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FREELANCEENGINE
Version 1.8.2 - July 19, 2017
http://docs.enginethemes.com/category/504-freelanceengine
0. Documentation overview
http://docs.enginethemes.com/
This documentation includes all the essential information to help you set up and run your site smoothly.
Below is the summary of all the articles in this documentation. You can check out these content right from the package we provided or
access them via our documentation center.
1. Package content
This section describes the function of the files you can get from your member area.
2. Basic information about WordPress
3. Introduction to FreelanceEngine
● A quick look at the main workflow of FreelanceEngine including:
● Short description
● How can you monetize from it?
● User roles
● The main workflow
● The Escrow system
4. Main steps to set up the site
Giving a step by step guide to help you install your FreelanceEngine:
● Download and install the theme
● Import data
● Set up the general information
● Menus and widgets
● Customize the theme
● How to translate the theme
● Setup the Social Login feature
● Set up " Post project" form
● Setup PayPal Adaptive in Escrow system
● Set up Stripe in Escrow system
● Set up Credit in Escrow system
● How to get PayPal to redirect users back to your website after successful payment
● How to add Google Adsense
5. Complete the settings
Giving information about other settings in the admin panel.
● Projects- Profiles - Portfolios - Testimonials Management
● Emails management
● Members and payments management
● Update the theme
5. Introduction to the extensions
A short introduction about extensions of FreelanceEngine.
1. Package content
After complete your payment, you can access the member area and get all the offered files:
● FreelanceEngine version X: The main file you can use to set up your site.
● FreelanceEngine documentation: Step- by-step guide to help you set up your site. You don’t have to upload it in your site.
● FreelanceEngine Sample data: The sample data includes the default content with similarities to our demo site. You will use it
when install the theme, the video “Install the theme” will demonstrate how to use it.
● FreelanceEngine child theme: The additional package, you can use it if you want to customize the theme more to meet your
own need. You can learn more about it here.
● FreelanceEngine PSD package (Desktop and Mobile versions): The name speaks itself, it’s the design of the theme, you don’t
have to upload it.
● OneEngine: This is the free multipurpose theme we offer, you don’t have to upload it on your site.
2. Basic information about WordPress
Requirement: WP v4.4+
How to install WordPress?
Here's the quick version of the instructions for those who are already comfortable with performing such installations. More detailed
instructions follow: http://codex.wordpress.org/Installing_WordPress#Detailed_Instructions
If you are not comfortable with renaming files, go ahead and skip step 3 as the install program will create the wp-config.php file for
you.
1. Download and unzip the WordPress package if you haven't already.
2. Create a database for WordPress on your web server, as well as a MySQL user who has all privileges for accessing and modifying it.
3. (Optional) Find and rename wp-config-sample.php to wp-config.php, then edit the file (see Editing wp-config.php) and add your
database information.
4. Upload the WordPress files to the desired location on your web server:
- If you want to integrate WordPress into the root of your domain (e.g. http://example.com/), move or upload all contents of the
unzipped WordPress freelance (excluding the WordPress freelance itself) into the root freelance of your web server.
- If you want to have your WordPress installation in its own subfreelance on your website (e.g. http://example.com/blog/), create the
blog freelance on your server and upload the contents of the unzipped WordPress package to the freelance via FTP.
Note: If your FTP client has an option to convert file names to lower case, make sure it's disabled.
5. Run the WordPress installation script by accessing the URL in a web browser. This should be the URL where you uploaded the
WordPress files.
- If you installed WordPress in the root freelance, you should visit: http://example.com/
- If you installed WordPress in its own subfreelance called blog, for example, you should visit: http://example.com/blog/
That's it! WordPress should now be installed.
If you require detailed information, please follow this link:
http://codex.wordpress.org/Installing_WordPress
3. FreelanceEngine introduction
3.1. What is FreelanceEngine?
FreelanceEngine is a WordPress theme which helps you to create your own freelance marketplace. Users then can use this site to find
their suitable working partners:
● The employers (project’s owners) can find their supporters.
● The freelancers can find their jobs.
For that reason, you – the owner of the site - can charge them for using your service, you can create payment plans for employers to
post projects as well as charge commission for each accepted one.
Besides the desktop version, FreelanceEngine also supports a dedicated mobile version, you never have to worry about missing the
mobile users.
3.2. What can users do?
As an employer, you can easily login to the site and immediately start posting your project. Once your project is displayed, you can
search for the suitable freelancer and invite them to join you.
● Create profile
● Post a project
● Find the freelancers
● Invite freelancers to bid
● Complete the project when the freelancer can't fulfill your need
● Receive instant notification
As a freelancer, you can provide your detailed information and find out the potential projects
● Create profile
● Add portfolios and attached files
● Search for projects
● Bid on a project
● Quit a project
● Review employer
● Receive live notification
3.3. The main workflow
The main workflow of FreelanceEngine can be simply described as following:
Find suitable participants for the projects
As mentioned above, freelancers can find different projects on the main page and start bidding to join the interested project by the
Apply button. The employers can also invite the freelancers first via their profiles as well. After that, the freelancers can take a look at
the project details and decide to “Bid” it or not.
If the employers find suitable freelancers, they can click the “Accept” button on the bid list.
