14–15 minutes to read
The process of setting up digital file access for users while managing files is usually difficult especially for beginners or those without tech knowledge and in his article I have compiled 8 powerful WordPress digital download plugin with helpful tools for controlling file visibility and management activities. You will learn how to establish restrictions on who is permitted to download or update files, delete files, edit only his own files, and more. Additionally, it is possible to limit access to a file or a file category to certain WordPress users exclusively. These and other features are thoroughly described for each plugin in this article, “8 powerful WordPress digital download plugins .”
1. Subscribe to download
Subscribe to Download makes it quick and simple to collect subscribers directly from your WordPress website by letting them download a freebie after successfully subscribing. Their plugin can also be used solely as a subscription plugin if you don't have any freebies to give away.
You may choose a stunning layout from their 5 exquisitely created templates when using Subscribe to Download, it also allow you to enable or disable each form component, encrypt the download link and monitor the status of the download, export subscribers, and more. Because setting up and integrating a subscription form in any website is so simple with this powerful plugin Subscribe to Download , you can start collecting subscribers from your WordPress site in just a few short seconds and that is why it made the list of our 8 powerful WordPress digital download plugin
Features for lite version
- Five Templates for Pre-Designed Subscription Forms
- link for a secure download
- Pop-up Sign-Up Form
- Turn each form component on or off.
- Form Submission through Ajax
- Export Subscribers CSV
- Reverse Form Preview
- responsive to mobile
- Translation completed
- Personalize the From Name and From Email in the email.
Features for paid version
- Unlimited Subscription Forms – Create as many forms as necessary, without limits, with various restrictions on each form.
- 22 Pre Designed Subscription Form Templates – Select from a variety of beautifully built pre-designed templates to avoid the burden of creating forms from scratch.
- Lock the download link to a certain user and monitor the download progress with an encrypted download link.
- Popup Subscription Form: Display the form as a popup using a popup trigger.
- Delayed Subscription Form: To make it more interactive, display the form in a pop-up after a predetermined amount of time.
- Configuring emails for users – From the backend, you can alter the emails that are sent to users.
- You can store your subscribers in your Mailchimp or Constant Contact mailite, sendinblue account directly if you want to.
- There is an interactive integrated form styler available if you wish to add your own styling to the form.
- Activate and deactivate each form component – You have the option to activate and deactivate certain form elements.
- All of their forms are ajax-driven, allowing for rapid submissions and preventing page reloading after each entry.
- Subscribers CSV Export – Exporting your subscribers is as easy as a few clicks away.
- Notice of Download
- IP verification has been incorporated for better link encryption in the download link expiration
- User IP and Subscriber Subscription Date GDPR Agreement Checkbox
- Before deploying the form on your website, preview it from the backend to see how it looks.
- Compatibility with and operation on all browsers and devices
- Developer documentation is readily available. If you are a developer and would like to add new functionality to the plugin, you can do so using the filters and actions that are currently offered.
- Devoted Support – Because we place a higher value on our customers than we do on our products, our support team is always there to help with any questions about them.
- Translation Ready – If you'd want to translate our plugin into your language, you can do so!
2. WordPress download manager plugin
There are both free and premium versions of the WordPress Download Manager plugin. By including more features and providing you with greater customer support, the premium solution provides value more than the free version. For developers who require more licenses, it is important you go for the premium version which ranges from $59 to $99 per license.
Add-ons
This plugin made our list 8 powerful WordPress digital download plugin because they countless add-ons must also be taken into account. If you intend to build upon the main plugin, these are useful. As an alternative to purchasing the full premium package, you can choose which features you'd like to use. Download restrictions, related items, and private messaging are just a few examples of the additions. Some of the add-ons are free, while others cost between $49 and $100.
Features for free version
Having said that, the free edition of WordPress Download Manager also includes some essential features like password security, restricted access, and support for multiple domains. The password protection package enables users to password-protect all of the files in a package or a single file within a package. It is a basic, user-friendly download manager. One of the most often updated WordPress download management plugins is this one.
Why use WordPress Download Manager
With the help of the WordPress Download Manager plugin, uploading a download is as simple as creating a new WordPress article.
You may quickly take files from your PC and place them into your website's file manager using the plugin's drag-and-drop upload module.
The uploading limitations set by WordPress can be overridden in a few different ways.
