Secure File
Downloads

A WordPress Plugin

For more plugins, please check my WordPress Plugins Page

Manage file downloads with tracking, email collection, and secure URLs.

WordPress Plugin to Perform secure and safe search and replace operations pages and posts.

This plugin provides a simple yet powerful solution for offering digital downloads on your WordPress website. It ensures that files are served securely and not through direct public links, while also giving you the option to collect user emails before a download is initiated.

Features:

  • Secure Downloads: Files are stored in a protected directory, and download links are generated dynamically with a short-term token to prevent direct access.
  • Email Capture: Optionally require users to provide their email address before they can download a file, helping you build an email list.
  • Download Tracking & Logs: Every download is logged, recording the user’s IP address, email (if collected), user agent, and the date and time.
  • Intuitive Admin Interface: A clean, tabbed dashboard allows you to easily manage files, view download logs, and configure plugin settings.
  • Simple Shortcodes: Use a simple shortcode 

    File not found.

     to embed a download button anywhere on your site.
  • Drag & Drop Upload: Upload files quickly and easily with the enhanced drag-and-drop uploader.
  • Debug Mode: A dedicated setting to enable or disable console messages for debugging purposes.
  • Intuitive Admin Interface: A clean, easy-to-use interface guides you through the process, making it simple for users of all skill levels to manage content changes.

Installation

  1. Upload: Download the plugin ZIP file from this repository and upload it to your WordPress site via the Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin page.
  2. Activate: Activate the plugin through the Plugins menu in WordPress.
  3. Create Directory: The plugin will automatically create a secure folder (/wp-content/uploads/35s-secure-files) to store your files.

Use Cases

  • Useful for content creators and website editors
  • Digital Product Delivery: Serve secure downloads for digital products such as eBooks, software, or online courses while ensuring that direct access to the files is restricted.
  • Controlled Access to Resources: Allow access to exclusive content or resources (e.g., whitepapers, reports) only to registered users or those who have provided their email.
  • Download Tracking: Monitor download statistics, including user IP addresses and the number of times a file has been downloaded, which can help in analyzing the popularity of different downloadable resources.
  • Temporary Secure Links: Generate temporary download links with expiration tokens, enhancing security and preventing unauthorized sharing of files.
  • Event Resources: Share event materials (like slides or handouts) securely with attendees while capturing their contact information for future follow-ups.
  • Product Trials: Offer trial versions of software or services for download, requiring user registration for follow-up and sales opportunities.
  • User Engagement: Increase engagement by offering free resources (like guides or templates) that require users to view promotional content or agree to terms before access.
  • Educational Materials: Facilitate the distribution of academic papers, lecture notes, or other educational resources in a controlled manner to enhance the learning experience.

Usage:

  • Navigate to the 35s Downloads menu item in your WordPress admin dashboard.
  • In the Uploaded Files tab, use the form to upload a new file. You can give it a title and choose whether to require an email for download.
  • Once uploaded, the file will appear in the table below. Copy the shortcode 

    File not found.

     from the table.
  • Paste the shortcode into any post, page, or widget where you want the download button to appear.

Shortcode Attributes

The shortcode supports additional attributes for customization:

  • id: The unique ID of the file you want to link to (required).
  • button_text: The text to display on the download button (e.g., button_text="Get Free eBook").
  • email_text: The message to display above the email form when an email is required (e.g., email_text="Enter your email to receive this valuable resource:").
  • button_class: A custom CSS class to style the download button. Note: To maintain functionality, be sure to include the default class: button_class="35s-sfdm-download-btn my-custom-class".

License

This plugin is licensed under the GPL v2 or later.


Screen Shots

Latest Version

You will receive a link via email to the packaged plugin ready to be upload to WordPress and activated.

If you prefer you can look at the code on GitHub Here