Enter workspace
When the participants are decided, they can “Enter the workspace” to have further discussion regarding the project.
In this page, they can send a private message to each other and offer attached files as well.
Review
After the project’s done, employers click the “Finish” button, then write a review and rate for the freelancers.
The project now can be considered as totally “Completed”, the freelancers also can send the review back to the employers.
3.4. The Escrow system – manage the disputation
● Brief information
Escrow system is a helpful tool for admins to create a trustworthy working environment for users. Together with PayPal’s
accompaniment, there’ll be a neutral third party in the transaction holding the money so that it won’t reach the other party until the
service or good is delivered.
Once you enable this system, you – the admin of the site will become a contractor between the freelancers and employers. Whenever
an employer accepts a bid, he will have to send the fund for the admin including the project’s payment and the commission – Escrow
fee.
Of course, you can choose freelancer to pay the fee as well.
The participants can start working on the project, if everything goes well, they can complete the project and the money will be sent to
the freelancer.
● Manage the disputation
There’ll be the time when you have to involve in a debate. Even when the project hasn’t been completed, the freelancer can “quit”
while the employer can “close” the project. Of course, they will have to explain the reason behind these actions.
The admin then will play the role of a judge to give the final decision, you can refund the money to the employer or send the payment
for freelancer.
4. Main steps to set up the site
These are the steps you need to do to have your site setup.
● Download and install the theme
● Import data
● Set up the general information
● Menus and widgets
● Customize the theme
● How to add header and footer menus
● Using localization feature
● Setup the Social Login feature
● Set up "Post project" form
● Setup PayPal Adaptive in Escrow system
● Set up Stripe in Escrow system
● Set up Credit in Escrow system
● How to get PayPal to redirect users back to your website after successful payment
● Manage content and appearance
4.1. Download and install FreelanceEngine
4.1.1. Download your theme
To download the theme:
● Login to your EngineThemes account: http://www.enginethemes.com/member/login
● You can see all the products you’ve purchased, choose the suitable one then click Download to save the files.
4.1.2. Install your theme
Before setting up the theme, you will need a WordPress copy installed on your server or localhost. Go to
http://wordpress.org/download/ to get a WordPress copy.
You may want to visit the following links to help you get started with WordPress http://www.maxblogpress.com/wordpresswizard20/.
Once you’re ready to install your theme, follow either of these two ways:
● Extract your theme zip file at .../wp-content/themes. Once the file is extracted, your theme will automatically appear in
Appearance → Themes tab of your WordPress admin site.
● Go to Appearance → Themes → Install Themes → Upload. Press Browse button, select your theme zip file and click Install
Now.
If the installation is successful, you will see the message “Theme installed successfully” and you will be asked to activate the theme
right away or later. You can activate your theme anytime by accessing Appearance → Themes.
4.2. Import data
In the package we provide, you’ll find Sample data file, this xml file will give you the exact copy of our demo site. Using this sample data,
you can start digging into default places, events. testimonials, categories, menus, widgets, page, and so on. You will soon learn how to
get your own site and content running.
• Choose Tools > Import.
• Select WordPress option.
• Click on the marked button to upload the file.
• Click Upload file and import button.
4.3. Set up general information
4.3.1. General
It allows you to set up the main information for your site such as Website title, description, copyright, google analytics script, or upload the
logos. Choose Engine settings → Settings and you can see them.
4.3.2. Branding
This section allows you to edit your logos for desktop and mobile versions. On your WordPress admin site, click Engine Settings →
Settings → Branding. Please note that each logo has different image file requirements.
4.3.3. URL slug
Go to Engine Settings → Settings → URL Slug to create slugs for your site.
4.4. Set up general contents
The main feature is set up, you then have to control the content in your site.
4.4.1. Content
To control and manage the content being displayed on your site, you should pay attention to the two following options: Pending post
and Disable comment. Choose Engine Settings > Settings > Content and you can access them.
Pending post
You can prevent inappropriate posts appear on your site by enabling this function. After that, a post has to receive your approval
before being displayed in the front-end, which means you can absolutely keep your site stay away from unsuitable ones
You can then approve the posts in two different ways:
● In the front-end: visit the projects page, then check the tick icon to approve the project.
● In the back-end: visit the “Projects” tab, click on the posted project and “Publish” it.
Disable comment
Just like how it named, the option prevents users from posting comment on the project page.
4.4.2. Appearance
Video background
Take a look at our demo site, you can easily see people moving at the header, all thanks to Video background feature.
Video Background is an appearance – enhancement feature. With a video is played transparently on your homepage, it could attract
more freelancers to your sites.
Choose Engine settings > Settings > Header video and complete the settings:
This theme gives you 2 ways to add a video to your own. The first option is used if you are a developer, the second method is suitable
for who wants to utilize this feature in the fastest and easiest way: just adding your Youtube ID for a sharing.
Project demonstration: you can insert a simple text to describe the main purpose of the action “Post a project”, it’ll then appear in the
header of the main page or list project page.
Profile demonstration: similar to the Project demonstration, this section allows you to describe the main of purpose of the action “Find
a freelancer”.
Options for the background video:
● Video background URL: insert the URL so that it’ll be displayed in the header.
