=== MerKit Theme Builder and Template Library for Elementor ===
Contributors: hojaj
Tags: elementor, theme builder, header footer builder, elementor templates, elementor addons
Requires at least: 6.0
Tested up to: 7.0
Requires PHP: 7.4
Requires Plugins: elementor
Stable tag: 1.0.0
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
Elementor requires at least: 3.10
Elementor tested up to: 4.1.4

Theme Builder and Template Library for Elementor. Build headers, footers, and page sections -- no Elementor Pro needed.

== Description ==

MerKit Addons for Elementor gives you a full Theme Builder and a growing Template Library -- completely free, forever.

= Key Features =

**Theme Builder (no Pro required)**

* Build custom Headers and Footers with Elementor's drag-and-drop editor
* Flexible display conditions: show templates site-wide, on specific pages, post types, archives, or the 404 page
* Works with any theme that supports standard WordPress hooks
* Hello Elementor theme location support built-in

**Free Template Library**

* 9 instant-import premade templates across 5 categories -- headers, footers, hero sections, pricing tables, and CTA banners
* All templates use the modern Elementor Container (flexbox) system and are fully responsive
* Fully editable after import -- nothing is locked
* New templates added with each release

**Bundled Widgets**

* Nav Menu -- dropdown-ready navigation widget, no Pro required
* Site Logo -- displays your custom logo or site name as a fallback

= Requirements =

* WordPress 6.0+
* Elementor (free) 3.10+
* PHP 7.4+

= Compatibility =

* Works with Elementor free -- Elementor Pro is NOT required
* Uses the modern Flexbox Container layout system (Elementor 3.6+)
* Tested with Hello Elementor, Astra, GeneratePress, OceanWP, and Blocksy

== Installation ==

1. Upload the plugin folder to `/wp-content/plugins/`, or install via **Plugins -> Add New**.
2. Activate the plugin.
3. Install and activate **Elementor** (free) if not already active.
4. Go to **MerKit Addons -> Templates** to browse and import templates.
5. Go to **MerKit Addons -> Theme Builder** to create or assign header/footer templates.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Does this require Elementor Pro? =

No. This plugin works entirely with the free version of Elementor.

= Does this work with the new Elementor Container (Flexbox) system? =

Yes. All bundled templates use the modern Container layout. Legacy Section/Column layouts are not used.

= Which themes does the Theme Builder support? =

All classic themes. The plugin implements Elementor's theme-location system — the same mechanism Elementor Pro uses — so themes with native Elementor support (Hello Elementor, Astra, GeneratePress, OceanWP, Neve, and many more) automatically replace their own header/footer with yours. Themes without location support are handled through a header/footer template override. No manual theme settings needed.

= Are the templates really free? =

Yes. All templates included in the plugin are free, with no upsells or locked items.

= Can I add my own templates? =

Yes. Go to **MerKit Addons -> Theme Builder** and use **Import Template from JSON** to upload a template exported from this plugin or from Elementor (.json). You can also **Export** any of your templates back to a JSON file from the same page — handy for backups or moving a template between sites. After importing, every template is fully editable in Elementor.

= How do I embed a template in a post or page? =

Use the shortcode: [merkit_template id="123"] -- replace 123 with the template post ID shown in the Theme Builder admin page.

== Changelog ==

= 1.0.0 =
* Initial release
* Theme Builder with display conditions (header, footer, block)
* Template Library with 9 bundled templates (headers, footers, heroes, pricing table, CTA banners)
* Template import/export (.json) — bring your own templates or back yours up
* In-editor template library button — insert templates without leaving Elementor
* Nav Menu widget (sticky header, hover animations, dropdowns, mobile panel styling controls)
* Site Logo widget

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.0.0 =
Initial release.
