=== Flexible Chat – AI chatbot plugin for WordPress and WooCommerce ===
Contributors: wpdesk
Tags: chatbot, ai, n8n, live chat, woocommerce
Requires at least: 6.0
Tested up to: 7.0
Stable tag: 1.0.4
Requires PHP: 7.4
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Connect any WordPress or WooCommerce site to your n8n AI workflows with a lightweight, fully customizable chat widget. No coding required.

== Description ==

= The easiest way to add an AI chatbot to WordPress and WooCommerce =

Do you want to add an **AI assistant**, **customer support bot**, or **automated live chat** to your WooCommerce store or WordPress site?

**Flexible Chat** is a free WordPress AI chatbot plugin that connects a ready-made chat widget directly to your **n8n** workflows - bring any AI agent or automation you've already built in n8n straight to your frontend, no code required.

If you're searching for an **n8n chat widget for WordPress**, a **live chat for WooCommerce**, or a no-code **AI chatbot plugin**, Flexible Chat is built exactly for that.

With Flexible Chat you can:

- Connect any **n8n HTTP webhook** to a polished frontend chat interface.

- Engage visitors with **real-time streaming responses**, just like ChatGPT.

- Route conversations by topic before the chat starts.

- Fully customize colors, texts, and behavior - **no coding required**.

= ⚠️ Requires your own n8n instance =

Flexible Chat is a **frontend** only - it has no AI logic of its own. You need your own **n8n instance** (self-hosted or [n8n Cloud](https://n8n.io/), a separate service not affiliated with WP Desk) with at least one workflow exposing an **HTTP Webhook**. Build a basic workflow (Webhook → AI node → Respond) in n8n, copy its webhook URL, and paste it into the plugin settings. Without an n8n workflow, the plugin has nothing to connect to.

= Key features =

- **Seamless n8n webhook integration** - connect via a simple webhook URL.

- **Streaming responses** - bot replies appear in real time as they're generated.

- **Topic routing** - suggest topics (e.g. "Sales", "Support") and route the chat accordingly.

- **File uploads** - with strict MIME type security restrictions.

- **Message feedback** - 👍 / 👎 buttons under bot responses.

- **Persistent chat history** - conversations survive across sessions.

- **Custom metadata** - send user ID, page URL, or subscription plan to n8n with every message.

- **AI disclosure notice** - add a compliance reminder below the chat input.

- **Works with WordPress and WooCommerce** - any page, post, or store page.

= Advanced customization =

- **Brand colors & typography** - color pickers with automatic contrast adjustment, adjustable fonts and border radius.

- **Custom texts & welcome messages** - header, subtitles, placeholders, initial greeting.

- **Window & toggle sizing** - exact dimensions, small/normal/large floating buttons.

- **Developer-friendly** - CSS variables, class hooks, DI-driven architecture, Vite HMR support.

= 🛠 Setup (n8n workflow required first) =

1. Set up an n8n workflow with a webhook and copy its URL.

2. Install and activate Flexible Chat.

3. Go to **Settings → Flexible Chat Settings**.

4. Paste your n8n webhook URL into the General tab.

5. Customize colors, texts, and welcome messages.

6. Save - your AI chat widget is live!

= Need more automation? Try Flexible Chat PRO =

The free version covers a single n8n workflow with full visual customization. For multiple AI agents, advanced visitor targeting, or priority support, check out [**Flexible Chat PRO**](https://wpdesk.net/products/flexible-chat-pro/).

[**Upgrade to PRO →**](https://wpdesk.net/products/flexible-chat-pro/)

= 📚 Documentation & support =

Questions? Use the [**official plugin support forum**](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/flexible-chat/) on WordPress.org.

= Why choose Flexible Chat? =

- 100% free core features.

- Built and maintained by the trusted **WP Desk** team.

- Lightweight, optimized React-based frontend.

- Compatible with the latest WordPress and WooCommerce.

- Actively developed and secure.

= 🔒 Data use policy =

Learn more about our [Use of Data Policy by WP Desk Plugins](https://wpdesk.net/use-of-data-policy/).

