“FAQ” post for Frequently Asked (and presales) Questions about USP Pro.

Is USP Pro compatible with the latest version of WordPress, PHP, SQL, etc.?

Yes absolutely. The plugin is actively developed on the latest WordPress running on latest PHP and MySQL. We aim for zero errors, warnings, and notices. Top performance and clean error logs.

How many front-end forms can I create/use?

As many as you want, create unlimited forms :)

What types of forms can I create/use?

With USP Pro, you can make/use any of the following types of forms:

For any of these forms, you can add as many fields and types of fields that are necessary (and make sense given the type of form).

Is USP Pro Multisite compatible?

Due to licensing restrictions, USP Pro works on an individual, per-site basis. That means the plugin can be activated on any given site on a Multisite network, but network-wide activation is not supported at this time.

Is the price a one-time purchase? Or is this a yearly fee?

One-time purchase for unlimited downloads, updates, and support. None of that yearly licensing stuff.

Why I should get USP Pro instead of the competition? They all seem similar..

There are many reasons why you should choose USP Pro over the others, including:

  • Customer Support — we have the BEST customer support, as you can verify from these user testimonials.
  • Cost Effectiveness — the license for USP Pro is a one-time purchase, so you don’t have to pay more $$$ every year. Pay once and get free updates and support for the life of the plugin. No other form plugin gives you better value.
  • Power, Performance & Flexibility — USP Pro is very powerful, and aimed at WP users who are familiar with basics, such as Template Tags, Shortcodes, Custom Fields, and so forth. If that sounds like you, then I think you will find USP Pro extremely flexible, enabling you to build just about anything.
Is there a trial version of USP Pro?

Not yet, but there is a free version available from the WP Plugin Directory, User Submitted Posts. The Pro version is infinitely times better than the free version, but the free version will give you a basic idea. Also check out some of the USP Pro Video Tutorials to get a better idea of how the plugin works, what’s possible, and so forth. And for a look at the plugin settings, here are some full-page screenshots of USP Pro.

If I am using the Pro version of USP, do I also need the free version, or can I delete it?

Correct, you don’t need the free version if Pro is installed. In fact there is a complete replica of the free USP Form available under the “USP Forms” menu. It is recommended to not run both free and Pro on the same site. The Pro version can do everything the free version can do, plus a zillion times more. For more information, check out the USP Pro Installation Guide.

Is there a way to display a list of all user-generated posts?

Yes, there is a highly flexible shortcode that will display a customizable list of submitted posts anywhere on your site.

Can I test on a development site and then transfer to a live domain?

Yes. The license is restricted by number of domains only, so you are free to move the plugin from one domain to another with no problem. The key to a smooth transition is making sure to properly deactivate the plugin before transfer and activation on another site. Learn more about how to transfer your plugin license.

Note: We also offer addon sites for any license, can be used for development or anything you want. Learn more about addon sites.

If I purchase USP Pro with a personal license to test it out, can I pay the difference to get the developer license if I like it?

Yes. Let us know and we’ll be glad to help upgrade your license.

If I uninstall the plugin, will I lose all the submitted posts?

NO. When you remove a plugin via the Plugins screen (by clicking “Delete”), only the plugin settings are removed. All of your submitted posts, forms, media, and data will not be deleted. Also just fyi you can export a quick backup of your plugin settings via the Tools tab.

If I deactivate the plugin, will I lose all the submitted posts?

NO. When you disable a plugin via the Plugins screen (by clicking “Deactivate”), nothing is removed or deleted from the WordPress database. All of your submitted posts, forms, media, and data will not be deleted. Also just fyi you can export a quick backup of your plugin settings via the Tools tab.

With USP Pro is it possible to submit custom post types?

Yes. USP Pro enables you to set submitted posts as: Posts, Pages, USP Posts (built-in custom post type), or your own custom post type. More information »

I’m new at WordPress. Will you help me configure and implement the plugin?

Depends. Purchase of USP Pro Personal, Business, or Developer license entitles you to premium support, which includes forum access, documentation, and tutorials. I or someone of the team will try and help with any questions or issues that you may have, but it’s up to you to configure and implement the plugin.

Otherwise, purchase of USP Pro Ultimate license gives you full supoort, including whatever help is needed: installation, configuration, styling forms, and so forth. For more details check out the Puchase Info.

