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Frequently Asked Questions

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Table of Contents

Quick answers to common questions

General Questions #

What is Submittal & Spec Sheet Builder? #

A WordPress plugin that allows manufacturers, distributors, and contractors to create professional submittal packets and specification sheets. Users select products from your catalog and generate branded PDF packets instantly.

Key Features:

  • Product catalog management
  • Interactive frontend builder
  • PDF generation with branding
  • Lead capture (Pro)
  • PDF tracking (Pro)

Who is this plugin for? #

Primary Users:

  • Manufacturers (steel, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc.)
  • Distributors and suppliers
  • General contractors
  • Engineers and architects
  • Sales teams

Use Cases:

  • Creating submittal packets for construction projects
  • Generating specification sheets for bids
  • Building product documentation for compliance
  • Sales presentations and quotes

How much does it cost? #

Free Version:

  • Core features
  • Unlimited products
  • PDF generation
  • Basic branding

Pro Single Site: $XX/year

  • All free features
  • Lead capture
  • PDF tracking
  • Auto email
  • Server drafts
  • Premium support

Pro Agency: $XXX/year

  • All Pro features
  • Up to 5 sites
  • White-label mode
  • Custom themes
  • Priority support

Pricing: Visit https://webstuffguylabs.com/plugins/submittal-spec-sheet-builder/

Do I need coding skills? #

No. The plugin is designed for non-technical users:

  • Visual catalog builder
  • Point-and-click interface
  • No code required for basic use
  • Optional advanced customization for developers

Is it compatible with my theme? #

Yes. The plugin works with any properly coded WordPress theme, including:

  • Default WordPress themes
  • Popular themes (Astra, Divi, Avada, etc.)
  • Page builders (Elementor, Beaver Builder, etc.)
  • Custom themes

If you experience theme conflicts, see Troubleshooting.

Does it work with page builders? #

Yes. The [submittal_builder] shortcode works with:

  • Gutenberg (WordPress Block Editor)
  • Elementor
  • Beaver Builder
  • Divi Builder
  • WPBakery (Visual Composer)
  • Oxygen Builder
  • Bricks Builder

Simply add the shortcode block and insert [submittal_builder].

Technical Questions #

What are the server requirements? #

Minimum:

  • WordPress 6.1+
  • PHP 7.4+
  • MySQL 5.6+
  • 128 MB memory

Recommended:

  • WordPress 6.5+ (latest)
  • PHP 8.0+
  • MySQL 5.7+ or MariaDB 10.3+
  • 256 MB+ memory

Required PHP Extensions:

  • mbstring
  • gd or imagick
  • json
  • dom
  • libxml

See Installation Guide for details.

How many products can I add? #

No hard limit. The plugin can handle:

  • Small catalogs: 10-50 products (no issues)
  • Medium catalogs: 50-500 products (recommended server: 256MB+ RAM)
  • Large catalogs: 500-5,000 products (recommended: VPS or dedicated hosting, 512MB+ RAM)
  • Very large catalogs: 5,000+ products (requires optimization, managed hosting)

Performance Tips:

  • Use caching for large catalogs
  • Optimize product images
  • Use quality hosting (VPS recommended for 500+ products)

What file formats do PDFs support? #

Generated PDFs:

  • Format: PDF 1.7
  • Page size: Letter (8.5″ × 11″) or A4
  • Orientation: Portrait or landscape
  • Compatibility: All major PDF readers (Adobe Reader, browser viewers, etc.)

Features:

  • Clickable table of contents
  • Page numbers
  • Embedded fonts
  • Optimized for printing
  • Email-friendly file size (~50-150 KB per product page)

Can I import products from CSV or Excel? #

Coming Soon. Bulk import feature is planned for a future update.

Current Workaround:

  • Manually add products via Catalog Builder
  • Use REST API for programmatic import (developers)

Request Feature:
If you need bulk import urgently, contact support@webstuffguylabs.com.

Does it send data to third parties? #

No. All data stays on your WordPress site unless you:

  • Configure external webhook (optional, Agency feature)
  • Enable remote analytics (optional, can be disabled)

Privacy:

  • Lead data stored in WordPress database
  • PDFs generated on your server
  • No external dependencies (except license validation)

See readme.txt Privacy section for details.

Is it GDPR compliant? #

Yes. The plugin is designed with privacy in mind:

  • All data stored locally
  • Lead capture requires user consent (checkbox)
  • IP addresses hashed (not stored in plain text)
  • Data export available (CSV)
  • Data deletion supported

Your Responsibility:

  • Update privacy policy to mention lead collection
  • Provide data access/deletion upon request
  • Follow local regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.)

Features & Usage #

Can users save drafts and return later? #

Yes (Pro feature). Server-side drafts allow users to:

  • Save product selections
  • Resume later
  • Share draft URLs with team members

Available in: Pro and Agency licenses

How it Works:

  1. User selects products
  2. Clicks “Save Draft”
  3. Unique URL generated
  4. Return to URL to resume

Can I track when someone views a PDF? #

Yes (Pro feature). PDF tracking shows:

  • View count per PDF
  • Timestamps of each view
  • Recipient information
  • Engagement analytics

Available in: Pro and Agency licenses

See PDF Tracking Guide for details.

