wordpress plugin packaging

I used to include the plugin zip into the download zip but like metioned above: you’ll get a lot of support messages from people that say your plugin is broke while it’s alwasys clearly stated in my documentation that you always need to extract the zip first.

So now I’m using: download zip = plugin

Also I don’t think that it’s a problem that your documentation file is included in the plugin. This way you can link from your plugin settings panel to your documentation file.

WebFactory said

TylerQuinn said
there should be a standard to cut down on the bad reviews / useless comment threads started by the “Invalid plugin header” error which occures when a download zip is uploaded as a plugin and it contains a different structure.

That’s a HUGE issue for us! We have at least one support request per day regarding that. I started naming files plugin-name-UNZIP_BEFORE_UPLOAD.zip but it’s not helping a lot. I don’t know what to do

I don’t think the original zip names preserve – just try to download your plugin from your portfolio link and you will see.

I archive the plugin folder directly and embed the documentation in the plugin so the buyers can just upload the zip. Worked smooth so far.

Make sense @Sitebase and @Zoomlt similar solution. I should follow you (even though didn’t have lot of issues or questions about users importing it the wrong way).