Settings Configuration

Time to complete: 5-10 minutes for initial setup You'll learn: How to configure API providers, customize prompts, and optimize generation settings

The Settings page is your control center for AI Product Tools. Configure API providers, customize prompts, adjust writing style, and fine-tune content generation to match your brand voice and business needs.

Quick Start: Configure Basic Settings

Step 1: Access Settings Page

1. Navigate to Products → AI Product Tools → Settings

2. View settings sidebar with 4 main sections:

   • API Settings - Provider and API key configuration
   • Standard Bulk Generator - Settings for Standard mode
   • Advanced Bulk Generator - Settings for Advanced mode
   • Content Settings - Global generation preferences

Step 2: Configure API Provider

1. Click API Settings in sidebar

2. Select AI provider from dropdown:

   • OpenRouter (recommended for beginners - free tier available)
   • OpenAI (highest quality, paid only)
   • Google Gemini (free tier + paid, multi-language)

3. Enter API key:

   • Paste key from provider dashboard
   • Format: sk-or-v1-... (OpenRouter), sk-... (OpenAI), AIza... (Gemini)

4. Select AI model:

   • OpenRouter: qwen/qwen3-8b:free (free tier)
   • OpenAI: gpt-4o-mini (recommended)
   • Gemini: gemini-1.5-flash (fast and free)

5. Click Save Settings button

6. Verify green checkmark appears:

   • ✅ "API key validated successfully"
   • If error appears, check key format and try again

Step 3: Adjust Content Settings (Optional)

1. Click Content Settings in sidebar

2. Set writing style:

   • Professional (default) - Business-focused, formal tone
   • Creative - Engaging, marketing-focused
   • Casual - Friendly, conversational
   • Technical - Feature-focused, specification-heavy

3. Set language:

   • English (default)
   • 50+ languages supported

4. Adjust content length:

   • Max Length: 500 characters (full description)
   • Max Short Length: 200 characters (short description)

5. Click Save Settings

API Settings In-Depth

Provider Comparison

API Key Security

Key Validation Process:

1. Plugin sends test request to provider
2. Verifies authentication succeeds
3. Checks model access permissions
4. Displays ✅ or ❌ based on result

Encrypted Storage:

• Keys stored encrypted in WordPress database
• Uses OpenSSL AES-256-CBC encryption
• Migration from legacy storage automatic

Model Selection

OpenAI Models:

• gpt-4o - Latest, best quality ($0.005/1K tokens)
• gpt-4o-mini - Fast and affordable ($0.00015/1K tokens)
• gpt-3.5-turbo - Budget option ($0.002/1K tokens)

Google Gemini Models:

• gemini-1.5-pro - Advanced capabilities
• gemini-1.5-flash - Fast and versatile (recommended)
• gemini-1.5-flash-8b - Optimized for speed

OpenRouter Models:

• qwen/qwen3-8b:free - Free tier (no credit card)
• openai/gpt-3.5-turbo - GPT via OpenRouter
• 100+ models available - browse at openrouter.ai

Prompt Customization

System Prompt

The system prompt defines the AI's role and behavior across all generations.

Default System Prompt:

You are an expert product description writer for e-commerce.
Create compelling, SEO-friendly product descriptions that highlight
key features and benefits. Use natural language and focus on
customer value.

Customization Examples:

For Technical Products:

You are a technical product specialist. Write detailed specifications
and feature-focused descriptions. Include technical terms and precise
measurements. Target audience: engineers and technical buyers.

For Creative/Fashion:

You are a creative fashion copywriter. Write engaging, emotive
descriptions that capture style and lifestyle. Use vivid imagery
and aspirational language. Target audience: style-conscious shoppers.

For SEO-Optimized:

You are an SEO specialist and product writer. Create keyword-rich
descriptions that rank well in search engines while remaining readable.
Include primary keywords naturally. Balance SEO with customer appeal.

User Prompt Templates

User prompts define specific instructions for each generation type.

Full Description Template:

Default:

Write a compelling product description for {title} in {language}.
Category: {category}. Price: {price}.
Highlight key features and benefits.
Maximum length: {max_length} characters.
Writing style: {style}.

Custom example:

Write a {style} product description for {title}.
Include: brand story, key features, benefits, use cases.
Target audience: {target_audience}.
Tone: {tone}. Length: {max_length} characters.
Must include keywords: {keywords}.

Short Description Template:

Default:

Write a brief summary for {title} in {language}.
Maximum {max_short_length} characters.
Focus on the main selling point.