● Muted header video: Enabling this will mute the video sound on the header.
● Autoplay header video: Enabling this will make the video on the header automatically play.
● Loop header video: Enabling this will make the video on the header automatically repeated.
4.4.3. Set up payment
Payment setting is the place where you can modify Payment Currency, Payment Test Mode, Payment Gateways, etc and even you can
create the payment plans to monetize users through here.
Please go to Settings → Payment and modify like what you would like to be.
To create the payment plan, roll down there and feel free to give the detailed criteria and short description for the usage packages.
Please take a look at this screenshot:
After completing one package plan, remember to hit “Save plan” and continue with another one.
4.5. Complete menu & widget
4.5.1. How to create the header menus?
FreelanceEngine supports the header and footer menus. You can use this to add, sort or display priority information in your site.
You can follow these steps to create the menu:
● Go to Appearance → Menus.
● Choose Create a new menu.
● Insert Menu name then clicks Create menu.
● Now you’re good to choose custom links, pages, or categories and add them to your menus.
You can also drag the items to the suitable order. Click Add to menu button.
● Finally, on Menu Settings, select where you want it to appear – in this case, is “Standard Header menu”. Don’t forget to hit Save
Menu to complete the setting.
After completing your settings, the Header menu will be displayed as below in the front-end.
You can do the similar settings for footer menu.
4.5.1. How to use the widgets?
From the back–end, choose Appearance > Widgets. FreelanceEngine supports one more widget beside all default WP widgets: Fre
Social. This widget will display all your social networks information.
Sidebars
Currently, FreelanceEngine has already supported the footer sidebars. These sidebars are located at the end of each page. We divide
this sidebar to different columns so that you can inform more information about your site. You can simply drag and drop these widgets
to suitable ones: As you can see, we have added: Custom menu and FrE Social in the sidebars.
Don’t forget to click Save button to keep all your settings.
4.6. Customize the theme
For some basic customization, especially the color of the site, you can use the WordPress customize. Choose Appearance →
Customize.
There are 4 options for you to customize:
● Site identity: This section allows you to change your site title, tagline, and site icon.
● Title & Background: This section allows you to customize blocks such as banner, services, freelancer, projects, and story that is
displayed on your homepage.
● Menus: This enables you to customize your site’s menu locations.
● Widgets: You can change your site’s widgets in this section.
● Static Front Page: This allows you to select the front page displays, front page, and post page.
*Note: With each customized action, you must click the Save & Publish button to submit.
4.7. How to translate the theme
English is the default language for the theme, but any language can be added and used for the site. Wherever you are, you can use this
feature to select the language you want to use for your website. Besides, you can also use this feature to change all texts in the themes.
Where? Engine Settings → Settings → Language
How?
● Website Language
Select your desired language from the list. The system will automatically save and reflect changes in your website.
If you wish to use a language not on the list, you may add one anytime. However, you will need to manually translate the site’s
contents:
Click Add a new language to insert. Then press Enter on your keyboard to save.
● Translator
Choose the language from the dropdown list you created for your website.
Do translation for each field.
Click “Save” when you complete all your translation. You are recommended to save your translation after every 20 string to make sure
it won’t be lost.
*Note: Your sites might become unresponsive after you choose the language. In order to solve this problem, we recommend you to use
Firefox browser when using localization feature to prevent your site from crashing.
4.8. Setup Social Login feature
4.10.1. Setting in the back-end
Following these below steps to set up a page for your users to login via their social network accounts:
1. Go to Pages → Add new. Create a new page named “Authentication”.
Paste the shortcode [social_connect_page] to the content section. In template box, keep the “Default Template”.
2. Choose Engine settings → Social login → Social API: Insert the API in each Social API section.
In the General setting: Paste the link of the “Social connect page” you've just created above. Then, select the Users roles.
4.12.2. Get the APIs key
1. Login to Facebook.
2. Go to Facebook Developer application to upgrade your personal account to a Facebook Developer account. If you have already
had a Developer account, please skip this step.
3. After that, you will be prompted to a screen where you can create a new Facebook app. Please click “Create App ID” button.
4. Fill all required information, including Display Name & Contact Email. Then, hit “Create App ID” button to create a new app ID.
Please note that your app will have a unique app ID. You will use this ID whenever you use one of Facebook’s SDKs or SDKs or
Open Graph tags for sharing.
5. At that time, you will be redirected to the product setup page, please click “Get Started” button in the Facebook Login section.
6. On the next screen, you will be given choice a platform among 4 options. Make sure you select Web.
7. After that, you need to input your Site URL and click the “Save” button. Please note that this URL includes http:// or https://.
EngineThemes will enter https://www.enginethemes.com if we wish to use this feature for our site for example.
8. Use the same URL you entered in the Site URL field above, and paste it in the Valid OAuth redirect URIs option (Products →
Facebook Login → Settings). Don’t forget to click “Save Changes” button.
9. Navigate to Settings section from left sidebar to fill in your contact information. Otherwise, your app could not be accessed.
● Enter your website domain in the App Domains field. For example, if your site URL is www.enginethemes.com or
enginethemes.com, you must to add www.enginethemes.com or enginethemes.com in this field.