With USP Pro is it possible to enable users to upload PDF/MP3/DOCX/EXE/MOV/MP4/ETC files?

Yes, USP Pro enables you to specify which file types should be allowed for uploads (as comma-separated list). You can then further restrict file types on a per-form basis using the files shortcode. USP supports any file types that are supported by WordPress, which includes PDFs, DOCs, ZIPs, plus audio, video, and many other types of files. For a complete list of allowed file types, visit the WP Codex. See also this post.

Can I combine regular HTML markup with the USP shortcodes to create my form?

Yes, any USP Form may include anything that a normal WP Post can include: markup, shortcodes, text, images, CSS, JavaScript, etc.

Is it possible to require the user to choose from a custom list of categories and/or tags for their post?

Yes, it is possible for users to select from a list of categories, tags, and make it required to do so. Check out more information on how to do this for categories and tags.

Can I require users to be logged in before submitting a post?

Yes, USP Pro provides a set of Access Control shortcodes, which enable you to limit/restrict any forms or content based on the user’s role, capability, whether logged in or not, and so forth. Learn more about USP Pro’s Access Control Shortcodes for more examples and details.

Is USP Pro able to integrate with BuddyPress in a way that would allow me to build a post-submission form that lets site members submit blog posts, and have those posts be linked to their profile/username?

Yes absolutely, that is what the plugin is all about. You can use template tags to enable forms for specific categories/tags, and then collect all user data that is necessary, such as author name, post title, categories, tags, and unlimited custom field data. There is an option to use the logged-in username as the post author, so that any posts submitted will be attributed to that user.

With USP Pro, can you create different forms with a different category that it submits to each time. For example, on one page I want a form to submit to one category, but on another page I want the form to submit to another category.

Yes, USP Pro supports unlimited forms, and each form may be customized however is needed, with specific categories assigned to each. First you would select a global set of categories that could be used for any form. Then for each form you use a category shortcode that indicates exactly which categories the post/page will go to. Here is a tutorial that explains this in more detail.

Can you embed the form into a WordPress page with HTML rather than a shortcode?

Yes. The best/easiest way of doing so is to create the form using the USP Form Builder, then preview the form and copy its HTML source code. The entire <form> code may then be used on any post/page.

Does USP Pro have the ability to add Custom Fields?

Yep, forms may be created to collect any information that is required; then upon form submission the additional fields are attached to the post as custom fields. The custom field keys are named a specific way (e.g., usp-file-1), but the values may include any information that you want to collect from the submitter. Here is a tutorial that shows how to add custom fields to any USP Form.

Is it possible to let users add their own categories and tags?

Yes, see this tutorial.

Is it possible to auto-fill some of the form data?

Yes, you can use text, markup, and shortcodes to create exactly the forms that are needed. In doing so, you can include hidden fields that are pre-populated with the auto-fill data. Here is an example. Further, there are built-in settings for automatically including specific categories, tags and more.

Does USP Pro require anything like exec(), exec.php, or any fopen functions? These functions have been disabled on our host server for security reasons, so I want to make sure.

No, USP Pro does not use any of those functions. So you’re good to go.

How do I display the submitted image for each post on the “Posts” screen in the Admin Area?

This is not an included feature of USP Pro, but there is a plugin called “Admin Columns” that can help. Basically, you install the plugin and then tell it to display the name of the custom field for your submitted image.

Does USP Pro compatible with the WordPress Gutenberg Block Editor?

The USP Forms all use the Classic Editor for cleanest possible editing and form building. The submitted posts themselves, however, are treated by WordPress just like regular posts. So YES — anything you can do with regular posts, also works with USP submitted posts. That includes things like editing the posts using the Gutenberg Block Editor, and much more.

What is the meaning of the different license names?

We offer plugin licenses with names like “Personal”, “Business”, “Advanced”, and “Developer”. These names are arbitrary and have nothing to do with the type of website that the license may be used on. For example, the Personal (1-site) license can be activated on any site, whether personal, business, or otherwise. Likewise, the Business (3-site) license can be activated on any site, whether personal, business, etc. So they’re just names for the licenses, not any sort of limitation.

Where can I learn more and ask specific questions?

Many USP Pro features are listed in the following locations, along with plenty of screenshots:

That’s a great place to get a better idea, or if there is something specific feature-wise you are curious about, just use the contact form :)