About this product

PluginShelf helps WordPress developers publish and manage plugins and themes directly from their own websites.

It creates a searchable repository where visitors can view product details, download attached ZIP files, see download counts, submit moderated reviews and check release requirements. PluginShelf can automatically detect version and compatibility information from uploaded packages.

Administrators may also enable privacy-friendly active-install reporting and WordPress update notifications. Reporting is optional and does not transmit website addresses, administrator details or website content.

Support both plugins and themes

There is no need to operate separate systems. Both product types can be managed through the same interface and displayed in the same repository.

How it works

1. Install and activate PluginShelf.
2. Open Repository → Add New.
3. Enter the product name and description.
4. Add a banner or featured image.
5. Upload the installable plugin or theme ZIP.
6. PluginShelf detects the package version and available technical headers.
7. Add features, release notes, documentation or demonstration links.
8. Publish the product.
9. Visitors can view its details, download it and submit ratings or reviews.
10. Administrators approve or reject submitted reviews.
11. Create a new page and add the shortcode [pluginshelf]
12. The short-code can be placed in any WP page or short-code section of any page-builder  to see the repository in action.

Automatic ZIP detection

PluginShelf securely reads the WordPress headers contained inside an uploaded ZIP package. It does not execute the package’s PHP files.

Depending on the headers available, it can detect:

• Plugin or theme name
• Product type
• Version number
• Required WordPress version
• Tested WordPress version
• Required PHP version
• Licence
• Text domain

For successful version detection, plugins should include a valid Version: header in their main plugin file. Themes should include the version in style.css.

Download tracking

Every product download passes through PluginShelf’s controlled download endpoint. The download is counted before the visitor receives the attached ZIP package.

The counter records downloads, not unique people or confirmed installations. A person downloading the same file more than once may therefore increase the counter more than once.

Ratings and reviews

Visitors can select a rating directly from the product sidebar. The selected rating opens a review window with the chosen number of stars already selected.

Visitors may also provide:

• A display name
• A short written review
• A rating from one to five stars

New reviews remain pending until an authorised administrator approves them. Pending-review badges appear in the WordPress Repository and Ratings menus.

Approved written reviews are displayed ten per page, with compact numbered pagination.