=== Dude Downloads ===
Contributors: wpdudeplugins, freemius
Tags: digital downloads, stripe, ebooks, pdf, digital products
Requires at least: 6.5
Tested up to: 7.0
Requires PHP: 8.1
Stable tag: 2.2.24
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Sell digital downloads directly from WordPress using Stripe Checkout — no WooCommerce required.

== Description ==

Dude Downloads is a lightweight WordPress plugin that lets you sell or give away digital files using Stripe Checkout.

Upload a file, set a price (or make it free), publish your product, and embed it anywhere using a Gutenberg block or shortcode. After payment or a free claim, customers receive a secure download link by email.

Dude Downloads follows the WPDude philosophy:

One plugin. One job.

No unnecessary complexity—just everything you need to sell digital downloads.

Watch the complete getting started guide

Learn how to create download products, connect Stripe, publish your products and start selling in minutes.

https://youtu.be/lgL_iIZ_rYc

Documentation

https://wpdude.com/wp-dude-plugin-documentation/dude-downloads-documentation/

Perfect for:

* Authors
* Bloggers
* Coaches
* Designers
* Developers
* Photographers
* Content creators
* Anyone selling digital products

= Free Features =

* Unlimited free download products
* Unlimited paid download products
* Stripe Checkout (Test and Live)
* Secure, expiring download links
* Configurable download expiry and download limits
* Customer download emails
* Gutenberg block
* Shortcode support
* Transaction history

= Pro Features =

The Pro version adds business integrations including:

* Outgoing webhooks
* CSV export
* Admin REST API
* Custom customer email templates
* Custom success redirects
* Download box styling (colours, fonts and icons)

= Stripe =

Paid checkouts are securely processed by Stripe Checkout.

No payment card data is ever stored on your WordPress website.

* Stripe Terms: https://stripe.com/legal
* Stripe Privacy: https://stripe.com/privacy

== Installation ==

1. Install and activate Dude Downloads.
2. Open Dude Downloads → Settings.
3. Enter your Stripe API keys.
4. Create a download product and upload your file.
5. Publish the product.
6. Add the provided shortcode to any page or use the Gutenberg block.
7. Start selling.

== Screenshots ==

1. Download products overview.
2. Create and edit a download product.
3. Configure Stripe Checkout.
4. Front-end purchase page.
5. Transaction history.
6. Customer download email.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Do I need WooCommerce? =

No. Dude Downloads is a standalone plugin built specifically for selling digital downloads.

= Can I use Dude Downloads alongside WooCommerce? =

Yes. Dude Downloads works independently and can happily run alongside WooCommerce.

= What payment gateway is supported? =

Stripe Checkout.

= Can I use Stripe Test Mode? =

Yes. Test and Live modes are both supported.

= Can I sell free downloads? =

Yes. You can create unlimited free download products.

= Can I sell paid downloads? =

Yes. You can create unlimited paid download products in the free plugin.

= Are download links secure? =

Yes. Download links are protected using secure access tokens with configurable expiry times and download limits.

= Where are my files stored? =

Files are stored securely within your WordPress uploads directory.

= Can customers download their purchase more than once? =

Yes. You control the download expiry period and maximum number of downloads for each product.

== Changelog ==

= 2.2.24 =

* Updated WordPress.org readme: clearer description, FAQ, screenshots, and install steps.

= 2.2.23 =

* Settings: list required Stripe webhook events next to the webhook endpoint URL.

= 2.2.22 =

* Hide Pro options and Upgrade to Pro admin notices when Pro is not active (WordPress.org advertising guidelines).

= 2.2.21 =

* Prefix all plugin identifiers with `wpdude_dd_` (WordPress.org unique naming).
* Removed generic `[simple_product]` shortcode; use `[dude_download]` or `[wpdude_dd]`.

= 2.2.20 =

* Copy: removed WooCommerce from plugin header and short description; FAQ answer retained.

= 2.2.19 =

* WordPress.org: Contributors set to `wpdudeplugins`.

= 2.2.18 =

* WordPress.org Contributors account alignment.

= 2.2.17 =

* Prefixed global functions and variables for Plugin Check naming conventions.

= 2.2.16 =

* Guideline 5: download expiry and download limits are fully editable on free (no Pro gate).
* Confirmed stripe/stripe-php v21.0.0 in vendor metadata.
* Plugin URI points to the public documentation page.

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 2.2.24 =

Updated WordPress.org readme with clearer product description and FAQ.
