Packages Management

Add New Package

7 min read Updated Feb 9, 2026

Creating a new download package in WordPress Download Manager is straightforward. This guide walks you through every section of the package editor to help you set up professional download pages with full control over access, security, and presentation.

Accessing the Package Editor

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard
  2. Navigate to Downloads → Add New from the left sidebar

You’ll see the package editor interface with multiple sections. Let’s explore each one.

Package Title & Description

At the top of the editor, enter your package details:

  • Package Title – A clear, descriptive name for your download (e.g., “Company Brochure 2024” or “Software v3.2.1”)
  • Package Description – Use the WordPress editor to add detailed information about your package. You can include formatted text, images, videos, and any content that helps users understand what they’re downloading.

Attach File

The Attach File section provides four methods to add files to your package:

1. Attach File

Drag and drop files directly into the upload area, or click Browse Files to select from your computer. The maximum file size depends on your server configuration (shown in the upload area). For larger files, enable Chunk Upload in Settings → Advanced.

  • Browse File
    • Click Browse File button
    • Select one or more files from your computer
    • Wait for upload to complete
    • Files appear in the attached files list
  • Drag & Drop
    • Drag files from your file manager
    • Drop them onto the upload area
    • Files upload automatically

2. Insert URL

Link to files hosted on external servers by entering the direct URL. This is useful for:

  • Large files hosted on CDNs
  • Files stored on cloud services
  • Mirrored downloads from multiple servers

3. Media Library

Select files already uploaded to your WordPress Media Library. This keeps all your files organized in one place.

4. Server File

Browse files directly from your server’s file system. This is helpful when you’ve uploaded files via FTP or have files in specific directories.

Tip: You can attach multiple files to a single package. They’ll be automatically zipped when downloaded, or users can download them individually (if enabled in settings).

5. Cloud Storage

Files stored in connected cloud storage services can be added directly to download packages, making them available alongside locally hosted files. By offloading files to the cloud, these add-ons help improve performance, reduce server load, and ensure secure, reliable file delivery. They also maintain full compatibility with Download Manager features such as access control, download tracking, and user permissions.

Attached Files

After uploading, your files appear in the Attached Files section. Here you can:

  • Reorder files – Drag and drop to change the order
  • Edit file info – Click to modify individual file settings
  • Remove files – Delete files from the package
  • View file details – See file size, type, and path

Package Settings

The Package Settings panel contains multiple sections organized in tabs:

Package Settings Tab

Basic Information

  • Version – Track version numbers for software, documents, or any updateable content (e.g., “1.0.0”, “2024.01”)
  • Link Label – Custom text for the download button (default: “Download Now”)
  • Package Size – Override the auto-calculated size with a custom value (e.g., “150 MB”)

Limits & Quotas

  • Stock Limit – Maximum total downloads allowed for this package. Leave empty for unlimited.
  • Download Limit – Maximum downloads per user. Uses IP address for guests. Check “Reset limit for all users” to clear existing counts.

Statistics

  • View Count – Number of times the package page has been viewed. You can manually adjust this.
  • Download Count – Total download count. Useful for setting initial values on imported packages.

Access Control

Select which user roles can download this package:

  • All Visitors – Anyone can download (public access)
  • Specific Roles – Only selected user roles (Administrator, Editor, Subscriber, etc.) can download

Select multiple roles by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) while clicking.

Download Options

  • Single File Download – Allow downloading individual files from multi-file packages
    • Use Global – Follow the site-wide setting
    • Enable – Allow for this package
    • Disable – Force zip download only
  • Cache Zip File – Pre-generate and cache the zip file for faster downloads
    • Use Global – Follow the site-wide setting
    • Enable – Cache this package’s zip
    • Disable – Generate zip on each download

Templates

  • Link Template – Choose how the download button/card appears when using shortcodes
  • Page Template – Select the layout for the package’s single page

Master Key

A unique key that allows direct downloads without authentication. Useful for sharing private download links or integrations. You can:

  • Copy the key to clipboard
  • Check “Regenerate master key” to create a new one

Lock Options Tab

Add security measures to control access to your downloads:

Must Agree with Terms

Require users to accept terms and conditions before downloading.

  • Terms Page – Select an existing page or use custom content
  • Terms Title – Heading for the terms section
  • Terms and Conditions – Full terms content (supports rich text)
  • Checkbox Label – Text next to the acceptance checkbox

Password Lock

Protect downloads with one or more passwords.

  • Password – Single password or multiple passwords using format: [pass1][pass2][pass3]
  • Password Usage Limit – How many times each password can be used before expiring
  • Reset Password Usage Count – Clear usage counts for all passwords

Use the password generator to create secure passwords automatically.

Social Locks

Require social engagement before downloading:

  • LinkedIn Share Lock – User must share on LinkedIn
  • Tweet Lock – User must tweet about the download
  • Twitter Follow Lock – User must follow your Twitter account
  • Facebook Like Lock – User must like a Facebook page
  • Google Connect Lock – User must connect with Google account

Email Lock

Collect email addresses before allowing downloads.

  • Title – Form heading (default: “Subscribe To Download”)
  • Ask for Name – Optionally collect visitor’s name
  • After Submitting – Choose what happens:
    • Mail Download Link – Send link via email
    • Wait For Approval – Admin must approve first
    • Download Instantly – Immediate download access
  • Message after submit – Custom confirmation message

Captcha Lock

Add reCAPTCHA verification to prevent automated downloads. Requires reCAPTCHA configuration in Settings.

Form Lock:

Note: You can combine multiple locks. Users must satisfy all enabled locks to download.

Icons Tab

Set a custom icon for your package:

  • Icon URL – Enter a direct URL to any image
  • Built-in Icons – Click any file type icon to use it

Icons appear in package listings and download buttons depending on your template.

Categories

Organize packages into categories for better navigation:

  • Check existing categories to assign them
  • Click + Add New Category to create new ones
  • Assign multiple categories as needed

Tags

Add descriptive tags to improve searchability:

  • Enter comma-separated tags
  • Choose from frequently used tags
  • Tags help users find related downloads

Featured Image

Set a thumbnail image that represents your package:

  • Click Set featured image
  • Upload or select from Media Library
  • This image appears in listings, cards, and social shares

Additional Preview Images

Add a gallery of preview images to showcase your package content. Perfect for:

  • Software screenshots
  • Document previews
  • Product images

Publishing Your Package

Use the Publish panel on the right side:

  • Save Draft – Save without publishing
  • Preview – See how the package page looks
  • Status – Draft, Pending Review, or Published
  • Visibility – Public, Password Protected, or Private
  • Publish Date – Schedule for future publishing
  • Publish – Make the package live

Displaying Your Package

After publishing, display your package using shortcodes:

[wpdm_package id="123"]

Replace 123 with your package ID. Additional options:

[wpdm_package id="123" template="link-template-default"]
[wpdm_packages categories="software" items_per_page="10"]

Find more shortcode options in the Shortcodes documentation.

Quick Tips

  • Bulk uploads – Select multiple files in the upload dialog to add them all at once
  • Version control – Use the Changelog feature to track package updates
  • Preview templates – Test different link templates to find the best presentation
  • Access testing – Log out or use incognito mode to verify public access settings
  • Statistics – Monitor download counts to understand popularity

Next Steps

Applies to: WordPress Download Manager 7.x