Prevent file downloads wordpress

Managing file downloads can be a difficult task sometimes. There are a couple of great ways to accomplish this. You can use something like WooCommerce to manage file downloads , or you can use WordPress only and manage files using a WordPress Download manager plugin. You can upload files to your media library whenever you want. However, making them available for download is another process. You can direct someone to that URL and provide them a download link, or tell them to download the file manually from the same link.

Either way, you need to take extra steps that are not necessarily needed in order to make files available for download. Furthermore, what if you want to create a download button and make the link easier to view. This will involve some extra code work to create the button.

There is an easier way to do this using a smooth, lightweight, easy-to-use plugin. WordPress Download Manager is a file and document management plugin that can help you track and manage all your site downloads more easily. Do you happen to have an eCommerce site that offers paid downloads? No problem, WordPress Download Manager has you covered here as well. You can use the plugin as a complete eCommerce digital solution for managing your paid digital downloads as well.

Skip to content WordPress. We support any level of customization according to your requirement. You can protect file types below: Images — Every type of image files can be protected. Videos — Every type of video files can be protected. Documents — Every type of document files can be protected. Display custom page — We can redirect users to any WordPress custom page when they try to access a restricted files or folders.

WordPress login — Users will be redirected to the WordPress default login page. Protected folder Our plugin also gives you a protected folder where you can add all file type extensions and restriction will be applied to all files inside protected folder.

User Base Restriction — A single user can access only a single folder. Admin would be able to access all the folders Role Base Restriction — All the users of the particular role can access only a single folder.

Admin would be able to access all the folders We support LearnDash and other LMS to restrict files and folders according to different groups.

You can customize the restriction rules and use it as per needs. Screenshots Configuration Permission to update htaccess file Rules preview based on configuration Upload files in protected folder Folder based restriction Contact us or support. FAQ I need to customize the plugin or I need support and help? Simply type in any additional file extensions you want to track. Just make sure you put a comma between them. MonsterInsights will now start tracking all files ending with the file extension you added in settings.

We recommend installing MonsterInsights alongside both the 2 and 3 solution for managing and control file download access because MonsterInsights will help you see the right stats that matter. If you want to sell online courses or digital downloads, then a great way to control and manage file downloads is to use MemberPress.

MemberPress has an addon called MemberPress Downloads that lets you track each files that your members download. It also gives you advanced access control, letting you upload multiple files and tag, categorize, and list them easily. Aside from files, you can also protect other content on your site as well.

This is a great option if you are building courses or premium content library that you only want members to be able to access. First, you need to install and activate the MemberPress plugin. Upon activation, go to the MemberPress » Settings » License page in the WordPress admin area to enter your license key.

You will find this information under your account on the MemberPress website. Next, go to the MemberPress » Add-ons page. Here, you simply need to find the Downloads add-on. You can also choose additional options on this page, such as adding categories or tags to your download.

Then, under Access Conditions, click the dropdown. Now, go to the MP Downloads » Files page again. You will see your file listed here.

It should have the correct access type based on its tag. Next, paste this shortcode into any post or page on your WordPress site. Then, go ahead and paste your shortcode into your page. WordPress will automatically create a shortcode block for you:. Remember to protect your page using MemberPress rules if you want both the page and the file to only be accessible to members.

You can view your download stats by visiting the MP Downnloads » Stats page. From here you will see the list of users who downloaded the file with a time stamp. If you need further instructions, then please refer to our step by step guide on how to create a membership site in WordPress. This method is for users who want to sell file downloads along with physical goods like shirts, swags, etc. For this method, we will be using WooCommerce , which is the most popular eCommerce plugin for WordPress.

It is perfect for users who want to sell file downloads or users who want to make an online store. WooCommerce can be used to sell both digital downloads and physical goods. You can also use it as your WordPress download manager to offer free downloads.

It also lets you easily track customers, manage downloads, and view stats. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. Asked 6 years, 10 months ago. Active 6 years, 10 months ago. Viewed 5k times. Improve this question. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. Improve this answer. Community Bot 1. Sign up or log in Sign up using Google.