ReviewNews

1. ReviewNews Install and Activate Process

1.1. How to Install a Theme from WordPress.org

1. Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes > Add New.
3. In the search bar, type ReviewNews.
4. Locate the ReviewNews theme from AF Themes and click Install.
5. Once installation is complete, click Activate to make it your active theme.

1.2. How to Install the Theme from the Dashboard (Manual Upload)

If you have already downloaded the theme .zip file:

1. Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
2. Go to Appearance > Themes > Add New > Upload Theme.
3. Click Choose File, select the reviewnews.zip file, and click Install Now.
4. After installation, click Activate.

1.3. Upgrading to Pro (ReviewsNews Pro)

To unlock premium features, you can upgrade to ReviewNews Pro:

1. Purchase ReviewNews Pro from AF Themes Website.
2. Download the ReviewNews Pro theme .zip file from your account or your purchase mail.
3. In your WordPress Dashboard, go to Appearance > Themes > Add New > Upload Theme.
4. Upload the reviewnews-pro.zip file and click Install Now.
5. After installation, click Activate.
6. Enter your license key (provided after purchase) to receive automatic updates and premium support.

✅ Now your ReviewNews Pro theme is fully installed and ready to use.

2. How to Import Demo Content

The ReviewNews theme supports one-click demo import. This helps you quickly set up your site like the demo preview.

2.1 Install Required Plugin – AF Companion

1. From your WordPress Dashboard, go to Appearance > Install Plugins.
2. Locate AF Companion (recommended plugin) and click Install.
3. After installation, click Activate.

2.2 Import Demo Using AF Companion

1. Once AF Companion is activated, go to Dashboard > AF Companion.
2. Choose your preferred ReviewNews demo layout.
3. Click Import Demo and wait until the process completes.
4. Your site will now look like the selected demo.

2.3 Import Demo Using TemplateSpare (Alternative)

The TemplateSpare plugin allows you to import starter sites and templates.

1. Install and activate the TemplateSpare plugin from Plugins > Add New.
2. Navigate to TemplateSpare > Starter Sites in the Dashboard.
3. Browse available ReviewNews starter sites.
4. Click Import on your chosen template.
5. Once finished, your site will be ready with demo content.

✅ Now you’re ready to customize your site with ReviewNews or ReviewNews Pro.

3. Homepage Settings

The ReviewNews theme allows you to configure your homepage in different ways depending on how you want to display your content. You can choose between Latest Posts, a Static Homepage, or a Custom Homepage built with page builders.

3.1 Latest Posts

The Latest Posts layout is the default homepage style. It displays all your recent posts in a list layout by default, but you can switch it to grid or full-width.

To set Latest Posts as the homepage:

• Go to Appearance > Customizer > Homepage Settings > Latest Posts.

To change the layout:

• Navigate to Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Archive Options > Layout.

To adjust the homepage design (alignment):

• Go to Appearance > Customizer > Frontpage Option > Frontpage Content Alignment

3.2 A Static Homepage

A Static Homepage lets you design your homepage using widget sections provided by the theme. You can add widgets to the Frontpage Content and Frontpage Sidebar areas to build a custom layout.

To set a Static Homepage:

1. Go to Appearance > Customizer > Homepage Settings.
2. Select A Static Page.
3. Choose a page for your Homepage and another for your Posts (Blog) Page.

To add widgets to your homepage:

• Navigate to Appearance > Customizer > Widgets and add widgets under Frontpage Content and Frontpage Sidebar.

To adjust homepage design (alignment):

• Go to Appearance > Customizer > Frontpage Option > Frontpage Content Alignment

3.3 Custom Homepage

If you prefer complete design freedom, you can build a Custom Homepage using popular page builders like Gutenberg, Elementor, Brizy, or Divi.

With Theme Header:

1. Create or edit your homepage.
2. Set it as a Static Homepage (via Customizer > Homepage Settings).
3. In the Page Settings (right sidebar), select the template: Page Builder Full Width.
4. (Optional) Remove the Main Banner from the Customizer if you don’t want it displayed.

Without Theme Header:

1. Create or edit your homepage.
2. Set it as a Static Homepage (via Customizer > Homepage Settings).
3. In the Page Settings (right sidebar), select the template: Blank Canvas.