Available Variables

Product Data Variables:

• {title} - Product name
• {category} - Primary category name
• {price} - Current price (formatted)
• {regular_price} - Regular price
• {sale_price} - Sale price (if on sale)
• {attributes} - All product attributes (color, size, etc.)
• {short_description} - Existing short description
• {sku} - Product SKU

Settings Variables:

• {max_length} - Full description character limit
• {max_short_length} - Short description character limit
• {language} - Target language
• {style} - Writing style (professional, creative, etc.)

Custom Variables**:**

Create custom variables by mapping product fields:

1. Navigate to Advanced Bulk Generator settings
2. Click Manage Custom Variables
3. Click Add Custom Variable
4. Map field to variable name (e.g., pa_brand → {brand})
5. Use in prompts: "Write description for {title} by {brand}"

Content Settings

Writing Style Options

Professional (Default):

• Business-focused language
• Formal, trustworthy tone
• Feature and benefit balance
• Best for: Corporate, B2B, general retail

Creative:

• Engaging, emotive language
• Marketing-focused copy
• Storytelling elements
• Best for: Fashion, lifestyle, gifts

Casual:

• Friendly, conversational tone
• Approachable language
• Customer-focused
• Best for: Consumer electronics, everyday items

Technical:

• Specification-heavy
• Precise terminology
• Feature-focused
• Best for: Tech, industrial, B2B equipment

Persuasive:

• Sales-oriented language
• Strong call-to-action
• Benefit-focused
• Best for: High-margin products, promotions

Language Settings

Supported Languages (50+):

• English (default)
• Spanish, French, German, Italian
• Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, Russian
• Japanese, Chinese (Simplified & Traditional), Korean
• Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi, Thai
• And 30+ more languages

Multi-Language Setup:

1. Set primary language in Content Settings
2. Override per-generation using language dropdown
3. Prompts automatically adapt to target language

Content Length Control

Full Description:

• Minimum: 150 characters
• Recommended: 300-500 characters
• Maximum: 1000 characters
• Default: 500 characters

Short Description:

• Minimum: 50 characters
• Recommended: 150-200 characters
• Maximum: 300 characters
• Default: 200 characters

Complete End-to-End Example

Let's configure settings for a fashion e-commerce store selling handmade jewelry.

Business Requirements:

• Creative, emotive product descriptions
• SEO-optimized for Google Shopping
• Consistent brand voice (artisan, handcrafted, sustainable)
• Length: 400-500 characters

Workflow (8 minutes)

Step 1: API Configuration (3 minutes)

1. Navigate to Settings → API Settings
2. Select OpenAI provider
3. Enter API key: sk-proj-abc123...
4. Select model: gpt-4o-mini (quality + cost balance)
5. Click Save Settings
6. Verify: ✅ "API key validated successfully"

Step 2: Customize System Prompt (3 minutes)

1. Navigate to Standard Bulk Generator settings
2. Click System Prompt field
3. Replace with:

You are a creative jewelry copywriter specializing in handmade,
artisan products. Write emotive, story-driven descriptions that
highlight craftsmanship, sustainable materials, and unique design.
Target audience: conscious consumers who value authenticity and
quality. Tone: warm, aspirational, eco-conscious.

4. Click Save Settings

Step 3: Configure Content Settings (2 minutes)

1. Navigate to Content Settings
2. Set Writing Style: Creative
3. Set Language: English
4. Set Max Length: 450 characters
5. Set Max Short Length: 180 characters
6. Click Save Settings

Step 4: Test Configuration

1. Navigate to Products → All Products
2. Edit any jewelry product
3. Click Generate Description in AI Product Tools metabox
4. Review output:

Handcrafted with love, this stunning Silver Moon Necklace embodies
timeless elegance and sustainable artistry. Each piece is carefully
crafted by skilled artisans using ethically sourced sterling silver
and conflict-free gemstones. The delicate moon pendant catches light
beautifully, making it perfect for both everyday wear and special
occasions. Embrace slow fashion with jewelry that tells your unique story.

5. Quality check:
   • ✅ Creative, emotive language
   • ✅ Highlights handmade/sustainable aspects
   • ✅ Warm, aspirational tone
   • ✅ Length: 447 characters (within target)

Result: Settings configured perfectly for brand voice and business needs.

