=== Asteris ===
Contributors: asteriscommerce
Requires at least: 6.7
Tested up to: 7.0
Requires PHP: 8.1
Stable tag: 1.0.0
License: GPL-2.0-or-later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
Tags: full-site-editing, e-commerce, blog, portfolio, one-column, two-columns, custom-colors, custom-logo, custom-menu, editor-style, featured-images, threaded-comments, translation-ready, wide-blocks, block-styles, style-variations

A clean, fast, WooCommerce-graceful FSE block theme. 110+ block patterns across 12 categories, 4 style variations, system fonts, zero bundled JavaScript.

== Description ==

**Asteris is a free, full-site-editing WordPress theme built around three principles: stand on its own, work beautifully with WooCommerce when present, and stay out of your way.**

= What's in the box =

* **110+ block patterns** across 12 categories — heroes, page templates, page sections, shop, blog, portfolio, video, audio, testimonials, pricing, FAQ, CTA. Every pattern with image slots ships a visible placeholder so empty inserts look intentional.
* **Full-page starter patterns** — Home, About, Services, Pricing, Contact, 404 and more. Insert a complete page in one click from the Site Editor, then edit freely.
* **4 style variations** — Minimal, Bold, Dark, Shop-focused. Switch the entire visual identity in one click via the Site Editor.
* **WooCommerce-graceful templates** — styled cart, checkout, shop archive, and a clean single-product template that load only when WooCommerce is active.
* **System font stack by default** — Zero web fonts loaded by default. Sub-50KB on the wire. Customise to any font in the Site Editor.
* **Zero JavaScript bundled** — All interactivity comes from WordPress core blocks and (optionally) the Asteris Blocks plugin.
* **Accessibility-minded** — visible keyboard focus, skip link, `prefers-reduced-motion` respected globally, and AA-contrast colour pairings across all four style variations.

= WooCommerce =

When WooCommerce is active, Asteris automatically:

* Registers shop-specific block patterns under their own inserter category
* Adds support for WC's product gallery zoom, lightbox, and slider features
* Provides styled cart, checkout, shop archive, and single-product templates with sensible defaults

When WooCommerce is **not** active, none of this loads. The theme degrades gracefully to a clean content-site experience.

= Asteris Blocks (companion free plugin) =

Pairs naturally with the free Asteris Blocks plugin (extra Gutenberg blocks + landing-page patterns + starter sites). Asteris Blocks is not required — the theme works on its own — but installing it unlocks one-click starter sites and the full block library.

= What's NOT in the theme =

* No remote API calls — your privacy is yours.
* No tracking, no analytics, no cookies set by the theme.
* No "Pro upgrade" prompts in the admin.
* No SEO functionality (use Yoast / Rank Math / AIOSEO / SEOPress).
* No custom post types, no shortcodes, no functionality that belongs in a plugin.

== Installation ==

1. In your WordPress admin, go to Appearance -> Themes -> Add New.
2. Search for "Asteris" or upload the theme ZIP via the Upload Theme button.
3. Activate.
4. Optional: install the free Asteris Blocks plugin for starter sites + extra blocks.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Is this really free? =

Yes. No "Pro" upgrade, no email-gated features, no upsell prompts in admin.

= Does it require the Asteris Blocks plugin? =

No. The theme works fully on its own using WordPress core blocks. Asteris Blocks adds more blocks and pre-built starter sites but is optional.

= Will it work without WooCommerce? =

Yes. WooCommerce-specific features only load when WC is active. The theme works perfectly as a content / blog / portfolio site without any e-commerce.

= Will it conflict with my SEO plugin? =

No. The theme doesn't output any SEO meta — that's your SEO plugin's job. Yoast, Rank Math, AIOSEO, and SEOPress all work without modification.

= Page builders (Elementor, Divi, Beaver)? =

Asteris is a block theme designed for the WordPress Site Editor. Classic page builders technically work on individual pages but are not the intended editing experience. We recommend using the WordPress Site Editor for the best result.

= Why are my pattern images showing a grey placeholder? =

That's by design. Patterns that ship with empty image slots render a visible "PLACEHOLDER" card so empty inserts look intentional and remind you to replace them. Click the image and use the WordPress media library to swap in your own.

== Changelog ==

= 1.0.0 =
* First stable release.
* 110+ block patterns across 12 categories, full-page starter patterns.
* 4 style variations (Minimal, Bold, Dark, Shop-focused).
* WooCommerce-graceful: styled cart, checkout, shop archive, and single-product templates.
* System font stack, zero bundled JavaScript, sub-50KB on the wire.
* Visible keyboard focus, skip link, `prefers-reduced-motion` support, AA-contrast colour pairings.
* Added .pot translation template and bundled GPL LICENSE.

== Copyright ==

Asteris bundles only original work or assets used under GPL-compatible licences. See CREDITS.md in the theme directory for full attribution.

Asteris WordPress Theme, (C) 2026 Asteris Commerce.
Asteris is distributed under the terms of the GNU GPL.