👉 This gives you flexibility to design your homepage exactly the way you want—whether with the default layouts, widget-based structure, or a fully customized page builder layout.

4. Post Settings

The ReviewNews theme provides flexible options for managing your posts, layouts, and categories.

4.1 Add Post with Category and Tags

Categories and tags help organize your content and improve navigation for readers.

To add a new post with category and tags:

1. Go to Dashboard > Posts > Add New.
2. Enter your Post Title and Content.
3. On the right-hand sidebar:
   • Categories: Select an existing category or create a new one.
   • Tags: Add relevant keywords separated by commas.
4. Click Publish to make the post live.

4.2 Choose Post Layout

The ReviewNews theme allows you to control how posts are displayed. You can set layouts individually for each post or apply a global layout for all posts.

🔹 Method 1: Set Layout While Editing a Post

1. Go to Dashboard > Posts > Add New (or edit an existing post).
2. In the Post Settings panel (usually in the right sidebar or below the editor):
   • Choose a Post Layout (Default, Full Width, Sidebar Left, Sidebar Right).
   • Select the Sidebar Option if you want to enable/disable the sidebar.
3. Publish or update the post.
   👉 This method applies only to the specific post you are editing.

🔹 Method 2: Set Layout Globally via Customizer

1. Go to Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Single Post Options.
2. Choose your preferred default layout (e.g., Default, Full Width, Sidebar Left, Sidebar Right).
3. Publish changes.
   👉 This method applies the selected layout to all posts sitewide, unless a specific post has a custom layout set (Method 1).

✅ With these two methods, you can control post layouts flexibly—apply a global style or customize layouts individually.

4.3 Category Color

Assigning colors to categories helps visually distinguish content across your site.

To set category colors:

1. Go to Dashboard > Posts > Categories.
2. Edit a category and choose a Category Color option.
3. Save changes.
4. The selected color will display in widgets, category labels, and post meta areas.

4.4 Category Selection for Widgets

You can filter widgets to display posts from specific categories.

To select categories for widgets:

1. Go to Appearance > Customizer > Widgets.
2. Add a ReviewNews Widget (e.g., Featured Posts, Grid, Slider, etc.) to your sidebar or frontpage widget area.
3. In the widget settings, select the Category you want the posts to display from.
4. Save and publish your changes.

👉 This gives you full control over how posts are created, styled, and displayed throughout your ReviewNews site.

5. Page Settings

The ReviewNews theme also provides customization options for your Pages, similar to Posts and Homepage. You can assign layouts per page or globally, and customize their appearance.

5.1 Add & Customize a Page

To create or edit a page:

1. Go to Dashboard > Pages > Add New (or edit an existing page).
2. Enter your Page Title and Content.
3. Use the Page Settings panel (in the right sidebar or below the editor) to configure layout options.
4. Publish or update the page.

5.2 Choose Page Layouts

You can set page layouts individually per page or globally via the Customizer.

🔹 Method 1: Set Layout While Editing a Page

1. Edit a page from Dashboard > Pages.
2. In the Page Settings panel, choose:
   • Page Layout (Default, Spacious).
   • Sidebar Option (enable/disable/right /left sidebar).
3. Update the page.
   👉 This applies only to that specific page.

🔹 Method 2: Set Layout Globally via Customizer

1. Go to Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Global Settings
2. Select your preferred Default Page Layout.
3. Publish changes.
   👉 This applies the selected layout to all pages sitewide, unless an individual page has its own custom layout.

✅ Using these settings, you can design pages flexibly—either keep a consistent layout across the site or assign unique layouts to specific pages.

6. Header Builder

The Header Builder gives you full flexibility to design your site’s header. You can choose between the default theme header layouts or build a completely custom header using drag-and-drop options in the Customizer.

