Create a downloadable product when a successful purchase should grant access to a file such as a guide, archive or digital asset. Configure the product and delivery method together, then test access as a customer and as an unauthorised visitor.
IN THIS ARTICLE
01 Prepare the file and delivery method
Use a final, clearly named file and confirm you have the rights to distribute it. Review WooCommerce > Settings > Products > Downloadable products. Choose a supported delivery method for your hosting environment. Direct redirect delivery exposes the underlying URL; protected delivery requires the appropriate server behaviour and storage configuration.
02 Configure the product
- Create or edit the product and enable Downloadable.
- Enable Virtual as well if nothing physical needs shipping.
- Add the file through the product's download controls or an approved supported storage location.
- Set a useful download name and the intended download limit and expiry.
- Review when access is granted and whether customers must log in, keeping those settings compatible with your checkout policy.
- Save and complete a sandbox purchase to verify the order page, customer email and My Account downloads where applicable.
Are ordinary Media Library files protected?
Normally a file uploaded to the public Media Library can be accessed by anyone who knows its URL. Selecting it as a paid download does not automatically make that original location private. Use the product upload workflow and verify the actual server protection; a protective Apache file alone does not cover every server configuration.
Why is a customer missing the download link?
Check payment confirmation, order status, the store's access-grant setting and the order's download permissions. In current interfaces the permissions panel may need to be enabled through Screen Options. Also check email delivery separately from download entitlement, because the link may exist in the account even when an email was filtered.
03 Test updates and unauthorised access
Confirm that the file downloads completely and that limits behave as intended. Test direct-file access from a logged-out browser. Changing an existing file row and adding a new file can affect past purchase permissions differently, so review the documented behaviour before promising earlier buyers a new download. Keep a backup of the distributed version and a clear support process for legitimate access problems.