Troubleshooting

Issue: Settings not saving

Symptoms:

• Click Save Settings but page reloads without confirmation
• Changes revert to previous values
• No success message appears

Cause: Browser cache, plugin conflict, or permissions issue

Solution:

1. Clear browser cache:

   • Press Ctrl+Shift+R (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+R (Mac)
   • Force refresh the page
   • Try saving again

2. Check user permissions:

   • Verify you have manage_options capability
   • Log in as Administrator
   • Try saving again

3. Disable conflicting plugins:

   • Deactivate other AI/optimization plugins
   • Test save functionality
   • Reactivate plugins one by one to identify conflict

4. Check browser console:

   • Press F12 to open developer tools
   • Go to Console tab
   • Look for JavaScript errors
   • Screenshot and contact support if errors appear

Related: Plugin Conflicts

Issue: Generated content ignores custom prompts

Symptoms:

• Content doesn't match custom system/user prompts
• Style/tone doesn't change when adjusted
• Variables not being replaced correctly

Cause: Cached prompts or incorrect variable syntax

Solution:

1. Clear prompt cache:

   • Navigate to Settings → API Settings
   • Change AI provider temporarily
   • Save Settings
   • Change back to original provider
   • Save Settings again
   • This forces prompt reload

2. Verify variable syntax:

   • Variables must use curly braces: {variable}
   • Check spelling matches exactly: {title} not {Title}
   • Test with simple prompt first:

   Write description for {title}. Category: {category}. Price: {price}.

3. Test with single product:

   • Go to product edit screen
   • Generate description
   • Check if prompt changes take effect
   • If not, check for prompt field errors

4. Check character limits:

   • Very long prompts may be truncated
   • Keep system prompt under 500 words
   • Keep user prompts under 300 words

Related: Prompt Best Practices

Issue: API key validation fails

Symptoms:

• Red ❌ appears after saving API key
• Error: "Invalid API key" or "Authentication failed"
• Can't generate any content

Cause: Incorrect key format, expired key, or account issue

Solution:

1. Verify key format:

   • OpenRouter: Must start with sk-or-v1-
   • OpenAI: Must start with sk-proj- or sk-
   • Gemini: Must start with AIza
   • No spaces or line breaks
   • Complete key copied (not truncated)

2. Check provider dashboard:

   • OpenRouter: Log in to openrouter.ai → API Keys
   • OpenAI: Log in to platform.openai.com/api-keys
   • Gemini: Log in to console.cloud.google.com
   • Verify key is active (not revoked)
   • Check account has available balance/quota

3. Test key manually:

   • Use provider's API testing tool
   • Send simple test request
   • Verify key works outside plugin
   • If fails, regenerate new key

4. For OpenAI specifically:

   • Verify billing is set up at platform.openai.com/settings/billing
   • Check free credits haven't expired
   • Ensure payment method is valid
   • Add minimum $5 credit to account

5. Regenerate key:

   • Create new API key in provider dashboard
   • Delete old key
   • Copy new key carefully
   • Paste in plugin and save

Related: API Provider Setup

Settings Best Practices

Prompt Optimization

Do's:

• ✅ Be specific about target audience
• ✅ Define clear tone and style
• ✅ Include brand voice guidelines
• ✅ Use variables for dynamic content
• ✅ Test prompts with 3-5 sample products

Don'ts:

• ❌ Make prompts too long (>500 words)
• ❌ Include conflicting instructions
• ❌ Use vague language like "good quality"
• ❌ Overuse variables (max 8-10 per prompt)
• ❌ Copy competitor prompts verbatim

Model Selection Strategy

For Testing:

• Use free tier models (OpenRouter, Gemini Flash)
• Generate 10-20 products
• Evaluate quality before scaling

For Production:

• Use GPT-4o-mini or Gemini Flash (quality + cost)
• Monitor output consistency
• Adjust if quality drops

For Premium:

• Use GPT-4o for high-value products
• Luxury items, complex descriptions
• When brand voice is critical

What You've Learned

Congratulations! You now know how to:

• ✅ Configure API providers and validate API keys
• ✅ Customize system and user prompts for brand voice
• ✅ Adjust writing style and content length settings
• ✅ Use variables to create dynamic prompt templates
• ✅ Troubleshoot common settings issues
• ✅ Optimize settings for different business needs

Next Steps

Immediate Actions:

• Generate your first description - Test your settings
• Try bulk generation - Apply settings to multiple products
• Explore AI models - Compare model performance

Advanced Configuration:

• Set up custom variables - Map product fields to prompts
• Configure automation jobs - Schedule automatic generation
• Learn best practices - Optimize prompt quality

Related Topics

• API Provider Setup - Detailed provider configuration
• AI Models Comparison - Model features and pricing
• Variables & Custom Fields - Advanced field mapping
• Bulk Generation Guide - Apply settings at scale
• Best Practices - Settings optimization