WordPress plugin license management integration via this PHP library is the easiest way to securely activate, update, and manage your plugins or themes using the WooCommerce API Manager.

Use it free via GitHub or purchase a support license to get official support from Kestrel’s development team.

WordPress plugin and theme licensing built for plugin and theme developers

✅ Drop-in ready: one snippet connects your plugin or theme
🔄 Supports plugin and theme auto-updates, including child themes
🔐 Tracks activation status, errors, and available seats
📦 Works with both standard and variable WooCommerce products
🧪 Includes a Postman collection to test your API integration
📁 Supports local, Amazon S3, or external file hosting with expiring links

How it works

The Kestrel PHP Library connects your plugin or theme to WooCommerce with the help of the Kestrel API Manager, turning your store into a full-featured WordPress plugin license manager. HHandle license activation, track seats, push updates, and manage secure downloads—all from your existing site as a WordPress plugin license manager.

Why use a WordPress plugin license manager?

Manual license management is fragile and slow. External SaaS solutions can be costly, limited, or overkill. With the Kestrel PHP Library, you own the entire WooCommerce & WordPress plugin license manager flow:

✅ Generate and validate plugin license keys on your own terms
✅ Push updates through the default WordPress updater
✅ Support WooCommerce orders, variations, and renewals
✅ Build trust with seamless activation and transparent update info

Whether you’re selling a single plugin or managing a suite of themes, this is the simplest way to distribute your software like a pro—no third-party dependency required, and no fees beyond a simple WooCommerce extension.

User activation flow when activating WordPress plugin licenses

Here’s what your users will see after setup:

Code block integration for integration your WordPress plugin licensing with API Manager for WooCommerce — One-line integration snippet. Hardcode the product ID or leave it blank to let the customer enter it.

Admin notice presented to users with the WordPress plugin licensing SDK — Once integrated, the admin is prompted to activate the plugin or theme.

Activation screen presented to users when activating their plugin after purchasing their license from your WooCommerce store — If product ID isn’t hardcoded, users enter both their license key and product ID manually.

Hardcoded product ID within your WordPress plugin or theme — Hardcoding the product ID simplifies the activation screen for the customer.

Activated plugin view presented to users after activating their plugin license via WordPress — After activation, users can see remaining seats and activation status.

Version info — Clicking “View version details” shows the changelog and plugin metadata you configure.

Test and deploy with confidence

A ready-made Postman collection is included to help you test the full API. Get the collection in the PHP library. Available here, on GitHub.

Use the Postman collection to verify your WooCommerce plugin license manager API endpoints before shipping.

Migrating from EDD or Freemius?

Thinking about leaving Freemius or EDD behind? We can help you migrate your licenses, orders, and customers to a self-hosted WordPress plugin license manager powered by WooCommerce API Manager.

No recurring fees or revenue share. Just purchase the plugin license and you’re free to build your ideal store using all your favorite WooCommerce extensions—checkout optimizations with CheckoutWC, subscriptions, bundles, and more.

We use this exact setup on our own site to license plugins, handle activations, and push updates, so you’re not just getting a tool, you’re getting battle-tested infrastructure.

Reach out for migration support →

Need help getting started?

🛒 Get WooCommerce API Manager, because you’ll need it to use any of this.
📚 Read the documentation
🛠️ Contact support if you need help with setup or migration

Use it free via GitHub or purchase a support license to get official support from Kestrel’s development team.

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Software Add-on for WooCommerce

WordPress Plugin & Theme SDK for WooCommerce API Manager