I’ve never actually tried to add a file for people to download on any of my WordPress blogs. Until today, that is. I guess there’s always a first time? I had a cat-themed template designed and I wanted to share it with site visitors.
Now, with HTML, it’s fairly simple. I have done that before. All it takes is linking to the .zip file and voila. But when I tried that on a WordPress page all that happened was an annoying 404 message.
Turns out, you can’t just allow people to download from anywhere on your WordPress installation. It’s not a matter of uploading the file anywhere on your domain names and linking to it.
Instead, you have to upload the file via WordPress, which will then make it available for download. The way to do that is using your “Add Media” button here:
I confess, with buttons there to add pictures, movies and audio files, I never quite understood what the “add media” was for. Now I know. It allows you to upload files to your upload directories and create a working download link for your visitors.
Gotta love WordPress – always a new trick up its digital sleeve!
Oh, and if you’re looking for a cat theme – you can find that one right here:
{ 12 comments }
I need to give this a shot on our limousine business blog for our customers to be able to download our contract in one easy step. Nice tip thank you Anne.
Extreme John´s last blog post ..UFC 109 Fight Card and Predictions
I comment not only because my last post was about my poorly puss cat but I can’t resist asking
Download a cat theme?? Me ‘OW?
prrrrrrrr
Pasty Muncher´s last blog post ..Flowers in a Box Great for the Cat –
I’m having some designers make four more cat themes. I think the blogosphere needs more cat themes, don’t you?
Twitter: websiteweekend
January 26, 2010 at 11:54 am
Nice! I did not know that. I use the Drain Hole plugin myself, which provides stats and protects from scrapers. I wrote an article on it, I’ll dig it up if you like.
Dave Doolin´s last blog post ..Happy Anniversary! Website In A Weekend is 1 Year Old
I’ll look it up! Though with this particular download, I am all for scrapers spreading in on
Twitter: DennisEdell
January 27, 2010 at 6:34 am
“It’s not a matter of uploading the file anywhere on your domain names and linking to it.” – since when? This is news to me.
Cool theme though.
I may start doing theme type articles, I’ll save this just in case.
Dennis Edell´s last blog post ..The Time Has Come. The Deal Is Done. It’s Time To Move!!
I should do a followup on WP themes as a way to promote a site. It hasn’t been much of a success, at least not so far.
Twitter: DennisEdell
January 27, 2010 at 6:35 am
OK I swear 2 seconds ago the 3 plugins I see now were not there, WTH?? LOL
Dennis Edell´s last blog post ..The Time Has Come. The Deal Is Done. It’s Time To Move!!
Well that explains what the ‘add media’ button is, like you I was confused by it! How much does WordPress let you upload? It sounds like it would be an easier process that sendspace etc.
Thomas´s last blog post ..El Camino Del Rey Video
Can’t say I’ve tried to check its limits yet
I have four more templates to upload to that site, but I doubt that will tax the WP limits in any way.
Twitter: sonlinebiz
February 4, 2010 at 8:18 am
All my downloadable files are located in a folder outside my wordpress installation and all I do is link to them in my posts using HTML and they all WORK! I really wonder why your case is different.
Udegbunam Chukwudi´s last blog post ..Hostgator Reseller Hosting Plans Uber-Revamped
That makes sense, actually. In my case, WordPress is installed in the root of the domain, so anything on the domain is “under wordpress”.
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