● Next, you should upload the app icon and select category.
● Hit “Save Changes” button.
10. In the App Reviews section, click the button to the right of your app’s name to make your app be public. If you see the green dot
– that means your app is online. Now your customers could log in using Facebook login.
11. Finally, go to your app’s dashboard and copy your Facebook API data and add it in Engine Settings → Settings → Socials.
That’s finished.
Twitter
1. Similar to Facebook, you also create new apps on Twitter at https://apps.twitter.com/.
2. Fill in all required information on the Create an application form. Then click the “Create your Twitter application” button to
submit.
3. Get Consumer key and Consumer secret on your Application settings.
4. In Home → My applications → Settings page, you tick on the “Allow this application to be used to Sign in with Twitter” option
to finish the registration processing. Please note, you should check the “callback URL” field if it is your domain URL. Also, you
must input your site Privacy Policy URL & Terms of Services URL.
5. Go to Permissions tab to set up what type of access your application need.
● By default, your Twitter app should have Read and Write access. If this is not the case, modify your app to ensure that you have
Read and Write access to give the application permission to post on your behalf.
● Besides, you can tick on the “Request email addresses from users” option under the Additional Permissions to get user’s email
addresses whenever they log into your site via their Twitter account.
6. Add Consumer key and Consumer secret to your site. It locates at Engine Settings → Settings → Socials.
Now, your user can log into your site via Twitter account.
Google Plus
1. Go to the Google Developers Console to create a project.
2. After that, you will be redirected to the Library page where you must enable the Google+ API service.
3. Then, check your Google+ API status to make sure it is enabled.
4. Select Credentials tab under “API Manager” section in the left sidebar.
5. In the Credentials tab, click the “Create credentials” drop-down list, and choose the QAuth client ID.
6. Before selecting the application type, you must set your product name in advance by click on the “Configure consent screen”
button.
In this step, you must fill all required fields as instructed, then click on the Save button to submit.
7. On the next screen, you must select Other as your application type. Then, click on the “Create” button.
8. After that, you copy the Client ID, Client secret from the QAuth client dialog box to your site. It locates at Engine Settings →
Settings → Socials.
Now your users can access your website via Google Plus.
LinkedIn API
JobEngine & FreelanceEngine theme support importing user information from LinkedIn to your jobseekers’ profile. You only need to
register one LinkedIn API Key to set the system working.
Please follow the steps below to get LinkedIn API:
1. Create a LinkedIn API application at https://www.linkedin.com/secure/developer?newapp=.
2. Click the “Create Application” button.
3. Fill in required fields in the Create a New Application form as descriptions below:
● Company Name: Specify your company name.
● Name: Specify the name of your app (You can type whatever name you wish , but it’s recommended to enter your website or
company name in this field).
● Description: Enter short description of your company/website.
● Application Logo URL: https URL of the logo of your company/website, in PNG or JPG format (preferably 80×80 pixels).
● Application Use: Select Other.
● Website URL: Go to your website homepage, copy this URL and paste it in this option. Please make sure that this URL includes
http:// or https:// (for example: http://mywebsite.com orhttp://www.mywebsite.com).
● Business Email: Specify email address.
● Business Phone: Specify your contact number.
● I have read and agree to the LinkedIn API Terms of Use: Tick on the checkbox.
Then, click the “Submit” button to complete.
4. Make sure r_basicprofile , r_emailaddress are selected in Default Application Permissions section. Fill the blanks. Next, click
“Update” button on LinkedIn app page as shown in the screenshot below:
***Notice: In the Authorized redirect URIs field, you must enter this default URL:
https://yourdomain.com/?action=linked_auth_callback. EngineThemes will enter
http://enginethemes.com/?action=linked_auth_callback for example.
5. Navigate to Settings section from the left sidebar. Set Application Status to Live and click “Update” button.
6. Move to JavaScript section from the left sidebar. Enter exactly the same URL as in Website URL option in step 3 above, in the
Valid SDK Domains option and click “Add” button.
7. After the page refresh, you should see the domain (you have just saved) below the option. Click “Update” button.
8. Copy Client ID and Client Secret to your site (Engine Settings → Settings → Socials).
That’s finished.
4.9. Setup "Post a Project" form
Since "Posting project" is the main action of users, it's also the main method for you to generate revenue. You should always
remember to create "Posting projects" form for your users to display their projects.
Visit Engine settings > Settings > Payment and go through the following steps to complete the settings: Choose the payment gateways >
Create package plans > Decide additional information > Create categories.
4.9.1. Choose the currency format and payment gateways
Currency: Wherever you are, it is easier than ever to set your very own local currency with flexible choices for number format
(decimal point or thousand separators). You can easily find it at the first section of Payment tab.
Payment gateways: FreelanceEngine is supported with three popular payment gateways: PayPal, 2CheckOut, and of course Cash. You
can decide which payment gateways you want to use and disable the others.
4.9.2. Create payment plans
Payment plans are price packages which you can create for your users to choose when posting projects. Each payment plan shows the
price, the time period a project will be active on your site and the number of projects can be posted.
● Adding new payment plan: Insert all the needed information and hit Save button to create a new plan.
○ SKU
○ Enter a name for your plan: insert a name for the payment plan.