Can I customize the PDF appearance? #

Yes. Customization options:

  • Upload logo
  • Set brand colors
  • Company information
  • Custom footer text

Pro Features:

  • PDF themes (Engineering, Architectural, Corporate)
  • Custom watermarks (DRAFT, CONFIDENTIAL, etc.)
  • Approval signature blocks

See Branding Guide for details.

Can I add a watermark to PDFs? #

Yes (Pro feature). Add custom diagonal watermarks across all PDF pages.

Common uses:

  • DRAFT – For review copies
  • CONFIDENTIAL – Sensitive documents
  • FOR REVIEW ONLY – Preliminary submittals
  • PRELIMINARY – Early-stage documents

How to enable:
Settings → Branding → PDF Watermark (Pro only)

Available in: Pro and Agency licenses

Can I add approval signature blocks? #

Yes (Pro feature). Add a 3-column approval table at the end of each product sheet.

Includes fields for:

  • Approved By (name)
  • Title (role)
  • Date

Use cases:

  • AHJ approval
  • Engineering sign-off
  • Code compliance
  • Quality assurance

How to enable:
Frontend Builder → Review page → Check “Include Approval Signature Block”

Available in: Pro and Agency licenses

Can I collect user information before download? #

Yes (Pro feature). Lead capture form collects:

  • Name
  • Email (required)
  • Company
  • Phone
  • Project details

Available in: Pro and Agency licenses

Export: Leads exportable as CSV from admin dashboard.

Can customers request multiple PDFs? #

Yes. Users can generate unlimited PDFs:

  • No restrictions on number of PDFs
  • Each PDF generates unique download link
  • PDFs auto-delete after retention period (default: 24 hours)

Can I email PDFs automatically? #

Yes (Pro feature). Auto-email feature:

  • Sends PDF to user after generation
  • Customizable email template
  • Works with lead capture
  • Includes tracking link

Available in: Pro and Agency licenses

Configuration: Settings → Pro → Auto Email Packets

Can users share PDFs? #

Yes. Users can:

  • Download PDF to device
  • Email as attachment
  • Share temporary download URL
  • Share tracking URL (Pro) for view analytics

Note: Temporary URLs expire after retention period (default: 24 hours).

Does it work on mobile devices? #

Yes. The frontend builder is fully responsive:

  • Works on phones and tablets
  • Touch-friendly interface
  • Optimized for small screens
  • PDF generation works on mobile (may be slower)

Best Experience: Desktop or tablet for selecting large numbers of products.

Can I have multiple builder pages? #

Yes. You can create multiple pages with [submittal_builder] shortcode:

  • Different pages for different audiences
  • Customize per page (using filters)
  • No limit on number of builder pages

Example Use Cases:

  • Public page for customers
  • Private page for sales team
  • Page per product category

Pricing & Licensing #

What’s included in the free version? #

Free Version Features:

  • Unlimited products
  • Product catalog builder
  • Frontend builder interface
  • PDF generation
  • Basic branding (logo, colors)
  • Search and filtering
  • Table of contents
  • Summary table

Not Included in Free:

  • Lead capture
  • PDF tracking
  • Auto email
  • Server drafts
  • White-label mode
  • Custom PDF themes
  • Priority support

How do Pro licenses work? #

Pro Single Site:

  • License key for 1 WordPress site
  • All Pro features unlocked
  • 1 year of updates and support
  • Renew annually for continued updates

Pro Agency:

  • License key for up to 5 WordPress sites
  • All features including white-label
  • Priority support
  • 1 year of updates and support

Activation:

  1. Purchase license
  2. Install plugin on site
  3. Enter license key in Settings → Pro
  4. Click “Activate License”
  5. Pro features enabled immediately

Do I need to renew my license? #

For Updates & Support: Yes, annual renewal required.

After License Expires:

  • Plugin continues working
  • Pro features remain active
  • No updates available
  • No support access

Renew To:

  • Get plugin updates
  • Receive new features
  • Access support
  • Maintain compatibility with WordPress updates

Can I upgrade from Free to Pro? #

Yes. Easy upgrade process:

  1. Purchase Pro license
  2. Enter license key in existing installation
  3. Pro features unlock immediately
  4. All data preserved (products, settings, etc.)
  5. No reinstallation needed

Can I transfer my license to a new site? #

Yes.

Steps:

  1. Deactivate license on old site (Settings → Pro → Deactivate)
  2. Install plugin on new site
  3. Activate license on new site
  4. License transfers immediately

Note: Single Site license can only be active on 1 site at a time. Agency license supports 5 sites.

