=== Forward: Embed Image Links ===
Contributors: forlaens
Tags: images, media, links, embeds, bbpress
Requires at least: 5.8
Tested up to: 7.0
Requires PHP: 7.4
Stable tag: 1.3.7
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Automatically turn direct image URLs into embedded images in posts, pages, and bbPress content.

== Description ==

Forward: Embed Image Links replaces plain image URLs with the actual image they point to. Paste a direct image URL into a post, page, bbPress topic, reply, or forum description, and the plugin displays it as an embedded image on the front end.

The plugin also includes a simple width setting so large images can be scaled to fit the content area.

= Key features =

* Converts direct image URLs into image embeds automatically.
* Works in posts, pages, and bbPress content.
* Supports common image formats including JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, WebP, and SVG.
* Lets you set a maximum image width as a percentage of the content area.
* Translation-ready and bundled with common language files.

= Good for =

* Forums where users paste image links.
* Editorial workflows that need quick image previews from direct URLs.
* Sites that want lightweight image embedding without extra shortcodes.

== Installation ==

1. Install the plugin from **Plugins > Add New**, or upload the `embed-image-links` folder to `/wp-content/plugins/`.
2. Activate the plugin from the **Plugins** screen in WordPress.
3. Open **Settings > Forward: Embed Image Links**.
4. Set the maximum image width if you want large images to be scaled down.
5. Paste a direct image URL into a post, page, or supported bbPress field.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Which image URLs are embedded? =

Direct URLs ending in supported image extensions are embedded. Examples include `.jpg`, `.jpeg`, `.png`, `.gif`, `.bmp`, `.webp`, and `.svg`.

= Does this upload images to my media library? =

No. The plugin displays the image from the original URL. It does not copy the file into WordPress.

= Can I control the displayed image size? =

Yes. Open **Settings > Forward: Embed Image Links** and set the maximum width as a percentage of the content area.

= Does this work with bbPress? =

Yes. It runs on common bbPress topic, reply, and forum content filters.

== Screenshots ==

1. Settings screen with the maximum image width option.
2. Example post content before publishing with a direct image URL.
3. Frontend output where the URL is displayed as an embedded image.

== Changelog ==

= 1.3.7 =

* Refresh the settings screen with a cleaner, modern WordPress admin layout.

= 1.3.6 =

* Add bundled translations for common languages.
* Improve admin security with capability checks, nonces, sanitization, and safe redirects.
* Escape admin output and generated image URLs.
* Avoid replacing image URLs that are already inside existing HTML tags.
* Remove donation prompts from the plugin screen and readme.
* Remove obsolete direct-access messaging and unnecessary output buffering.

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.3.7 =

Refreshes the settings screen layout.

= 1.3.6 =

Improves localization, admin security, and output handling.