○ Price: insert the price for the plan.
○ Availability: decide how many days this plan will be available.
○ Number of projects can post: decide how many projects an employer can post using this plan.
○ Project type: choose a type of this plan. you can create different project types in “Project” tab.
○ Short description of this package: enter a short description of this plan.
● Edit a payment plan
You can also edit the created plans by clicking the Pen icon next to it.
After completing all the needed settings, you can use the Payment test Mode to check it. Once you enable this function, you can test
the payment without charging your account.
According to your settings, whenever the user posts a listing, they will see the payment system appear like below.
4.9.3. Decide additional information
Beside the above settings, you can decide additional information for the posted projects with the options:
● Maximum number of galleries: Simply insert the number and you can decide how many categories a post can be assigned to.
● Project category order: This option allows you to manage the category order based on different criterions.
● Project type order: This option allows you to manage the project type order based on different criterions.
Find them at Engine settings → Settings → Content
4.9.4. Create categories
The setting is almost done, you just need to create the categories for the projects and profiles. Users will then can select the categories
when making a post.
Project category
This section allows admins to add and control all the project categories.
● In the left corner of the page, you’ll find different fields, complete all the needed information, click Add new project category
then you’ll have the new one.
● You can control all the categories in the right corner of the page, edit or delete, it all depends on your choice.
Profile categories
You can create the categories for profiles similar to the way you create project categories.
4.11. Setup PayPal Adaptive in Escrow system
PayPal Adaptive is a trusted third party to handle payments of the Escrow system to help user make any transactions in your site. You
can find the Escrow system’s setting page in your admin panel. Choose Engine settings > Escrow to set up PayPal Adaptive.
4.11.1. Setting
● Using Escrow: you can enable or disable the system in this section.
● Commission: this commission is the fee users have to pay for using your service. Simply insert the amount of commission you
want to charge them.
Besides, to set up the currency, choose Engine settings > Settings > Content and you can set up the suitable one.
● Commission type: you can select the type of commission you want to use in this section. There are two types for you to choose:
by percentage or by a specific amount.
● Payer of commission: the employer is often the one to pay the commission. However, you can select the freelancer to be the
payer.
1. Gateways
● Payment Test Mode: you can either enable or disable test payment without charging your account.
● Manual transfer: if you enable this option, you can manually transfer the money when the project’s done.
In this tab, you have to fill in all the required information to use PayPal Adaptive Payment. This is a trusted third party to handle
payments of the Escrow system.
● Your business PayPal email: You can enter your PayPal email in this field. Remembering that, it must be the PayPal Business or
Premier account.
● PayPal fees: you can decide which party will pay the PayPal fees:
○ Primary receiver pays all fees: admins will be the person who pays for the fees.
○ Each receiver pays their own fee: admin and freelancer will pay the fee.
○ Secondary receivers pay all fees: freelancer will be the person who pays for the fees.
Note: To enable PayPal Adaptive, you have to disable both Stripe connection and Credit.
Besides, you must complete all blank spaces in the PayPal API section such as your PayPal API username, your PayPal API password,
your PayPal API signature, and your PayPal API AppID.
4.11.2. PayPal API Settings
Step 1: Check your PayPal account status
To setup PayPal Adaptive Payments, the application owner must have a PayPal Business or Premier account. Here’re the details to
check your PayPal status:
● Login to PayPal at www.paypal.com.
● Click the Profile subtab under My Account.
● In the left menu, click the My settings to confirm that your account type is either Business or Premier. If not, you have to
upgrade your account.
Step 2: Settings your PayPal Adaptive
● In the left menu, click the My selling tools.
● Under the Selling online section, click the Update link next to API access to verify your API access.
● To generate the certificate set, click the Request API Credentials.
● Select the API Signature option, then click the Agree and Submit button.
● In the next page, you just need copy your API data:
Step 3: Request a Paypal Adaptive Live AppID
● Create a new application by accessing your PayPal applications account at
https://www.paypal-apps.com/user/my-account/applications
For further technical information about Adaptive Payment API, kindly visit the PayPal Developer docs page.
● Click the New Application link and fill the Application options based on the way you want to use adaptive payments.
App Application
○ Title: enter your unique application name.
○ On what platform does your app run: usually select Web.
○ Description: add information to describe what your application does and type the following APIs use information in the
2nd paragraph:
“This application uses the Chained Payment APIs as a part of Payments system. It allows the primary receiver to keep part of the payment
during the project is in progress. When the project is completed, money held in Escrow is manually transferred to the second receiver(s). In case
of dispute, the primary receiver will decide to refund money to the initial sender or transfer it to the second receiver(s). If a project runs for longer
than 90 days and the funds were not released, this payment will be returned to the initial sender (the employer).”
Industry and Use Cases:
○ Select items as appropriate from Related Industry list (usually select None of the Below)
○ Under the Use Case list, select the closest one match to your application purpose (In FreelanceEngine, Marketplace is
usually selected).
○ Besides, you can upload a file in the Additional Info section if you want, but it’s not required.
Services used by app
○ Adaptive Payment: Select Chained Payment and choose Delayed radio button.