6.1 Theme Header

The theme includes pre-designed header layouts such as:

• Side layout
• Centered layout
• Compact layout

You can configure these from:
Appearance > Customizer > Header Builder > Theme Header Layout

Additional options are also available for:

• Top header settings
• Header background image
• Advertisement area
• Custom button

6.2 Header Builder (Custom)

To create your own header layout, you’ll need to enable the Header Builder option first:
Appearance > Customizer > Header Builder > Enable Header Builder

Once enabled, you’ll have access to the builder panel where you can:

• Drag and drop widgets into different header sections
• Add or remove elements as needed
• Customize widget settings directly in the Header Builder

6.3 Menu Settings

To add a Menu to your header, follow these steps:

Assign the menu to a location (e.g., Primary, Top, or Social)

• Go to Appearance > Customizer > Menus
• Create a new menu or edit an existing one
• Click Add Items and add the links you want

6.4 Adding Text/Description to Menu Items

You can add custom text or descriptions to your menu items by following these steps:

1. Go to Appearance > Menus
2. At the top-right corner, click on Screen Options
3. Enable the Description option
4. Expand the menu item where you want to add text
5. Enter your custom description in the Description field

The description will then be displayed depending on your theme’s menu design.

7. Footer Builder

The Footer Builder provides two options to design your site’s footer: the Default Theme Footer or a fully customizable Footer Builder.

7.1 Default Theme Footer

By default, you can add widgets to the footer areas using:
Appearance > Customizer > Widgets > Footer Widgets Section 1, 2, and 3

For additional footer settings, go to:
Appearance > Customizer > Footer Builder

Here, you’ll find options such as:

• Hide theme credit
• Footer menu with copyright text

7.2 Footer Builder (Custom)

To create a custom footer layout, you’ll need to enable the Footer Builder:
Appearance > Customizer > Footer Builder > Enable Footer Builder

Once enabled, you’ll have access to the builder panel where you can:

• Drag and drop widgets into different footer sections
• Add or remove elements as needed
• Customize widget settings directly within the Footer Builder

8. Ads Section

The theme provides a dedicated Ads Section to help users easily place advertisements on their site and generate revenue.

8.1 Ads Settings Panel

You can add ads directly from the Ads Settings panel:
Dashboard > ReviewNews Pro > Ads Settings

• Choose the section where you want the ads to appear
• Add your ad code accordingly

8.2 Ads in Widgets

The theme also offers multiple widget areas where you can place ads:
Appearance > Widgets

Add an Ad widget or use a Custom HTML widget to insert your ad code

Select the widget area (e.g., sidebar, footer, header)

9. Main Banner Option

The Main Banner includes three sections: Main Banner, Popular Tag, and Breaking News. Each section can be customized from the Customizer.

9.1 Main Banner

Go to:
Appearance > Customizer > Main Banner Option > Main Banner

Here, you can:

• Choose from different layout options and set their order
• Select the content source (Category, Tag, View Count, or Comment Count) for each section
• Enable or disable the banner needed

9.2 Popular Tag

Go to:
Appearance > Customizer > Main Banner Option > Popular Tag

Here, you can:

• Enable or disable the Trending Tags section
• Highlight tags to showcase popular topics on your site

9.3 Breaking News

Go to:
Appearance > Customizer > Main Banner Option > Breaking News

Here, you can:

Enable or disable the section anytime

Select a category to display as breaking news

Choose the number of posts to show

10. Frontpage Option

The Frontpage Option allows you to customize the sections displayed below the Main Banner.

10.1 Frontpage Layout

Appearance > Customizer > Frontpage Option > Frontpage Layout

• Adjust the frontpage alignment according to your preference.

10.2 Featured Post

Appearance > Customizer > Frontpage Option > Featured Post

• Display a grid of featured posts below the Main Banner.
• Customize the number of posts to show in this section.

10.3 YouTube Video

Appearance > Customizer > Frontpage Option > YouTube Video

• Add up to 5 YouTube videos to showcase directly on the frontpage.

10.4 Express Post List

Appearance > Customizer > Frontpage Option > Express Post List

• Use the combo widget with both grid and list designs to present articles in a stylish layout.

10.5 Post List

Appearance > Customizer > Frontpage Option > Post List

• Display posts in a 3-column list format.

10.6 Post Carousel

Appearance > Customizer > Frontpage Option > Post Carousel

• Add a carousel section to loop through blog content.
• Choose from multiple carousel-style options to fit your design needs.

11. Widgets Section

The Widgets section can be accessed from both the Dashboard and the Customizer.
You can use widgets provided by the theme as well as Gutenberg block widgets.