The WordPress Download Manager plugin offers protection for any files that are uploaded.
Connect the plugin to a variety of external storage services, such Google Drive and Dropbox.
Rearrange the settings such that some users are permitted to view and download files while others are not.
Changes to the link icons for Download buttons are possible through settings.
Utilizing widgets and shortcodes, you can embed download modules all throughout your website.
Videos in MP4 format are among the file types supported by the file manager.
To visually generate and modify files, you have access to a digital asset manager. A preview of both audio and video is supported here.
Many addons are available for purchase, allowing you to upgrade to various features.
To build a digital storefront, the plugin offers premium solutions that include tools for PayPal integration, one-click purchases, and discount management.
When people download and install your files, you can view notifications via mobile apps.
Launching a blog or website that sells or hosts online files is made possible by the availability of free themes.
3. Advanced file manager
For newcomers, the simple and attractive user interface is helpful, and the video and audio previews make it easy to quickly verify the files in your directory. Your productivity will increase significantly if you use the file search feature. The Advanced File Manager plugin has a strong foundation for anyone looking for an effective solution to handle file transfers, uploads, and deletions, from keyboard shortcuts to multi-selection features.
Why use advanced file manager
For changing and adding your own site files, the Advanced File Manager plugin offers a simple and effective alternative to using FTP and cPanel. The root directory path can be completely changed. Additionally, the plugin enables you to add a shortcode to your website so that you can grant specific users access to complete file management features.
The root directory and other folders on your site provide access to files. Many tasks are available to you, like uploading, generating files, renaming, and archiving. There are also PDF previews accessible so you don't have to open each file separately.
Features
- Access can be granted to certain logged-in users using an advanced file management shortcode.
- Additionally, the shortcode provides themes, secret folder URLs, and user role restrictions.
- Direct uploading of your files to any directory folder is possible.
- Your browsing history is saved so that you can review previous actions.
- All mobile devices are compatible with the file manager.
- All files have thumbnails and previews displayed so you can see what is being stored.
- This is a fast-loading plugin that won't slow down or burden your website.
- The plugin offers a file searching module that enables quick item discovery.
- With the click of a button, file directory sizes can be calculated.
- The plugin allows for image manipulation.
- Any file can be moved to the trash.
- The root directory's files can all be edited in their entirety.
- The plugin imitates and takes the place of an FTP connection's functionality.
4. Easy digital download
While it can manage numerous file downloads for each downloaded product, Easy Digital Downloads is primarily an ecommerce solution for any form of digital download. Easy digital download is one of my favorite when you sell downloadable courses, because it make it’s for you to disable a lots of features you don’t need to collection for digital product and will also increase your conversion since your customers will be left with few field to fill, isn't this amazing to include it to our 8 powerful WordPress digital download plugin
This makes it a fantastic choice if your products have varied prices or are packaged together. The default payment methods are PayPal and Manual Payments, however more ones can be added for a cost.
Why use easy digital download
The main plugin incorporates features into WordPress for selling digital goods to site visitors. To put it briefly, you may upload these files to your website, advertise them as an e-commerce product, and then automatically send out download links in emails as individuals choose to purchase them.
While upgrading to the premium edition or choosing one of the many paid additions will make the simple digital download more helpful. For example, most payment gateways call for a premium extension.
The payment gateways are integrated with the plugin and support both Amazon Payments and PayPal Standard out of the box. Just enough of the free version is available to get you started organizing and selling your digital products.
Features of easy digital download
- Numerous file kinds, including images, music, and ebooks, can be downloaded and managed with Easy Digital Downloads (EDD).
- The plugin can be localized to be translated into languages outside English.
- Payment gateways can be accessed either by updating with one of the extensions or by using the core plugin.
- Don't let certain of your users download anything.
- Give your customers the option to download any amount of files.
- Customers can establish their own account pages to view download history and retrieve previously purchased stuff.
- Utilize the admin dashboard to keep track of every download.
- Connect to remote applications via the REST API.
- The plugin provides comprehensive reporting information so you can gauge how well your downloads are doing and connect to an accounting app.
- EDD may be integrated with a vast array of other programs including MailChimp, Stripe, and Zapier.
- On the product pages, list every file you've uploaded.
- Giving your customers download links and processing payments swiftly are both made possible by the entire shopping cart.
- The EDD interface offers a lot of automation because emails are delivered to you and your clients when purchases and downloads are done.
