Featured Image; it's up to your theme's single.php file to include `the_post_thumbnail()` to display the Featured Images. If your theme is not so equipped, [check out this tutorial at WP-Mix](https://wp-mix.com/set-attachment-featured-image/).
636
637
638	How to require login?
639
640	Visit the plugin settings and enable the option to "Require User Login". That will display the submission form only to logged-in users. To go further and require login for other types of content, there are many techniques available to you. For more information check out my WP-Mix post, [WordPress Require User Login](https://wp-mix.com/wordpress-require-user-login/), which provides a good summary of the possibilities. Also note: [USP Pro includes built-in shortcodes](https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro-display-form-logged-in-users/) to display forms and other content to registered/logged-in users and/or guests/logged-out users.
641
642
643	How do I change the appearance of the submission form?
644
645	The easiest way to customize the form is via the plugin settings. There you can choose one of the following form configurations:
646
647	* HTML5 Form + Default CSS (Recommended)
648	* HTML5 Form + Disable CSS (Provide your own styles)
649	* Custom Form + Custom CSS (Provide your own form template & styles)
650
651	Additionally, you can configure the settings to show/hide specific fields, control the number and size of submitted images, customize the Challenge Question, and much more.
652
653	To go beyond what's possible with the plugin settings, USP enables creation of a custom submission form. To learn how, check out the "Custom Submission Form" section under [Installation](https://wordpress.org/plugins/user-submitted-posts/installation/). And for advanced customization, developers can use [USP action and filter hooks](https://perishablepress.com/action-filter-hooks-user-submitted-posts/).
654
655	Or, to go further with unlimited custom forms, [check out USP Pro](https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro/) :)
656
657
658	What is the "alternate" form?
659
660	Inside of the `/views/` directory, you will find an alternate form template named `submission-form-alt.php`. This template is identical to that used for the default form, with the exception that it returns the post-submit form in addition to the success message. You can use the alternate form template by following the steps provided via the "Custom Submission Form" section of the plugin documentation/readme.
661
662
663	What about security and spam?
664
665	User Submitted Posts uses the WordPress API to keep everything secure, fast, and flexible. The plugin also features Google reCAPTCHA, Challenge Question, and hidden anti-spam field to stop automated spam and bad bots.
666
667
668	Can I include video?
669
670	The free version of USP supports uploads of images only, but some hosted videos may be included in the submitted content (textarea) by simply including the video URL on its own line. See [this page](https://codex.wordpress.org/Embeds) for more info. Note that [USP Pro](https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro/) enables users to [upload video and much more](https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro-allowed-file-types/#file-formats).
671
672
673	How do I reset the plugin settings?
674
675	To reset plugin settings to factory defaults:
676
677	1. Visit "Restore Default Options" in the plugin settings
678	2. Check the box and save your changes
679	3. Deactivate the plugin and then reactivate it
680	4. Plugin settings now are restored to defaults
681
682	Restoring default settings does not delete any submitted posts. Even if you completely remove the plugin, the submitted posts will not be deleted. You have to remove them manually, if desired.
683
684
685	How do I enable the "Add Media" button for all users?
686
687	Question: How do I enable the "Add Media" button for all users (even if not registered)?
688
689	Answer: Users must have sufficient capabilities to access the Media Library and the "Add Media" button. This is a security measure aimed at preventing foul play. The Pro version of USP provides an option to [enable Add Media uploads for all user levels](https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro-enable-non-admin-users-upload-media/).
690
691
692	Can you explain the setting "Registered Username"?
693
694	When "Registered Username" is enabled:
695
696	* If the user is logged in, their registered username is used as the Post Author
697	* If the user is logged out, the setting "Assigned Author" is used as the Post Author
698
699	When "Registered Username" is disabled:
700
701	* The setting "Assigned Author" always is used as the Post Author for all users (whether logged in or not)
702
703
704	How can I translate this plugin?
705
706	Currently the easiest and most flexible method is to [use GlotPress to translate USP](https://translate.wordpress.org/projects/wp-plugins/user-submitted-posts). That is the recommended translation route going forward, but for the time being you may also translate using a plugin such as [Loco Translate](https://wordpress.org/plugins/loco-translate/). FYI, USP's translation files are located in the `/languages/` directory.
707
708
709	Why am I not receiving the Email Alerts?
710
711	Normally the plugin sends an Email Alert each time a post is submitted. If that is not happening in your case, you will need to troubleshoot your setup. Here is a guide on [Troubleshooting Email](https://perishablepress.com/email-troubleshooting-guide/) that should help.
712
713
714	How to disable image preview feature?
715
716	To disable the image-preview thumbnail feature, add the following line to the plugin setting, "Custom Content":
717
718	`<script>var usp_disable_previews = true;</script>`
719
720	Save changes and done.
721
722
723	How to disable fancy category/tag select script?
724
725	USP uses the Chosen.js library to enhance the behavior and appearance of the Category and Tag fields. The enhanced fields will be displayed when either/both of the following are true:
726
727	* The option "Multiple Categories" is enabled (for Category field)
728	* The option "Use Existing Tags" is enabled (for Tag field)
729
730	If you want to disable the fancy Chosen script for these fields, you can do so by adding the following code snippet to your WordPress site:
731
732	`<script>var usp_disable_chosen = true;</script>`
733
734	Save changes and done. Also just FYI, here is a guide that explains [how to add custom code to WordPress](https://digwp.com/2022/02/custom-code-wordpress/).