== Installation ==

1. **Set up n8n first** - have an active instance with a workflow exposing an HTTP Webhook, and copy that URL.

2. Upload the plugin files to `/wp-content/plugins/flexible-chat`, or install directly through the WordPress Plugins screen.

3. Activate the plugin through the **Plugins** menu.

4. Go to **Settings → Flexible Chat Settings** and paste your n8n webhook URL.

5. Customize colors, texts, and welcome messages.

6. Save changes - the widget appears automatically.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Do I need an n8n account to use this plugin? =

Yes, and it's required, not optional. Flexible Chat is a chat frontend for n8n - it has no built-in AI. You need your own n8n instance (self-hosted or Cloud) with a workflow exposing an HTTP Webhook. The plugin sends messages to that webhook and displays the response. If you've never used n8n, you'll need to build a basic workflow there first.

= Does it support real-time streaming like ChatGPT? =

Yes, as long as your n8n workflow returns the response in a compatible streaming format. Visitors see the AI typing in real time, reducing perceived waiting time.

= Can I change the chat widget colors to match my brand? =

Yes. Change primary/background/text colors and border radius in the settings, or override styling with CSS variables or custom classes for full control.

= Can I pass user data (like email or user ID) to my n8n workflow? =

Yes. Send custom metadata - user ID, email, page URL, subscription plan - with every message via a custom JSON payload, so your n8n workflow can personalize responses or integrate with your CRM.

= Can I ask the visitor what they want to talk about first? =

Yes. Configure suggested topics (e.g. "Sales", "Support"); the visitor's choice is sent to n8n to route the chat to the right agent or logic branch.

= Do I need coding skills to set this up? =

No coding is required for the plugin itself - just paste the webhook URL and configure options in the admin panel. You will need to build at least a basic n8n workflow first, which uses n8n's visual editor rather than code, but does require some familiarity with the tool.

= What's the difference between Flexible Chat and Flexible Chat PRO? =

The free version covers a single n8n webhook with full visual customization, streaming, topic routing, and file uploads. [**Flexible Chat PRO**](https://wpdesk.net/products/flexible-chat-pro/) adds support for multiple AI agents/workflows, advanced visitor targeting, and priority support.

= Can I use Flexible Chat as a WooCommerce live chat widget? =

Yes. It works on any WooCommerce page - product, cart, checkout, account - the same way as on regular WordPress content. Connect it to an n8n workflow reading order or product data for a WooCommerce live chat backed by your own automation.

= Where do I report security bugs found in this plugin? =

You can report security bugs through the Patchstack Vulnerability Disclosure Program. The Patchstack team help validate, triage and handle any security vulnerabilities. [Report a security vulnerability.]( https://patchstack.com/database/vdp/a523ec94-6fcf-4ef7-b06a-9ce243fa91da )

== Screenshots ==

1. General Settings - Configure your webhook URL and conversation topics.

2. Appearance Customization - Change colors, typography, and window dimensions.

3. Text Customization - Set your chat title, placeholder, and initial bot welcome messages.

4. Advanced Configuration - Enable streaming, file uploads, persistent history, and custom metadata.

5. The chat widget active on the frontend, featuring welcome messages and topic selection.

6. Real-time chat interface showing user messages and streaming bot responses.

== Changelog ==

= 1.0.4 - 2026-07-01 =
* Added support for WooCommerce 10.9

= 1.0.3 - 2026-05-27 =
* Fixed chat widget loading (file path)
* Fixed loadPreviousSession option
* Added support for WordPress 7.0
* Added support for WooCommerce 10.8

= 1.0.2 - 2026-04-22 =
* Fixed fatal error on plugin installation

= 1.0.1 - 2026-04-20 =
* Added repo assets (banner, icon, screenshot)
* Updated readme

= 1.0.0 =
* Initial public release of Flexible Chat
* Added support for real-time streaming responses
* Added customizable UI (colors, typography, dimensions)
* Added topic routing and persistent chat history
* Added file upload and message feedback (upvote/downvote) support

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.0.0 =

Welcome to Flexible Chat! Configure your webhook URL in the settings to get started.
