I’m going to share with you some WordPress documentation plugins (also known as knowledge base plugins) that I have been testing so far. Most users don’t know how to use WordPress to build wikis, documents, and product knowledge websites.
Obviously, online services need to align with knowledge bases so that users can explore and learn more about products by accessing documentation.
I’m not too familiar with these kinds of plugins, but they can help you create help pages, KBs, docs, forums, and more. When looking for a plugin, I usually desire something simple to use instead of one that is feature-rich and complex.
It’s essential to keep clutter to a minimum. But I haven’t tested them all with full features, so don’t rely on my opinion. So let’s get started…
BetterDocs
BetterDocs offers many features and layouts. For some, this may seem like too much since it is almost like setting up a WordPress doc site from scratch. But it’s easy to use, has many features, and is probably the popular DOC for WordPress right now.
So, you should start here if you need help figuring out where to begin and want the most comprehensive and viable option. Yes, I don’t like these types of plugins with a lot of bloated features, and this plugin is over 8 MB in size. However, you’ll value it if you’re a beginner looking for ready-made templates, theme customization, etc.
Some advanced users may find it too much, and using a page builder like Elementor can slow things down. When you’re using bloated plugins, consider switching to a better hosting service. BetterDocs comes with free features like:
- There are multiple templates to design documentation in a few minutes, and you have complete control over the layouts.
- Besides Gutenberg, it is also compatible with all the page builders I have tested, but don’t use it with heavy page builders.
- Comes with many blocks, such as Navigation, Breadcrumbs, Social Share, etc.
There are many paid features, such as Bot support, advanced analytics, multiple knowledge bases, user roles, etc. Bot support is a valuable feature because it allows visitors to view documents and articles on the chat without leaving the page, and saves time by reducing SUPPORT REQUESTS. But you will require the paid version.
Typically, BetterDocs isn’t my thing, but it’s a professional plugin for handling your documentation. The free version offers basic features, but if you’re a serious creator, you’ll want the paid version.
It also comes with a drag-and-drop function and automatic email reports. Use a good cache plugin like FlyingPress since it’s bulky and could mess up CWV.
BSF Docs
BSF Docs is an unpopular WordPress documentation plugin designed for advanced users who want to keep their site simple and minimalist.
An ideal solution for quickly getting things up and running and customizing your site. It also provides a basic layout and a live search function.
It is free and built by BrainstormForce, the same company behind Astra. Often, users think it’s too simple and lacks enough functionality for a big help page.
BSF Docs remains a decent option, despite not being widely used. It is not incompatible with themes, cache plugins, and so on.
In many cases, it might not be the best option for people who prefer drag-and-drop interfaces with numerous features. However, it may benefit devs and advanced users because it has simple functions and shortcodes. It’s simple and works.
weDocs
With the WeDocs plugin, you can easily manage your site’s knowledge base, documents, and content pages. I think it’s a decent mid-range option for even free users; plus, there’s a premium version for advanced tasks.
And it also has some beginner-friendly features like drag-and-drop, sub-sections, etc. Some of the free version features:
- It’s easy to set up and manage your document library, even for beginners. Also, users can rearrange documents easily.
- Organize your docs into sections and articles to help users find answers quickly.
- It has robust search functionality, so users can quickly find what they’re looking for. Each documentation page has a quick search.
- Each document has a comment box, so users can contribute thoughts and suggestions or report problems. And WeDocs offers structured sections, subcategories, and documents for navigation in a sidebar.
Like most plugins, it has some cool features locked to the paid version, such as Chatbot, article suggestions, layouts, and permission management. The WeDocs plugin is a great option if you need documentation for your products/services.
Even the free version has some helpful features, but you’ll need the paid version for advanced editing. The point is that the paid version costs $47 per year, and the chatbot fee $7.99/M. And there are plugins with features like content protection.
Echo Knowledge Base
Although the Echo Knowledge Base plugin isn’t visually appealing, it is a handy plugin that organizes your pages, FAQs, and help documents. There is an AI search feature and an AI chatbot, plus more.
It supports all page builders, including Gutenberg, and offers features such as article counter, RTL, shortcode, and ChatGPT integration.
Moreover, it includes design templates so you can pick different styles and layouts to create something unique. Example demo image:
Basically, the EKB plugin allows you to create and arrange help sections, answer pages, and articles. It offers numerous features to help you build visually appealing learning sections and pages with multiple customization options.
In addition, the plugin documentation is helpful, and you get features like custom roles, polls, more widgets, and filters in the PRO version.
You can get the pro version for $46 a year. Yes, it’s a little pricey, but the renewal cost is relatively low. It works with any WordPress theme with demos.
VS Knowledge Base
With the VS Knowledge Base plugin, you can create a knowledge base with topics and categories. There are several ways to display your help pages, including blocks, shortcodes, and widgets. Certainly, this is a very simple plugin, without any fancy features or demo content. Although you cannot drag and drop an FAQ or a wiki as you would with other documentation plugins. As an example, here is a screenshot:
The plugin doesn’t have a settings page. But you can display your KB after installation using a block or shortcode. You can also use a widget under Appearance. Maybe it is not suitable for every KB, because you can’t create fancy pages with it. However, it may be useful if you desire something minimal or prefer a lightweight solution.
BasePress Docs
I think BasePress Docs is a fine Wiki plugin with positive user ratings. Although there are not a large number of users, the layouts are user-friendly, and you can create any wiki page. By default, users can customize the knowledge base’s layout with features like an advanced search bar with live results, breadcrumbs, and section widgets.
Sure, you can use it for various purposes, such as customer knowledge bases, tech support, product manuals, resource hubs, checklists, FAQs, etc.
To access these features, you’ll need to upgrade:
- Content Restriction: Manage who can easily see what articles, sections, or topics are in your documentation.
- Voting: The viewer can vote positively or negatively.
- Advanced Live Search: Users get live search results with snippets of where the terms were found whenever they search.
- Analytics: It shows which articles are most popular and how they perform.
- reCATCHA: Anti-spam feature for feedback.
Lastly, BasePress Docs is a good plugin for creating docs for your WordPress website. However, to build advanced content, you need more than the free version. The paid version starts at $79/m, making it more expensive than others.
EazyDocs
EazyDocs is another mid-range plugin for WordPress wiki stuff, but the free version is better than the others. You can drag and drop as many DOCs as you want.
EasyDocs has a clean interface and a live customizer, so users can customize the knowledge base without going anywhere. Ideally, it has a feature for readers to ask questions in comments and replies to your knowledge-base articles.
The live search feature lets readers find documents without leaving the page. The share button allows your readers to share help pages. Comes with ready-made sections to help you develop pages. EasyDocs offers a premium version featuring features like Dark mode, Role management, User restriction, Analytics, and more.
But it might feel a little unnatural. I don’t like this one because most of its features are designed for Elementor. When you use WordPress documentation plugins, you need a reliable web host with a cloud panel and CDN.
In Conclusion
In fact, these are suitable plugins for most WordPress wikis, FAQs, and docs. There may be other better documentation (knowledge base) plugins I didn’t mention.
However, I am not very familiar with the WordPress wiki, instructions, documents, and product knowledge base categories. In the end, BetterDocs, WeDocs, and BasePress are ideal choices for people who like feature-packed plugins with DRAG-and-DROP functionality. Yes, they’re suitable for beginners, but can be bloated.
As far as advanced users who prefer to work independently are concerned, BSF Docs is not widely used, but it is a highly lightweight option that is still useful. The VS Knowledge Base can be useful to you if you prefer simplicity.
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