*Note: According to PayPal, chained payments also include delayed chained payments, in which payments to secondary receivers can
be delayed for up to 90 days. If a project runs for longer than 90 days and the funds were not released, this payment will be returned to
the initial sender (the employer). It means you should set the maximum limit for a project to be completed as 90 days.
For further details, visit Delayed Chained Payment Using Adaptive Payments docs.
○ Who pays the fee?: Leave empty or choose Primary Receiver (you) or Each Receiver (you and freelancer)
○ Who is the primary receiver?: In FreelanceEngine, primary receiver is the admin, so you need to add your application
name in this field.
○ Who is (are) the secondary receiver(s)?: Add “freelancer”.
○ Expected monthly payment volume and average transaction amount in US: enter you expected values.
○ Who is responsible for chargebacks or refunds?: Add “Me”.
○ Do you have an Acceptable Use Policy?: If you have the user policy in your website such as Terms & Policies, select Yes &
enter this URL; otherwise you select No.
*Note: You should enter a valid URL to your Acceptable Use Policy. Otherwise, your PayPal application may be denied.
○ Adaptive Account: Can leave empty.
○ 3rd Party Permissions: Can leave empty.
Invoicing:
○ Step-by-step Payment Flows Instructions: this section refers to your payment flows on your site. You can copy & paste
the below flow for your site:
“Employer accepts a bid. Employer transfers money including budget & commission fee via PayPal Adaptive API. This money is held by the
admin. Freelancer starts working. The project is completed. Money is manually transferred to freelancer. Dispute occurs, admin decides to
refund money to employer or send it to freelancer.”
○ Test URL (if applicable): This fields is optional. You can leave empty or add your test site URL.
○ Supply Test Account Name and Password: create a user test account (PayPal Sandbox test account) and input its
username & password in this field.
○ Besides, you can upload a file under Testing Information section, but it’s not required.
Business Information: all information in this section are optional, so you can leave empty.
● Click the Submit App to complete.
PayPal will review your app, when it is accepted you will have access to your Live App ID.
*Note: You should NOT enable the Payment Review feature in your PayPal Account (Accounts → Account Details → Settings →
Payment Review → Off)
Click on the Profile link to set up
Disable the Payment Review feature in the Account Details dialog box
4.12. Set up Escrow system with Stripe
Stripe Escrow User Guidance
Regarding the popularity of Stripe in USA transactions, Stripe for Escrow is released to meet our customer demands and gives a hand
to the product growth. Stripe for Escrow is also similar to PayPal for Escrow. It helps transactions among admin, freelancers and
employers work smoothly with Stripe combined with Escrow system. Let’s take a look below for detail information and step-by-step
instruction. This video tutorial helps you save your time.
Requirements
● This feature is currently only available for US Stripe accounts.
● The recipient’s bank account must be in the US.
● When sending to a debit card, transfers must be less than $3000 (This card must be a US Visa or Master card).
Workflow
Escrow flow
The Escrow system will start working as soon as the employer accepts a bid. The process will work step after step like below.
● Step 1: When Employer accepts a bid, he will pay the bid budget (example: $9) to Admin’s Stripe account.
Bid acceptance form
● Step 2: After Employer accepts a bid, this project will change its status to “Processing”. If the employers “FINISH” this project,
the Escrow process will move to step 3. Otherwise, the employers “CLOSE” or freelancers “QUIT” this project, it will turn the
status into “dispute” and Escrow process will jump to step 4.
● Step 3: After the employer clicks “Finish” button, this project’s status will become into “Completed”.
● Step 4: The freelancer and employer will send their reports to Admin, and Amin will decide who the winner is in this case.
How to Set up?
Configure Stripe API on Admin setting page.
Please navigate to Dashboard → Engine Settings → Escrow → Gateways → Stripe API
(1) Enabling this allows you to use Escrow Stripe system on your site.
(2) You Stripe’s secret key. You can get it by going to: https://dashboard.stripe.com/
(3) You Stripe’s public key. You can get it by going to: https://dashboard.stripe.com/ as the photo below:
● (4) Your Stripe’s platform ID: You can get it by going to: https://dashboard.stripe.com/ like the photo below:
● (5) This option allows you to set who will pay Stripe’s fee when “Escrow Stripe” system process
○ (Option1) “Primary receiver pays all fees”: If you select this option, you will pay all fees for Escrow Stripe process.
○ (Option 2) “Each receiver pays their own fee”: If you select this option, you as an admin pay the fee charged automatically
by Stripe when an employer accepts a bid, and the freelancers will pay the fee when they receive money.
○ (Option 3) “Secondary receivers pay all fees”: If you select this option, Freelancers have to pay all fees for Escrow Stripe
process.
Update Stripe customer information (Employer)
Connect with Stripe (Freelancer)
*Note: Freelancer can also disconnect and reconnect with Stripe.
4.10. Set up Credit in Escrow system
Credit is built to solve the absence of PayPal Adaptive or Stripe Connect working with Escrow system in FreelanceEngine in some
countries. With the Credit, users can add fund in their account & later they can make any transaction on the site by using credits
instead of the usual money - based methods.
4.13.1. Credit Settings & Management
Setting
To use Credit as a payment gateway for each transaction on your site, you must activate FrE Credit plugin and setup Credit system.
