---
title: "Plugin README.md Template"
description: "A plugin README.md template is a file that provides a standard format for creating the documentation for a plugin."
canonical_url: "https://codex.republic.se/cms/craft-cms/plugin-readme-md"
section: "Pages"
---

# Plugin README.md Template

A plugin README.md template is a file that provides a standard format for creating the documentation for a plugin.

This document outlines the essential elements that should be included in a plugin README.md file.

## Template

```markdown
      _______ _     _ _________   _ _________   _______ _   ________            
    _/     __///_____\\\____   /___\\\___    /_/       ///__|     #|__ CMS      
    |      |     #|          _/_\      _     #\            #|      __/____      
    |      |      |      |     #|      |      |      |      |      |      |     
    |      |      |      |      |      |      |      |______|      |      |     
    |_     :      __     |      __     :     ___     _________     :      |     
 ::::.\_____      |:\____|______|:\___________|      |:::::::.\___________|:::: 
 :;;:::::::|______|:;;::::::::::::::::::::::::|______|:;;::::::::::::::::::::;;

# Republic Plugin Name plugin for Craft CMS 4.x

*Republic Plugin Name* allows you to enter …

## Requirements

* This plugin requires [Craft CMS](https://www.craftcms.com) version 4.x
* These instructions assume that [DDEV](https://ddev.com/) is used for local development.

## Installation

1. The plugin use [Repman](https://repman.io/) as a private PHP package repository Manager. Add the repository to `composer.json`:

        "repositories": [
            {
                "type": "composer",
                "url": "https://republic.repo.repman.io"
            }
        ]

2. Tell Composer to load the plugin:

        ddev composer require republic/republic-plugin-name -w

3. Enable the plugin:

        ddev exec php craft plugin/install republic-plugin-name

## Usage

Add the following code to …

    {% do craft.republicPluginName.function() %}

### Template Example

    {% set query = craft.app.request.getParam('q') %}
    {% if query | length %}
        {% set entries = craft.entries.search(query).orderBy('score') %}
        {% do craft.republicSearch.saveSearch(query, entries|length) %}
        …
    {% endif %}

### Configuration

Here are instructions on how to configure the plugin …

## Contributing

Report bugs and feature requests via the project's issue tracker.

## License

Released for use in Republic client projects only; not for public distribution.

## Development

Plugin developed by [Republic Factory](https://www.republic.se) for use with client projects. 
It is not intended for external use.

```

## Elements of a Plugin README.md Template

1. **Title and Description**: The title and description should be concise and clear. It should describe the functionality of the plugin in a nutshell.
2. **Installation**: This section should provide instructions to install the plugin. It should include the requirements for the plugin to work and the steps to install it.
3. **Usage**: This section should describe how to use the plugin. It should provide a detailed explanation of all the features and options available in the plugin.
4. **Configuration**: This section should explain how to configure the plugin. It should include details about the plugin's settings and how to customize them.
5. **Contributing**: This section should explain how to contribute to the plugin. It should include details about how to report bugs, submit feature requests, and provide feedback.
6. **License**: This section should include details about the plugin's license. It should specify the license under which the plugin is released.

## Benefits of Using a Plugin README.md Template

Using a plugin README.md template provides several benefits, including:

1. **Consistency**: A standard format ensures that all plugins have a consistent look and feel.
2. **Clarity**: A well-written README.md file clarifies how to use the plugin.
3. **Ease of Use**: A well-written README.md file makes it easy for users to install and use the plugin.
4. **Accessibility**: A well-written README.md file makes the plugin accessible to a broader audience.