What are the Reasons for Forcing a File to download?
If you want to make sure that a file is saved on a visitor’s computer, you can force it to download. However, not all browsers will automatically initiate a download, some will instead display the file (if it is a file format that the browser can read) and allow the user to choose whether or not to save it to their computer. Whether or not you choose to force a download will depend on the type of file you are offering and the preferences of the audience you expect to download it.
Here are some reasons why you might want to force a file to download:
- Security: If the file contains sensitive information or is a file that you don’t want to be easily accessible on the web, forcing a download can help ensure that the file is only accessed by authorized users who have downloaded it.
- Large Files: For larger files, such as videos or software packages, it may be preferable to force a download so that the user can download the file in the background and continue browsing other pages on the site, rather than waiting for the file to fully load in the browser.
- Compatibility: Some file types may not be compatible with certain browsers or devices. Forcing a download can help ensure that the user is able to download the file and access it on their preferred device or application.
Websites that provide large files like PDFs often opt to force downloads instead of allowing the file to open in the user’s browser. This ensures that the PDF is saved directly to the user’s computer, which is helpful if they want to read it at a later time. Additionally, websites with an older user base may choose to force downloads to make it easier for their users to access the files.
When running a website where visitors pay to download items, it is recommended to use the force file download feature. This guarantees that the customer receives their purchase and saves administrators time that would otherwise be spent manually providing the downloadable item. Ultimately, there are situations where forcing a file download is the most suitable option. Following the steps below, will instruct you how to ensure that the ‘Force Download Option’ is enabled for WP Express Checkout Products of your choosing.
Enabling the Force Download Option for the WP Express Checkout Plugin
The WP Express Checkout plugin offers the option to select specific digital products that you want to force to download. By following the steps below, you can easily choose which digital products you want to force to download using the Express Checkout plugin.
Step 1 – WordPress Admin
To begin, navigate to the WordPress Admin and click on the menu for Express Checkout Products.
Step 2 – Enabling the Force Download Option
Next, select the specific product that you wish to enable the force download option.
After opening the product, scroll down to the Download URL option and check the Enable Force Download checkbox.
To activate the Force download feature for the specific product, you need to save the changes you made after enabling the option. Scroll to the top of the product page and click the ‘Update’ button. Now when a user clicks the download button for this product, it will automatically begin to download to their computer.