● FrE Credit plugin: In Dashboard, go to Plugins setting page to activate this extension.
● Credit system (Engine Settings > Credit)
○ Use credit system: You must enable this feature to allow users to use credit system on your site.
○ Prevent access to the deposit page: This feature permits you to prevent users access to deposit page on your site.
○ Secure code: You can enable this feature to turn on the secure code requiring for each credit transaction on your site.
○ Deposit page slug: You can set page slug to deposit page.
In order to create a deposit page, you go to Pages → Add new and copy the shortcode [fre_credit_deposit] onto the content field as
the image below:
Then, set up the deposit page slug by selecting a page in the dropdown menu (only pages having shortcode [fre_credit_deposit] are
displayed
○ Admin email who will receive notification: Enter your email to receive the notification for each action on your site.
○ Minimum money in each withdraw process: You can set the minimum money required for each withdrawal process in
this field.
○ Credit plan: Create different pricing plans for employer to buy credits.
○ Mail template: Admin can create and manage mail templates for new messages involving each action on the site in this
section.
Management
● Approve the payment when user buys credits so that the credits appear in the user’s account (Engine Settings > Payments).
● Credit plans.
● Credit histories.
● Credit withdraw.
4.13.2. Escrow Configuration Settings
You can find the Escrow system’s setting page in your admin panel. Choose Engine settings > Escrow to set up Credit.
Settings
● Using Escrow: You enable the Escrow system in this section.
● Commission: This commission is the fee users have to pay for using your service. Simply insert the amount of commission you
want to charge them.
Besides, you go to Engine settings > Settings > Content to set up the currency.
● Commission type: You can select the type of commission you want to use in this section. There are two types for you to choose:
by percentage or by a specific amount.
● Payer of commission: The employer is often the person who pays the commission. However, you can select the freelancer to be
the payer.
Gateways
● Payment Test Mode: You can either enable or disable test payment without charging your account.
● Manual transfer: If you enable this option, you can manually transfer the money when the project’s done.
● To use Credit as a payment gateway working with Escrow system, you have to enable Credit system.
*Note: When you select credit system to work with Escrow system on your project bidding website, PayPal Adaptive and Stripe
Connect must be disabled.
4.14. How to get PayPal to redirect users back to your website after successful payment
With Auto Return for Website Payments, your payers are redirected immediately to your website after completion. Here’re the steps
to set up Auto Return:
● Login your business PayPal sandbox account at https://www.paypal.com/.
*Note: You must use business PayPal account to log in since PayPal does not allow setting the Auto - Return URL if you use a personal
PayPal account.
● Click on the Profile subtab under My Account.
● Under the Selling online section, click the Update link to the right of the Website preferences. The Website Preferences page
appears.
● Under Auto Return for Website Payments, select On radio button to enable Auto Return.
● Enter the URL that will be used to redirect your payers after successful payments in the Return URL field.
Note: You must meet the Return URL Requirements in order to set up Auto Return. Learn more about URL.
This URL is not important because URL Return is set in your code. You can enter http://yourdomain.com into Return URL instead.
● Scroll down to the bottom of the page, click the Save button to complete your changes.
● Finally, you use this PayPal account to set as PayPal email in your site. In Dashboard, go to Engine Settings > Settings >
Payment > Payment Gateways > PayPal)
4.15. How to add Google Adsense
Our themes allow you to add Google Adsense to your site. Here’s how to do that:
● Visit https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLoginAuth to register a Google Adsense account. You may visit this link
(https://support.google.com/adsense/answer/185665?hl=en&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=ww-ww-et-asfe_&utm_sourc
e=aso) to get more instructions.
● From the backend of your site, drag the Text widget (a default widget of WordPress) and drop it to the sidebar where you wish
to display your Google Adsense.
● Enter your Google Adsense code into the Text widget and save it.
5. Complete other settings
5.1. Projects– Profiles – Portfolios - Testimonials Management
5.1.1. Manage all the projects
To manage the projects, visit your admin panel and choose Projects tab.
Admins can control all the posted projects in this tab which includes different sections with different functions:
● Projects: this section tracks all the posted projects which you can easily edit or delete. It also shows you all the pending projects
and draft.
● Add a new project: just like how it’s named, this section is used to add new projects. This is similar to how you make a post.
Complete all the needed information hit Save then you can create a new project.
● Project category: this section allows admins to add and control all the project categories.
○ In the left corner of the page, you’ll find different fields, complete all the needed information, click Add new project
category then you’ll have the new one.
○ You can control all the categories in the right corner of the page, edit or delete, it all depends on your choice.
● Project type: as easy as you control the Project category, this section allows you to create different project type.
● Complete all the blank sections in the left corner of the page to create a new one then manage it in the right corner of the page.
● Skills: Similar to this above section, this section helps you to add new skills for users to choose.
5.1.2. Manage all the profiles
Similar to the above tab, admins can control all the posted profiles in this one.
● Profiles: all the profiles are tracked in this section, you can easily edit or delete the unsuitable ones.
● Add new profile: you can manually add new profiles in this section just like how you add new projects.
● Countries: this section allows you to add new countries for users to choose their locations.
● Project category /Skills: these two sections are the same as the two in Projects tab.
