9 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
9 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

How Can I Add Link to Download a File?

by lerxtjr
6 replies
I've always just had links on pages of websites where I have people right click on and save but how would I have a link on a page that once clicked downloads the file directly to the person's computer?

Would it be two different methods for PC versus MAC?

Is there a WordPress plugin to handle something like this?

cnet has a good system for downloading files but it looks like a $5K programming project to make something like that. What might my alternatives be?
#add #download #file #link
  • Profile picture of the author eklipz316
    You can always put the files into a zip/rar file. And sense browsers have no way of looking at these files, it will automatically prompt users to download.
    Signature
    High Quality Automated Video Affiliate Niche Websites With Self Generating Super Targeted Traffic For Only $97 (Limited Time Only)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8917180].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author lerxtjr
      right, tried that first a couple of months ago, but then wound up answering a bunch of emails from upset people asking me to walk them through finding and downloading zip extractor software and choosing a folder to put them in. Crazy I know.
      Signature

      Come practice your public speaking skills with us FREE every week! SpeakersSpeakLIVE.com >>

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8917324].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mbaldwin
    You can use a server side sscript to do the downloading. You can have a download.php they click on, and it will get the file and information and setup for downloading to their computer. It does not matter if it is mac or PC. this also allows you to have files in a hidden directory.

    It can be made pretty simple or pretty advanced depending on your needs.

    Michael
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8917802].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author KyleMallory
    If you set it up so they can right click and save, then it should work where they left click and it downloads the file. If it's a pdf it definitely works that way, the link is just the location and name of the file on your website. Any file should work that way, the right click just isn't necessary anymore.

    If you have multiples to download, a .zip file usually works best, you can just include instructions on the download page to open it (they don't need to download a program in Windows, file explorer can unzip folders)
    Signature

    __________
    |
    \_________O(--)O_________/
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8917923].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author colll999
    Hi lerxtjr,

    you need to enter the following text to your .htaccess file in your www or public_html directory in your hosting

    AddType application/octet-stream .doc .mov .avi .pdf .xls .mp4

    or

    AddType application/octet-stream .csv
    AddType application/octet-stream .xls
    AddType application/octet-stream .doc
    AddType application/octet-stream .avi
    AddType application/octet-stream .mpg
    AddType application/octet-stream .mov
    AddType application/octet-stream .pdf

    and just leave out any line of text with the file type that you would like to open in the browser.

    Hope this helps,
    Colin.
    Signature
    >>>>>Discover The Formula For Automated Sales & Success<<<<<
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8919617].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Cyberkntsean
      A nice download manager on the wordpress site: Delightful Downloads

      Easy setup, upload your files in the manager, place buttons anywhere and
      it lets you downloads the file when you click the button..
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8920137].message }}

Trending Topics