The free version is just enough to start selling your digital goods and organizing them so that people can find the right files. After that, you must either upgrade to the premium version or opt for one of the many paid addons.
For instance, the majority of the payment gateways require a premium extension. WooCommerce is a free ecommerce plugin that allows you to sell anything through your WordPress site. Make sure to check out our in-depth WooCommerce tutorial.
How does it serve as a download manager plugin? WooCommerce serves as both a file manager and an ecommerce platform. Therefore, it makes the most sense if you need the functionality for both of those. The plugin supports most major file types, so it typically depends on what you can upload to WordPress. After that, WooCommerce gives you options to provide instant downloads to customers and send out emails with download links.
Multiverso does the trick for frontend file management and encrypted downloads. You also have the option to extend the amount of time you have premium support for a price. In addition to the low cost, the Multiverso plugin has many other benefits such as advanced theme compatibility , localization, and shortcode support.
For instance, this allows you to upload files directly to your site, drop a shortcode on a page, then let your customers download those files to their own computers. You also gain access to six widgets.
These are great for adding Download buttons in places like sidebars and footers. Some other features to look forward to include the frontend upload feature. With this, you can pass control over to your users, revealing upload buttons on the frontend and even some file management tools. Another reason to consider the Multiverso plugin is because it has options for limiting file upload sizes and access management.
Encryption is a big part of the plugin as well. To give an example, you may want to ensure that downloads are protected while being downloaded by your customers. The encryption adds a certain level of security to minimize your worries. The Lana Downloads Manager plugin is super simple and free. It allows the management of local files via WP upload and remote files. If you are looking for something basic and lightweight, this works great. Some of the basic functionality includes a counter system and a log system.
These pair well for counting the number of downloads and files in your system. It also comes in handy for measuring file sizing, just in case you begin reaching your server limits. The plugin is ready to go right after you install it on your WordPress site. It works by asking you to upload digital content to your admin. You may choose from the long list of supported files, from audio clips to video and images.
This way, you can either share a link to the download directly to customers or insert that shortcode into any page or post of your choice. File Manager has a generic name, but it packs quite a few features into such a small plugin.
The plugin includes a widget for managing your files from multiple locations. The download counter is worth looking into, and the protected download URL security is sure to ease worries about whether or not digital downloads are fully secure.
In addition to that, the File Manager plugin provides a drag and drop file uploader, turning the process into a simple drag and click movement. You can also control who has access to the files being downloaded. To give you an idea of how that works, imagine your organization wants internal employees to download media files for clients.
Some of the other elements to look for include custom icon image links and file type icon support. This adds a more visual experience to your long list of files. Along with that, you have access to a searching and sorting option where you would type in a keyword to locate a file within seconds.
WooCommerce Attach Me! Not only does it provide a system for sending download links to customers who purchase items , but it has unique tools for organizing those files and categorizing them into sections prior to download.
A good example of this would be adding a PDF file download to a receipt when someone purchases software from your company. This could be a manual, video, or additional photos to give people an idea of how to use the software. The file downloads are possible for digital and physical products, and your customers even have access to their own file upload button. Struggling with downtime and WordPress issues? Kinsta is the hosting solution designed with performance and security in mind! Check out our plans.
All file links are secured by the plugin and your users only receive the download links after an automated email is sent to them. We hope this article helped you learn how to manage, track, and control file downloads in WordPress. You may also want to see our tips on the best email marketing services to better sell your digital downloads.
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Can you advise a way? Please, I want to set a Download counter for my files to tell my visitors how many downloads each has. I used the download monitor and download manager plugins but none gave me that. What should I do? Good tutorial. How can restrict sub-domain download link. It would depend on the method you use. Very good article. But I am looking for a plugin with which I can make files available to my visitors for download.
Similar to a driver download page from a hardware supplier. Is there such a thing? Thanks for tips. Thanks for such an informative post. Would like to know the best plugins for limiting downloads per user.
Really appreciate your suggestions on this. Thanks for choosing to leave a comment. Please keep in mind that all comments are moderated according to our comment policy , and your email address will NOT be published. Please Do NOT use keywords in the name field. Let's have a personal and meaningful conversation.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Don't subscribe All Replies to my comments Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting. All Rights Reserved. On other hands, you might simply want to restrict certain files based on user roles.
Tracking File Downloads in WordPress Using MonsterInsights If you offer free downloads on your website, then you may not be concerned about managing or controlling downloads. This will help you know where to invest your resources when creating new content. To see statistics about your downloads, just go to Insights » Reports and switch to the Publishers tab: Scroll down, and you will see your top download links.
These will be listed along with their anchor text: If you have more than 1 link to a specific file, then those links will be listed separately here. This will take you straight into Google Analytics, where you will see a report with the URLs of your downloaded files: By default, MonsterInsights tracks downloads for all common file types including documents.
Method 2. Controlling File Downloads in WordPress Using MemberPress If you want to sell online courses or digital downloads, then a great way to control and manage file downloads is to use MemberPress. First, you need to enter a title for your download. Method 3. Managing File Downloads in WordPress Using WooCommerce This method is for users who want to sell file downloads along with physical goods like shirts, swags, etc.
When someone clicks on the link, the file is instantly and automatically downloaded on their device. So here are the steps to add a downloadable file using your WordPress website:. Step 1 : Choose the file that you want to be downloaded. It can be in any format like image, video, document, or pdf. The file will then be converted into a zip folder. Step 2 : Next, we need to upload the file in our WordPress media library.
Step 4 : In the editing menu, a URL is assigned to the file in the top right section. Step 5 : With the file URL copied, go to any post or page on your website. Select a word or a phrase and click on the link icon.
Then, paste the URL and press Enter.
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