Installing Mankai CRM
Install the plugin, activate it, and get to the Portal Foundation wizard without guessing where anything lives.
Read the doc
Documentation
Docs. Written by the person who actually built the thing.
No outsourced support team. No AI-generated fluff. These docs are written by me, based on how the plugin actually works right now. If something's wrong or missing, email me directly.
Getting Started
Portal Foundation Setup Checklist
Use this checklist to get your portal mode, branding, routes, features, and shell settings configured in the right order.
Read the docPortal Setup
Portal Pages, Routes, and Shortcodes
Understand which pages Mankai creates automatically, which shortcodes power them, and when you should leave those pages alone.
Read the docChoosing Photographer vs Developer Mode
Pick the mode that matches your business model so the admin UI, portal emphasis, and documentation all line up.
Read the docCustomizing Portal Branding and Shell
Change colors, type, radii, shell layout, sidebar CTA content, and menu item labels so the portal actually feels like yours.
Read the docSession Types Deep Dive
Session types are the core of photographer mode. Use them to define pricing, retainers, availability, gallery rules, and automation presets.
Read the docForms & Booking
Form Builder Overview
Understand how Mankai's drag-and-drop builder works before you create questionnaires, contact forms, or intake flows.
Read the docBuilding Photographer Questionnaires
Create session-type-specific questionnaires so every booking collects the right details before you ever arrive on set.
Read the docBuilding Developer Intake Forms
Create intake forms for discovery calls, planning fees, and new project onboarding in developer mode.
Read the docBooking Links, Contact Forms, and Gift Card Pages
Use the right public page and the right shortcode for booking, contact, and gift card flows.
Read the docSessions & Projects
Adding Clients, Sessions, and Projects
Create client records, attach them to sessions or projects, and understand the core fields Mankai expects you to fill out.
Read the docQuotes & Documents
Quotes: Create, Send, Approve, and Convert
Use Mankai quotes as a real pre-project workflow, then convert approved work into a session or project automatically.
Read the docDocument Templates and Client Signatures
Create reusable templates, send rendered documents to a project or session, and collect typed signatures from clients.
Read the docCommunication & Automation
Communication Hub and IMAP Sync
Understand how threads, messages, status changes, matching, and inbound email sync work inside the Communication Hub.
Read the docWorkflows and Automation Presets
Use workflows to attach documents, send updates, trigger emails, move communication stages, and preset automation into session types.
Read the docGalleries & Delivery
Galleries, Watermarks, and Public Links
Create galleries, upload images, add watermarks, control selection behavior, and generate public token links when needed.
Read the docDeliverables, ZIP Downloads, and Print Orders
Deliver final files through the portal, let clients download ZIP archives, and understand when print ordering becomes available.
Read the docBilling & Reporting
Bill Pay, PayPal, Coupons, and Gift Cards
Understand how portal billing works, how PayPal is used, and how coupons and gift cards affect client payments.
Read the docBookkeeping Dashboard and CSV Export
Use the bookkeeping page to review gross income, expenses, net, outstanding balances, and export filtered records to CSV.
Read the docTroubleshooting
Troubleshooting: Installation, License, and Email Issues
Fix the most common Mankai setup problems: activation failures, missing menus, license trouble, email sync issues, and route problems.
Read the docCan't find what you need?
Email elijah@eplemanski.com and you'll be talking to the developer, not a queue.