Do you offer refunds? #

Yes. 30-day money-back guarantee:

  • Request refund within 30 days of purchase
  • No questions asked
  • Full refund issued

Contact: support@webstuffguylabs.com

Troubleshooting #

PDF generation is failing. What should I do? #

Common Solutions:

  1. Check server requirements (PHP version, memory, execution time)
  2. Enable WordPress debug mode and check error logs
  3. Try generating with fewer products to isolate issue
  4. Increase PHP memory limit to 256MB
  5. Increase execution time to 120 seconds
  6. Contact support with error messages

See Troubleshooting Guide for detailed solutions.

Products aren’t showing on the frontend. Why? #

Common Causes:

  1. Products not fully configured (missing hierarchy levels)
  2. Specifications not filled in (models need specs)
  3. Cache not cleared (try hard refresh)
  4. JavaScript error (check browser console)
  5. Shortcode missing or misspelled

See Troubleshooting Guide for solutions.

My logo isn’t appearing in PDFs. How do I fix this? #

Solutions:

  1. Re-upload logo via Settings → Branding
  2. Check file format (PNG or JPG, under 2MB)
  3. Verify logo saved (success message should appear)
  4. Clear cache and regenerate PDF
  5. Check file permissions on uploads folder

See Branding Guide.

How do I get support? #

Free Version:

  • WordPress.org Forum: https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/submittal-builder/
  • Documentation: Full docs available

Pro Version:

  • Email Support: support@webstuffguylabs.com
  • Priority Response: 24-48 hour response time
  • Advanced Assistance: Technical troubleshooting, customization help

Before Requesting Support:

  1. Check Troubleshooting Guide
  2. Search FAQ
  3. Enable debug mode and note error messages
  4. Gather system info (WordPress version, PHP version, etc.)

Advanced Questions #

Can I customize the plugin with code? #

Yes. Developer-friendly features:

  • REST API for programmatic access
  • WordPress hooks (actions and filters)
  • Template overrides
  • JavaScript API
  • CSS customization

See Developer Resources for details.

Can I white-label the plugin? #

Yes (Agency feature). White-label mode removes:

  • Plugin branding from PDFs
  • Plugin name from admin interface
  • “Generated by” footer text
  • Plugin metadata

Available in: Agency license only

Can I integrate with my CRM? #

Yes. Integration options:

  • Webhook (Agency): POST lead data to external URL
  • REST API: Programmatically access data
  • WordPress Hooks: Trigger custom actions on events
  • Export CSV: Manually import to CRM

Popular Integrations:

  • Zapier (via webhook)
  • Make (formerly Integromat)
  • Custom APIs
  • Email forwarding

Can I sell this plugin to my clients? #

Yes (with Agency license).

Allowed:

  • Install on client sites (up to 5)
  • White-label branding
  • Charge clients for setup/configuration
  • Include in website packages

Not Allowed:

  • Resell plugin itself
  • Distribute plugin files publicly
  • Exceed 5 site activation limit

Questions? Contact support@webstuffguylabs.com for commercial use inquiries.

Does it work with WooCommerce? #

Not directly. The plugin is standalone and doesn’t integrate with WooCommerce product catalog.

Possible Workaround (Developer):

  • Use WordPress hooks to sync WooCommerce products
  • Custom development required
  • Contact for custom integration quote

Can I translate the plugin? #

Yes. The plugin is translation-ready:

  • POT file included in /languages/ folder
  • Use Loco Translate or Poedit
  • All strings are translatable

Languages:
Currently available: English (en_US)

Contribute Translations:
If you create a translation, share it with us for inclusion in future releases!

Roadmap & Feature Requests #

What new features are coming? #

Planned Features:

  • Bulk CSV/Excel import
  • Product categories with images
  • Advanced search filters
  • Custom fields per product type
  • Email templates customization
  • Analytics dashboard improvements

Timeline: Features added based on user demand and development priorities.

Can I request a feature? #

Yes! We welcome feature requests:

  • WordPress Forum: Post in support forum with “Feature Request” tag
  • Email: support@webstuffguylabs.com
  • Provide Details: Use case, expected behavior, priority

Popular Requests Get Priority: Features requested by multiple users are implemented first.

Is there a demo site? #

Coming Soon. A demo site is being prepared where you can:

  • Test the frontend builder
  • Generate sample PDFs
  • Explore admin interface
  • Try Pro features

Interim Solution: Install on local development site (Local by Flywheel, XAMPP, etc.) to test before purchasing.

Still Have Questions? #

Documentation #

Browse the complete documentation:

  • Getting Started
  • Installation Guide
  • User Guide
  • Admin Settings
  • Troubleshooting
  • Developer Resources

Contact Support #

Free Users:

WordPress.org Forum: https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/submittal-builder/

Pro Users:

Email: support@webstuffguylabs.com

Include in Support Request:

  • WordPress version
  • PHP version
  • Plugin version
  • Description of issue
  • Steps to reproduce
  • Error messages (if any)
  • Screenshots (helpful)

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