The theme includes the following widget areas:

• Frontpage Content Page
• Frontpage Sidebar
• Main Sidebar
• Off-canvas
• Footer (First, Second, and Third Section)
• Above and Below Main Banner Section
• Below Feature Section
• Banner Ad Section
• Below Post Title Ad Section
• Below Post Content Ad Section

12. Color and Font Typography Option

12.1 Color Option

The theme offers extensive color customization with Light and Dark modes.
Apperance > Customizer > Color

You can personalize colors for:

• Body & Box Backgrounds
• Primary & Secondary Colors
• Menu, Header & Badge Colors
• Watch Online & Breaking News Sections
• Post Titles & Categories
• Mailchimp Section
• Footer & Credit Section

Both Light Mode and Dark Mode include the same set of customizable color options.

12.2 Font & Typography Options

You can easily customize fonts and typography settings in the theme.

Navigation Path:
Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Font & Typography

Available Options:

• Font Family – Choose from a wide range of fonts.
• Font Size – Adjust sizes for:
  • Post Title
  • Section Title
  • General Text
  • Other theme elements

These options allow you to personalize the overall look and readability of your site.

13. Global Settings

The Global Settings allow you to manage site-wide options for performance and design.

13.1 Preloader Option

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Global Setting > Preloader
Enable or disable the preloader animation that appears while your site is loading.

13.2 Content Image Option

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Global Setting > Content Image Option
Automatically use the content image as the featured image if no featured image is selected.

13.3 Image Lazy Loading

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Global Setting > Image Lazy Loading
Enable lazy loading to improve performance by loading images only when they are visible on screen.

13.4 Image Async Decoding

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Global Setting > Image Async Decoding
Enable asynchronous image decoding for faster page rendering and better performance.

13.5 Section Title Style

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Global Setting > Widgets Title Style
Customize the style of section/widget titles across the theme.

13.6 Scroll to Top

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Global Setting > Scroll to Top
Enable or disable the scroll-to-top button. You can choose its position:

• Bottom Right
• Bottom Left
• Disabled

13.7 Comment Count

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Global Setting > Comment Count
Display the comment count in widgets and single posts (only works if comments are enabled).

13.8 Featured Image (Size / Width)

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Single Post > Featured Image Size / Width
Control the size and width of featured images in single posts.

13.9 Social Sharing Option

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Single Post > Social Sharing Option
Enable social media sharing buttons on single posts for better content reach.

13.10 Below Post Settings

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Single Post > Below Post Settings

Available options include:

13.10.1 Reaction Option

Allow readers to react to posts with quick feedback icons.

13.10.2 Author Bio Box

Display an author information box at the end of each post.

13.10.3 Category Name

Show the category labels directly under the post content.

13.10.4 Mailchimp Subscription

Add a Mailchimp subscription box below posts for newsletter signups.

13.10.5 Author’s Posts

Show a list of posts by the same author at the bottom of the post in a list layout.

13.10.6 Bookmark Option

Enable a bookmark/save feature for logged-in users to save posts.

13.10.7 Trending Posts

Display a trending post list based on most-viewed posts.

13.11 Related Post Setting

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Single Post > Related Post Setting

Choose the number of related posts to display below the single post content. The related posts are shown in a grid layout for better visual presentation.

13.12 Post Excerpt & Pagination

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Archive Setting > Post Excerpt / Pagination
Customize the post excerpt length and pagination style for archive pages.

13.13 Sidebar Sticky Option

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Sidebar Setting
Enable or disable sticky sidebars for better navigation while scrolling.

13.14 Breadcrumb Option

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Breadcrumb
Enable and customize breadcrumb navigation for easier site navigation.

13.15 Categories Setting

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Categories Setting
Manage category display options throughout your site.

13.16 View Count Option

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > View Count Option
Show or hide post view counts on posts and widgets.

13.17 Author and Dates Setting

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Author and Dates Option
Choose how author and date information appears:

• Display author with Gravatar, icon, or none
• Display date as “ago”, full date, or other formats

13.18 Minute Read Count

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Minute Read Count
Enable a reading time indicator for posts.

13.19 Excerpt Setting

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Excerpt Setting
Set excerpt length and “Read More” text for posts.

13.20 You May Have Missed

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > You May Have Missed
Display suggested posts that readers may have missed.

13.21 Mailchimp Subscription

Path: Appearance > Customizer > Theme Options > Mailchimp Subscription
Add a Mailchimp newsletter subscription box anywhere supported by the theme.

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