5.1.3. Manage all the portfolios
Admins can control all the posted portfolios in this section. You can edit or move these portfolios to trash, it helps to enhance admin
management ability.
You can edit or delete each portfolio at a time or you can edit different ones at the same time.
In addition, you also have the right to add new portfolios, as well as skills for the freelancers.
5.1.4. Add stories
This is the section helps you show off all the good comments on your site. You can also edit or delete the existing ones.
The way you insert the stories somehow similar to the way you make a post. To create a new one, following these simple steps:
● Insert the title.
● Add the comment.
● Choose the category.
● Set featured image.
● Then hit Save button.
This is how it’ll appear in the front – end.
5.1. Emails management
This section allows you to create default emails which will be sent to the users in specific situations. Choose Engine Settings →
Settings → Mailing.
● Register mail template: if you disable the option “Email confirmation“ users will receive this email after they complete their
registration, this email won’t include the password.
● Confirm mail template: this email will include a link for users to complete their registration.
● Confirmed mail template: this email will be sent to the users after they successfully confirm their emails.
● Forgot pass mail template: users will receive this email after they request for a new password in the Forgot Password form.
● Resetpass mail template: this email will be sent after a user activates the active link to get the new password on his Forgot pass
mail.
● Inbox mail template: this email will be sent to the users whenever they receive a private message.
● Invite mail template: this email will be sent to the freelancers whenever they are invited to a project.
● Publish mail template: this email will be sent to a user successfully publish a project.
● Archive mail template: this email will be sent to the users whenever their projects are archived.
● Reject mail template: this email will be sent to the users whenever their places are rejected.
● Bid mail template: this email will be sent to the project owners whenever there’s a new freelancer bid on the projects.
● Complete project mail template: this email will be sent to the project owners when their projects are completed.
On each email, you can see the *Reset to default* that will help you reset the email content back to our default.
5.3. Members and payments management
5.3.1. Members
This page allows you to have an overview of the registered people. Choose Engine Settings → Members
● In the dropdown list on the top left, you can choose to see the users based on their roles or see all the users
● You can use the search bar to search the user you want to see.
● You can also use the dropdown list at the end of each user’s name to change its roles. The system will then automatically save
every time you do your changes.
5.2.2. Payments
This page allows you to have an overview of the payments have been made. Choose Engine Settings → Payments
● In the dropdown list on the top left, you can choose to see the payments based on the payment gateways. You can also choose
to see all of them.
● You can use the search bar to search the payment you want to see.
5.4. Update the theme
There are two ways to update your theme to the latest versions: via your back-end or via your FTP account.
5.4.1 Via the back - end
In order to update your theme via the back-end, you go to Engine Settings → Settings → Updates. Then, enter your license key on
Enginethemes.com.
Enter your license key to get notification message whenever our themes are released new version
After you filled your license key, whenever our themes are released a new version, a notification message will be shown in your
WordPress dashboard.
Notification is shown whenever our theme is updated
In order to update your theme, go to Appearance → Themes → Theme Details. Any themes that have updates available will display an
alert banner. Choose the theme you want to upgrade and click on “update now”, after your theme is successful updated, you will see
the screen as the image below:
Your theme is successfully updated
Please note that updating your theme will overwrite all files of the older version. So we advise you to keep a back-up of your current
version before updating it should you consider using again the older version.
5.4.2 Via your FTP account
After downloading the latest version, you have to extract the package in your computer. Then, find a file whose name is
"changelog.txt", this file includes all the files which have been changed in the new version.
Login to your site via FTP, then navigate to ".../wp-content/themes" and find your old theme.
In the local site section, select the folder that you have extracted.
Click on this folder, copy & drag all changed files to the "Remote site" to overwrite your theme.
Finally, you should go to Engine Settings → Appearance → Themes → Theme Details to check your theme is updated or not.
6. Introducing the extension
Currently, FreelanceEngine is supported by these extensions. You can decide to use the theme or not based on your need.
● FrE Stripe: Allow payment directly on site by integrating Stripe payment gateway.
● FrE Paymill: Allow payment directly on site by integrating Paymill payment gateway.
● FrE SagePay: Allow payment directly on site by integrating SagePay payment gateway into your site
● FrE PayPal Digital Goods: Allow payment directly on site by integrating PayPal payment gateway.
● FrE PayUMoney: Allow payment directly on site by integrating PayUMoney payment gateway.
● ET Mailing: Help you to send, receive, track and store emails effortlessly.
● FrE Private Message: Help the employers and freelancers to have a better communication.
● FrE Milestone: Assist freelancer, employer and admin to track the project progress thanks to the road map of the project steps
showing which task is done and which one needs to be completed.
● FrE Braintree: A fast and secure payment gateway that allows users on your site to easily use their debit/credit cards and
PayPal account.
● FrE Credit: This extension works as the virtual currency system, allowing your users to buy credits and use these credits to
make any transactions on your site.
● FrE Stripe Escrow: This extension gives you a power to control all the transactions in your website, allowing Stripe payment
gateway to be integrated into Escrow system.
You can learn more here: https://www.enginethemes.com/extensions/
For further help, please feel free to contact us via support@enginethemes.com.