=== AI Alt Generator ===
Contributors: arc-nine-gmbh
Tested up to: 6.7
Stable tag: 4.3
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

A powerful WordPress plugin that automates the generation and optimization of image alt texts using AI. ✨

== Description ==

**AI Alt Generator** revolutionizes how you handle image alt texts on your WordPress site! 🚀 Leveraging advanced AI, this plugin automatically creates optimized, multi-language alt texts for your media assets in just seconds. Boost your site’s accessibility, improve SEO rankings, and stay compliant with accessibility standards—all while avoiding tedious manual edits.

**Key Features** 🔑
- **Seamless Multi-Language Support** 🌐  
  Integrates with WPML and Polylang to generate alt texts in multiple languages.
- **Secure Basic Authentication** 🔒  
  Protects your media assets by embedding authentication credentials into asset URLs.
- **Custom Prompt Configuration** 🖋️  
  Customize AI prompts to match your brand’s voice and specific needs.
- **Approve or Deny Alt Texts** ✅❌  
  Choose between manual or automatic workflows for AI-generated alt text approval.
- **Intelligent Alt Text Utilization** 🧠  
  Uses existing alt texts to keep things consistent and relevant across your media library.
- **Dynamic Pricing Per Asset** 💰  
  A flexible, pay-as-you-go model that charges only for images you process.
- **Batch Processing with Controlled Delays** ⏱️  
  Handles large libraries efficiently without overloading your server.
- **Real-Time Progress Tracking** 📊  
  Watch the status of alt text generation live, complete with progress bars.

**Why Choose Us?** ❤️
- **Instant Optimization** ⚡  
  Generate alt texts for thousands of images in mere seconds—save yourself weeks of manual work.
- **Boost Accessibility & SEO** 🎉  
  Improve your site’s accessibility for everyone and give your SEO a welcome lift.
- **Smart Automation** 🤖  
  Harness AI to ensure accurate, relevant alt texts and minimize human error.
- **Flexible & Scalable** 🌱  
  Perfect for any size site, from tiny blogs to major enterprises.

**Privacy & Security** 🔐
We prioritize your data security. We process your images locally, generate the necessary alt texts, and **immediately delete all files**, so your content remains private and secure at all times.

== Installation ==

1. **Download the Plugin** ⬇️  
   - Head to the [WordPress Plugin Repository](https://wordpress.org/plugins/arc-nine-altgen/) and grab the latest version of **AI Alt Generator**.

2. **Upload to WordPress** 🏗️  
   - In your WordPress dashboard, go to `Plugins` > `Add New` > `Upload Plugin`.
   - Select the downloaded `.zip` file and hit `Install Now`.

3. **Activate the Plugin** 🏁  
   - After installation, click `Activate Plugin` to enable AI Alt Generator.

4. **Configure Settings** ⚙️  
   - In your WordPress admin menu, navigate to `AltGen Dashboard`.
   - Enter your **Access Token** from [alt-generator.ai](https://alt-generator.ai).
   - *(Optional)* Provide **Username** and **Password** if you need basic authentication.  
   - *(Optional)* Define a **Custom Prompt** to guide AI-generated alt texts.  
   - *(Optional)* Switch on **Auto-Approve Alt Texts** for a fully automated process.  
   - Hit `Save Settings` to finalize your setup.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Do you store my images or alt text data? =
No, your data stays completely secure with us. We process images locally for optimized alt texts and **immediately delete all files**. We **do not store** or access any of your images, alt texts, or related data beyond the generation process.

= How does multi-language support work? =
We integrate seamlessly with popular multilingual plugins like **WPML** and **Polylang**, letting you generate alt texts in multiple languages. This ensures a more inclusive, global-friendly website.

= Can I customize the AI prompts? =
Absolutely! Our **Custom Prompt Configuration** helps you specify guidelines and instructions for the AI when generating alt texts, so it perfectly matches your style and needs.

= How does the approval workflow work? =
You can manually approve each AI-generated alt text or enable **Auto-Approve** to overwrite existing alt text automatically. This flexibility keeps everything aligned with your standards.

= What pricing model is used? =
We use a **Dynamic Pricing Per Asset** approach, meaning you only pay for images actually processed. This pay-as-you-go model suits websites of all sizes—no wasted credits!

= Can I process large numbers of images at once? =
Yes! Our **Batch Processing** handles large libraries with controlled delays, preventing server overload for a smooth experience.

= What about real-time progress tracking? =
We provide **Real-Time Progress Tracking** with progress bars and live updates. Stay informed every step of the way!

== Third-Party / External Services ==

**Service Name:** [alt-generator.ai](https://alt-generator.ai)

- **What the service is and what it is used for:**  
  A cloud-based AI system that analyzes image information to create accurate alt text. This plugin uses alt-generator.ai for alt text generation, usage data, and customer portal access.

- **What data is sent and when:**  
  1. **Alt Text Generation:** When generating alt texts, the plugin sends the image (or its URL), language, existing alt text, plus your Access Token to alt-generator.ai.  
  2. **Usage Requests:** We send your Access Token to get usage details (e.g., processed image count).  
  3. **Customer Portal Access:** Your Access Token may be used to retrieve and show account info in the portal.

  No other personal data is transmitted unless you include it in the Custom Prompt. Images are processed only as long as needed to generate alt texts.

== Screenshots ==
1. **Dashboard**: Overview of media assets and their alt text status.  
2. **Settings Page**: Set up your Access Token, Custom Prompt, and Auto-Approve.  
3. **Alt Text Generation**: Watch real-time progress of alt text generation.  
4. **Approval Workflow**: Approve or deny new alt texts easily.

== License ==
AI Alt Generator is licensed under the [GNU General Public License v2 or later](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html).

== Support ==
Got questions or need help? Reach out at [support@arc-nine.de](mailto:support@arc-nine.de) or visit our [website](https://arc-nine.com). We’d love to hear from you!