- Advanced options, such as email marketing functions and the capacity to promote download subscriptions, are available with the premium subscriptions.
- For topics like accounting, analytics, and gateways, EDD includes a library of extensions.
5. WP File Download plugin
Only available as a premium extension, the WP File Download plugin is noteworthy for being actively updated each month. This is a plugin you ought to take into consideration if you're seeking for one with reliable developer support. Additionally, it comes in other languages.
The plugin comes with four themes, allowing you to express your creativity and make some design decisions about the system's appearance. Drag and drop capability, lovely thumbnails, and a clear interface make the file manager strong yet easy to learn, making it suitable for the majority of users.
Why chose wp file download plugin
This plugin works with well-known file storage providers like Google Drive and Dropbox and enables you to restrict file download access and adjust who can even view the files on your website.
The majority of the download managers on this list don't include any Gutenberg feature, as you may have also seen. They don't have any drag and drop tools that integrate, but it doesn't imply they will undermine the Gutenberg system. The WP File Download plugin does not work like that. For front-end WordPress file loading, it offers two separate blocks.
Features wp file download plugin
- With thumbnail images, vibrant colors, and drag and drop capability, the plugin features one of the sexiest file organization modules. Most Apple software has a similar aesthetic.
- It doesn't matter what kind of file is being added; you can add as many as you want.
- Set restrictions on who can download the files you offer. You have the option of giving specific people access to specific files or entire directories.
- For simple placement of your Download buttons anywhere on your website, the plugin provides two Gutenberg modules. The majority of the competition lacks this capability, which fully eliminates the requirement for widgets and shortcodes.
- Connect your website to online services for sharing and storing files, such as Google Drive and OneDrive.
- The color and customization options seem more sophisticated than those offered by rivals. To make the plugin design compatible with your theme, use these parameters. Even better, you may customize the upload and download module to look like it belongs to your business only.
- Numerous effective search tools are introduced by the file search engine. Full-text searching, category filtering, and file ordering according to date or file type are a few of them. Additionally, there are file previews, tag filtering, and the option to integrate the built-in WordPress search bar.
- Several actions, such as new file uploads and file removals, trigger email messages. You have control over which emails get to users and which ones are only for admins.
- A button-click performs file update and versioning.
- To understand how well your downloads are performing and whether anything has to be adjusted going forward, the download manager metrics offer both simple and complex graphs.
- While navigating the directories, all files can be previewed. Additionally, a remote file download option is available for mobile use.
6. Shared Files for WordPress.
For listing and managing files on a WordPress site, use the free plugin Shared Files for WordPress. Anyone with access to your site can download and use whatever files you share there. It operates by uploading files to your WordPress admin, after which you include a shortcode somewhere on your website so that visitors can download that file.
Why use shared files for WordPress
Furthermore, you have the option of organizing the files that users will download. To simplify things for users, build a list or categorize your files. With its additional capabilities, including broadband consumption caps, file sorting, and style settings, the premium edition costs $19.99. Additionally, the premium plugin offers you password security and priority customer service. Therefore, you
The plugin offers all users a clear and uncomplicated user interface, which is the reason we included it on this list of 8 powerful WordPress digital download plugin and the majority of the settings are already set up when you install it, so you normally don't need to make any changes for it to begin operating.
Features
- Files like spreadsheets and PDFs can be uploaded to your WordPress admin.
- Make these files navigable so users may find the ones they want to download.
- You can add a Download button to your website using the shortcode provided by the plugin.
- On the backend of your WordPress site, all shared files are recorded, making it simple for you to handle them.
- For the majority of plugin users, the default settings will work just fine.
- You can use the plugin to list every download you've made on any WordPress site page.
- Third-party storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox allow you to share data.
- On a WordPress post, you have the ability to include a specific file. Shortcodes are used for this.
- another beautiful thing about this powerful plugin is that When a file is downloaded, the admin receives notifications.
- The plugin keeps track of download counts so you can determine which ones are working the best.
- File sorting and file loading counters are two additional sophisticated capabilities included in the Pro edition.
- For discovering certain names and descriptions, there is a search option.
- When your bandwidth is almost full, the plugin estimates.
- Tools for password-protecting files before users download them are available in the plugin's Pro edition.
- Expiration dates may also be set.
- Set a maximum for the number of downloads per user per file.