735
736
737	How to change the language for Google reCaptcha?
738
739	By default, the Google reCaptcha field is displayed in English. To change that to some other language, first locate the two-digit abbreviation for your language [here](https://developers.google.com/recaptcha/docs/language). Then add the following code to your theme (or child theme) functions.php, or add via [custom plugin](https://digwp.com/2022/02/custom-code-wordpress/):
740
741	`function usp_recaptcha_querystring($query) { return 'en'; }
742	add_filter('usp_recaptcha_querystring', 'usp_recaptcha_querystring');`
743
744	Notice where it says `en`, that is the two-character language code you want to replace with your own. Then save changes and done.
745
746
747	Where can I check out a demo of the USP form?
748
749	There is a simplified [USP Demo](https://perishablepress.com/wp/wp-content/online/pages/user-submitted-posts-demo.html) at Perishable Press. Note the demo form is non-functional, just there to give you a general idea. The actual form provided by the plugin has more features, functionality, etc.
750
751
752	How to allow blank targets in post content?
753
754	By default, USP removes any `target="_blank"` attributes in submitted post content. This is a recommended security feature. It is possible however to allow blank targets:
755
756	`function usp_content_patterns($array) { return array(); }
757	add_filter('usp_content_patterns', 'usp_content_patterns');`
758
759	That code can be added via theme (or child theme) functions.php, or add via [custom plugin](https://digwp.com/2022/02/custom-code-wordpress/).
760
761
762	How to disable all HTML tags in submitted posts?
763
764	Add the code snippet provided [here](https://perishablepress.com/faqs-user-submitted-posts/#allowed-tags).
765
766
767	How does the remote delete post link work?
768
769	When `%%delete_link%%` is included in your email alert template, a link will be included that the user can click to delete their submitted post. This works when the user who submitted the post is logged in to WordPress. It does not work for users who are not logged in, or are not the post author. For more details and tips, check out the [USP FAQs](https://perishablepress.com/faqs-user-submitted-posts/#delete-post-message) at Perishable Press.
770
771
772	How to remove placeholder text on submission form?
773
774	You can either enable the custom form and modify the output/HTML directly, or you can just add the following to the plugin's "Custom Content" option:
775
776	`<script>jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
777	$('.usp-title label').text('This is the label');
778	$('.usp-title input').attr('placeholder', 'This is the placeholder');
779	});</script>`
780
781	Change the two text strings, "This is the label" and "This is the placeholder" to whatever you would like. Then save changes and done.
782
783
784	More FAQs
785
786	Want to read some more FAQs? Check out the [USP FAQs at Perishable Press](https://perishablepress.com/faqs-user-submitted-posts/)
787
788
789	Questions? Feedback?
790
791	Send any questions or feedback via my [contact form](https://plugin-planet.com/support/#contact). Thanks! :)
792
793
794
795	== ✨ Support Development ==
796
797	I develop and maintain this free plugin with love for the WordPress community. To show support, you can [make a donation](https://monzillamedia.com/donate.html) or purchase one of my books:
798
799	* [The Tao of WordPress](https://wp-tao.com/)
800	* [Digging into WordPress](https://digwp.com/)
801	* [.htaccess made easy](https://htaccessbook.com/)
802	* [WordPress Themes In Depth](https://wp-tao.com/wordpress-themes-book/)
803	* [Wizard's SQL Recipes for WordPress](https://books.perishablepress.com/downloads/wizards-collection-sql-recipes-wordpress/)
804
805	And/or purchase one of my premium WordPress plugins:
806
807	* [BBQ Pro](https://plugin-planet.com/bbq-pro/) - Super fast WordPress firewall
808	* [Blackhole Pro](https://plugin-planet.com/blackhole-pro/) - Automatically block bad bots
809	* [Banhammer Pro](https://plugin-planet.com/banhammer-pro/) - Monitor traffic and ban the bad guys
810	* [GA Google Analytics Pro](https://plugin-planet.com/ga-google-analytics-pro/) - Connect WordPress to Google Analytics
811	* [Simple Ajax Chat Pro](https://plugin-planet.com/simple-ajax-chat-pro/) - Unlimited chat rooms
812	* [USP Pro](https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro/) - Unlimited front-end forms
813
814	Links, tweets and likes also appreciated. Thanks! :)
815
816
817
818	== Changelog ==
819
820	Thank you to everyone who shares feedback for User Submitted Posts!
821
822	If you like USP, please take a moment to [give a 5-star rating](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/user-submitted-posts/reviews/?rate=5#new-post). It helps to keep development and support going strong. Thank you!
823
824
825	20250327
826
827	* Improves sanitization of custom checkbox field
828	* Tests on WordPress 6.8
829
830
831	20241026
832
833	* Replaces deprecated function `get_page_by_title()`
834	* Adds new filter hook `usp_check_duplicates`
835	* Adds "Show Support" panel to settings page
836	* Updates plugin settings page
837	* Updates all translation files
838	* Updates default translation template
839	* Tests on WordPress 6.7
840
841
842	Full changelog @ [https://plugin-planet.com/wp/changelog/user-submitted-posts.txt](https://plugin-planet.com/wp/changelog/user-submitted-posts.txt)
843