Do you want to add a file, maybe a PDF, guide, music, video, or template, and want the user to download it directly from WordPress without any plugins?
If so, then you’re in the right place!
This guide will help you add a downloadable file option in WordPress without a plugin with an easy method.
Thankfully, adding downloaded files to WordPress is really simple. To access the file, simply add it to your media library. After that, you can use a WordPress “button” block or add the file as a plain link to a post or page.
Simple, isn’t it? So, get into the step-by-step procedure.
What Kind Of Downloadable Files Can You Add To WordPress?
You can include almost any kind of downloadable file in your article with WordPress. Here’s a list of most of the file types.
- Forms and Checklists
- Lists of prices
- Product handbooks
- Brochures
- Case studies
- White papers
- Presentations & Slides
- Media (pictures, sounds, and videos)
- Reports on lead generation
- PDF documents
- E-books and manuals
- Additional digital information items
Why are downloaded files needed in WordPress?
There are numerous reasons to include downloadable files on your WordPress website:
- They can help you improve your user experience (UX). For example, if you run a food blog, viewers may find it easier to download recipes for later use. Meanwhile, an internet company might allow buyers to download a product catalog to browse at their leisure.
- Downloadable files make your website more engaging and inspire users to interact with the content. Furthermore, they might be quite beneficial if you run a membership website or a premium blog.
- They can help you monetize your website. You can restrict access to specific downloaded files such as your greatest publications, articles, or courses. This allows you to monetize your website by selling digital files, which are only available to paid members (or those who pay a one-time price).
- Digital files can increase your lead generation. A frequent and effective lead generation method is to provide visitors with free downloadable content such as ebooks, whitepapers, or checklists in exchange for their contact information.
How to Add Downloadable File Option in WordPress
Now that you have an idea what type of file can be added and their advantages in WordPress, let’s now see two easy steps to add downloadable file/content.
- Upload File in the WordPress Media Library
This step is fairly simple: set up a link that automatically downloads a file to the visitor’s device when clicked.
To upload a PDF file, go to Media > Add New file in your WordPress dashboard, then upload the file.
Now, click on the file you recently uploaded and add a title or add a new caption and description; if you do not want to add any of those, then simply click on “Copy URL to Clipboard“.
- Insert the downloaded file into a website or post
After copying the URL, you can add the file to your page as a file block or as a simple link.
You must first access the post or page where you wish to add your file, regardless of the option you select.
Copy and paste the file URL that you copied before and press Enter. Once the file is added, simply click on Update or Publish.
Once that’s done, just one simple click will make the file downloadable.
Here is an alternate method, to add files for download in WordPress, you can use blocks. Find the File block on your page or post and add it.
You have the option to upload or select a file from your PC or Media Library.
Once uploaded, the File block shows a preview of the file on the page. Users can preview it before downloading. It also adds a Download button below the preview. Clicking this option will allow users to download the file to their device. An additional link allows you to see the file in a browser.
You can customize the link or button by selecting it. You’ll see options like:
- Embedding
- Height
- Destination of the button link
- Whether to open in a new tab
- Text on the button or link
For example, if you upload a PDF file, you can choose to embed it in the page or just display the Download link and button.
Wrapping up
Adding a downloadable file option to your WordPress website is a straightforward process that enhances user experience, engagement, and potentially monetization opportunities. Whether you’re offering PDF guides, music, videos, templates, or any other type of downloadable content, WordPress provides easy methods to integrate them seamlessly into your site.
You can quickly upload files to your Media Library and use blocks or simple links to include them into posts or pages by following the instructions in this article. Empowering your audience with easy access to valuable downloadable resources not only enriches your website but also contributes to enhancing its overall functionality and appeal.
FAQs on Downloadable File Option
Can I change the appearance of the download links and buttons?
Yes, you can change the appearance of download links and buttons to match your website’s style and branding. Depending on your theme and editor, you may be able to change button attributes such as color, size, text, and location. This adjustment improves uniformity and the overall visual appeal of your website.
Is there a limit on the size or format of the files I can upload?
While WordPress has some constraints on file sizes and formats for security and performance reasons, these restrictions are usually sufficient for the majority of common file types. To guarantee proper functioning, it is recommended that you follow your web hosting provider’s unique requirements and constraints.
How will giving downloadable files help my WordPress website?
Offering downloadable files enriches your website’s content and increases user engagement by giving your audience important resources. Furthermore, downloaded files can serve a variety of functions, including offering additional information, tutorials, tools, or paid material, thereby adding value to your website and perhaps enhancing its attractiveness and efficacy.