7. Download Monitor
To expand your audience, monitor download performance, and turn visitors into purchases, Download Monitor is a simple-to-use digital download manager plugin for WordPress.
You can sell and distribute digital files on your WordPress site by using the free plugin Download Monitor, which integrates flawlessly with all WordPress themes.
Additionally, Download Monitor has sophisticated report functionality. You may use it to view your downloads over any time period, quickly inspect your top downloads (including the most popular download in your shop), examine your daily average download count, and do a lot more.
By acquiring all of its premium extensions as part of the Complete bundle for a fantastic discounted price, you can open up all of the features listed below and more.
Features of download monitor
- Your digital files can be sold and distributed in a few simple steps.
- All forms of digital materials, including PDFs, software packages, audio tracks, video files, digital art, etc., can be uploaded, categorized, tagged, and managed with ease, along with their various versions.
- Add numerous file versions to your downloads, each with its own data set, such as the number of downloads and the URLs to the individual files.
- The number of downloads of your various files and their various versions will be tracked automatically, saving you the trouble of setting events in Google Analytics.
- supports PayPal and more payment processors (coming soon).
- Hosting your files on Google Drive or Amazon S3 will allow you to offer links that expire automatically and give you access to a network for lightning-fast file delivery.
- With a single click, export and import every download you have, along with categories, tags, and file versions, to a CSV file.
- Extensions that lock content include pay with a tweet, require users to fill out a form before downloading a file, lock emails, and many more.
- Design stunning, scalable download experiences.
- imposes a Google reCAPTCHA requirement on users before allowing them to download your files to prevent bots from subscribing to your email-locked downloads and gaining access to your protected contents.
- It is compatible with Gutenberg, allowing you to use the new block editor to add downloads from anywhere.
8. Multiverso
For frontend file management and secure downloading, Multiverso works just fine. If you want to secure your download manager and perhaps prevent downloads for particular users, this is one of the best options.
On CodeCanyon, you can purchase this powerful plugin multiverso for $30. Additionally, it is possible to purchase a pricey extension of your premium support period.
The Multiverso plugin is inexpensive but also offers a number of other advantages, like support for shortcodes, localization, and sophisticated theme compatibility. As an illustration, this enables you to upload files directly to your website, include a shortcode on a page, and then let your users download those files to their personal PCs.
Additionally, six widgets are made available to you. These are excellent for adding Download buttons to locations like sidebars and footers.
The frontend upload feature is one of the additional things to anticipate. With this, you can hand over power to your users and let them see upload buttons on the front end as well as some file management tools. If you are not in front of a computer, the remote upload option is also helpful.
The Multiverso plugin's features for managing access rights and limiting file upload sizes are another reason to take them into account. The plugin also heavily relies on encryption.
As an illustration, you might want to make sure that downloads are secure while being made by your clients. No matter what, it's typically easy to intercept the transfer of those files. To reduce your concerns, the encryption gives an additional layer of protection.
Features Multiverso plugin
- In order to handle files and downloads for admins and users alike, the Multiverso plugin integrates frontend and backend uploading.
- For greater security, file downloads and uploads are encrypted.
- It's possible to directly connect to your file by attaching it. By doing so, the file need not be uploaded in the first place.
- Modify your access policies so that only a select group of people is permitted to upload and download files.
- The plugin has settings that let you adjust the maximum file size and the number of allowed file uploads.
- Similar to making a WordPress post, uploading a file and including a download link for it are both common web tasks.
- With the plugin, you may share lists and collections of files using a number of shortcodes.
- You may add Download buttons to your website using six widgets.
- Developers have access to advanced capabilities that allow them to link the plugin with external applications and customize it.
Final thought
It depends on what you intend to achieve, for instance if you want to build or increase your email list subscription, I recommend you use subscribe to download plugin and you can watch the complete video tutorial here or the use the video above to watch on YouTube and if your aim is for digital download, that is to disable some field like address, state, country and phone number since all these are not necessary for digital download, I recommend you use easy digital download.
You know what you really want to achieve and after reading this article you must have gotten the idea that suits your aim on which of the plugins to use and also weather paid or free plugin. I recommend you go for premium plugin since most of them are one time payment like Subscribe to Download and the plugin becomes your forever unlike other plugin are monthly subscription in nature
Thank you for reading please, let us have you thought in the comment section and also please don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel… SHALOM
