Google Fonts is an extensive library of free and open-source web fonts, offering a simple and effective way to enhance the visual appeal of your website or application. To access this library programmatically, you need a Google Fonts API access key. This blog post will guide you through the steps to register for and set up a Google Fonts API access key.

Step 1: Create a Google Cloud Account

To begin, you need a Google Cloud account. If you already have a Google account (for Gmail, Google Drive, etc.), you can use the same credentials to sign in. If not, create a new account at Google Cloud.

Step 2: Access Google Cloud Console

Once logged in, navigate to the Google Cloud Console. This is your dashboard for all Google Cloud services, including API management.

Step 3: Create a New Project

In the Google Cloud Console:

1. Click on “Select a project” at the top of the page.
2. In the popup, click on “NEW PROJECT”.
3. Enter a project name and select a billing account if required.
4. Click “Create”.

Step 4: Enable the Google Fonts API

After creating your project:

1. Go to the “APIs & Services” dashboard.
2. Click “+ ENABLE APIS AND SERVICES”.
3. Search for “Google Fonts API”.
4. Click on it and then click “ENABLE”.

Step 5: Create an API Key

Now, you need to create an API key for your project:

1. In the “APIs & Services” dashboard, click on “Credentials”.
2. Click on “+ CREATE CREDENTIALS” at the top of the page.
3. Select “API key”. The API key will be created and displayed to you.
4. (Optional) Click on the API key to set API restrictions for added security.

Here’s a quick guide to activate your plugin license using the Easy Digital Downloads setup:

Step 1: Download and Install the Plugin

Download the plugin from the provided link after purchase. To install it, go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins’ > Add New > Upload Plugin, and then upload the .zip file of the plugin. Click ‘Install Now’ and then ‘Activate Plugin’ once the installation is complete.

Step 2: Locate the License Activation Section

After activation, most plugins will have a dedicated section for license activation in their settings. This is usually found under the plugin’s settings tab in your WordPress dashboard. It is called License.

Step 3: Enter Your License Key

In the license activation section, you’ll find a field to enter your license key. Copy and paste the license key you received upon purchasing the plugin into this field.

Step 4: Activate the License

After entering the license key, click the Activate License button. This will communicate with the server to verify the license key. If the key is valid, your plugin will be activated, and you’ll get access to updates and support.

Step 5: Check for Confirmation

Once activated, you should see a confirmation message indicating that the license is active.

Tips:

• Keep Your License Key Confidential: Treat your license key like a password. It’s unique to your purchase and should not be shared.
• Check for Updates Regularly: With an active license, you’ll receive updates. Regularly check and update the plugin for optimal performance and security.
• Backup Your Site: Before installing and activating any plugin, always backup your website to prevent data loss.

Conclusion

Activating a plugin license is a straightforward process that ensures you get the most out of your purchase. By keeping your license active, you maintain access to essential updates and support, ensuring your plugin continues to function effectively on your website.

This process is straightforward and can be done right from your WordPress dashboard. Here’s how:

Step 1: Download the Plugin

First, download the plugin from its source. It will usually be in a .zip format.

Step 2: Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard

Go to your WordPress site and log in with your administrator credentials. The URL is typically something like domain.com/wp-admin.

Step 3: Navigate to the Plugins Section

Once you’re in the dashboard, locate the Plugins section in the left-hand menu and click on it. This will take you to the plugins page where you manage all your WordPress plugins.

Step 4: Add New Plugin

On the plugins page, you’ll see an Add New button at the top. Click on this button to proceed to the plugin upload page.

Step 5: Upload the Plugin

In the Add Plugins section, you’ll find an Upload Plugin button at the top. Click on it, and then choose the Choose File button to select the plugin .zip file you downloaded earlier. After selecting the file, click the Install Now button to upload and install the plugin on your site.

Step 6: Activate the Plugin

Once the upload and installation are complete, you’ll see a success message with a link to activate the plugin. Click on the Activate Plugin link to enable the plugin’s functionality on your site.

Tips:

• Check Compatibility: Make sure the plugin is compatible with your current version of WordPress.
• Backup Your Site: Always backup your website before installing new plugins.
• Regular Updates: Keep your plugins updated to the latest version for security and performance.

Conclusion

Uploading and activating a WordPress plugin via the dashboard is a simple process that allows you to extend the functionality of your website with plugins not listed in the WordPress repository. Just remember to follow best practices regarding site backups and plugin sources to keep your site secure and running smoothly.

Installing a WordPress plugin via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a handy alternative when you cannot install a plugin directly through the WordPress dashboard. This method is particularly useful for troubleshooting or when dealing with size restrictions. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it:

What You’ll Need

• FTP client (like FileZilla or Cyberduck)
• FTP access credentials (host, username, password)
• The plugin you want to install (in .zip format)

Step 1: Download and Extract the Plugin

Firstly, download the plugin you want to install. It will typically come in a .zip file. Once downloaded, extract this file. The extracted folder is what you’ll be uploading to your WordPress site.

Step 2: Open Your FTP Client

Launch your FTP client and enter your FTP credentials (host, username, password). You can usually get these from your web hosting provider.

Step 3: Navigate to the WordPress Plugins Directory

Once logged in, navigate to your WordPress site’s root folder, often named public_html or www. Inside, find the wp-content folder, and then open the plugins folder.

Step 4: Upload the Plugin

Upload the extracted plugin folder to the featured-image-plus-pro directory on your server. Ensure you upload the folder containing the plugin files, not the .zip file.

Step 5: Activate the Plugin

After uploading the plugin, go to your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to Plugins and you will see your newly uploaded plugin listed there. Simply click Activate to start using the plugin on your site.

Tips:

• Backup First: Always backup your WordPress site before making changes.
• Check Compatibility: Ensure the plugin is compatible with your version of WordPress.
• Keep FTP Details Secure: Store your FTP credentials safely to prevent unauthorized access.

Conclusion

Installing a WordPress plugin via FTP is a straightforward process. It’s a valuable skill for WordPress users, especially for troubleshooting or when working with larger plugins. Remember to always keep your site and plugins up to date for security and functionality.

Plugin updates will be delivered like any other plugin installed on your website. You will be notified if there are updates available, the same way as with any other plugin from WP.org.

It is recommended that you turn on the “Enable auto-updates” option so that you will have the latest version of the plugin at all times.

You will receive plugin updates and be able to use the plugin while you have an active license that has not expired.

Once your license has expired and/or you cancel your auto-renewal either from the site or from PayPal, then you will stop receiving updates and support.

You will receive an email notification that your license is about to expire.