Overview
The Dropbox add-on lets you serve download files directly from your Dropbox account. Leverage Dropbox’s reliable infrastructure, easy sharing features, and sync capabilities to manage your downloadable files.
Prerequisites
- WordPress Download Manager installed
- Dropbox add-on installed and activated
- Dropbox account (Basic, Plus, or Business)
- Dropbox App created
Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Easy Sync | Desktop app syncs automatically |
| 2GB Free | Start without cost |
| Simple Sharing | Easy link sharing |
| Version History | File recovery built-in |
| Cross-Platform | Access from anywhere |
Dropbox App Setup
Step 1: Create App
- Go to dropbox.com/developers/apps
- Click Create app
- Configure:
Choose an API: Scoped access Choose the type of access: Full Dropbox (or App folder for restricted access) Name your app: WPDM Integration
- Click Create app
Step 2: Configure App
In app settings:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ App Settings │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ App key: abc123xyz... │ │ App secret: def456uvw... [Show] │ │ │ │ OAuth 2: │ │ Redirect URIs: │ │ [https://yoursite.com/wp-admin/admin.php?page=wpdm-dropbox] │ │ [Add] │ │ │ │ Permissions (Scopes): │ │ ☑ files.content.read │ │ ☑ files.content.write │ │ ☑ files.metadata.read │ │ ☑ sharing.read │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Step 3: Get Credentials
Copy:
- App key (Client ID)
- App secret (Client Secret)
Plugin Configuration
Step 1: Access Settings
- Go to Downloads > Settings
- Click Dropbox tab
Step 2: Enter Credentials
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Dropbox Configuration │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ │ │ App Key: │ │ [abc123xyz... ] │ │ │ │ App Secret: │ │ [def456uvw... ] │ │ │ │ [Save Settings] │ │ │ │ [Connect to Dropbox] │ │ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Step 3: Authorize
- Click Connect to Dropbox
- Log in to Dropbox (if needed)
- Click Allow to grant access
- Redirected back to WordPress
✓ Successfully connected to Dropbox Account: your-email@example.com Space used: 1.2 GB of 2 GB
Using Dropbox Files
Adding Files to Package
- Edit a package
- In Attached Files, click Browse Dropbox
- Navigate folders
- Select file(s)
- Click Attach Selected
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Dropbox Browser │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ 📁 / │ │ ├── 📁 Downloads │ │ │ ├── 📄 software-v2.0.zip (45 MB) [Select] │ │ │ └── 📄 manual.pdf (5 MB) [Select] │ │ ├── 📁 Shared │ │ │ └── 📄 team-file.zip (12 MB) [Select] │ │ └── 📁 Apps │ │ └── 📁 WPDM Integration │ │ │ │ [Attach Selected Files] │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
File Reference Format
Files stored as Dropbox path:
dropbox:///Downloads/software-v2.0.zip
Or by file ID:
dropbox://id:abc123xyz
Download Methods
Temporary Links (Recommended)
Generate expiring download links:
☑ Use temporary links Link expires: [4] hours
Temporary links:
- Expire automatically
- Prevent hotlinking
- Track downloads accurately
Shared Links
Use Dropbox shared links:
☐ Use shared links (permanent)
Note: Shared links don’t expire and may allow bypassing access control.
Proxy Downloads
Route through WordPress:
☑ Proxy downloads through WordPress
Full control but uses server resources.
App Folder vs Full Access
Full Dropbox Access
Access type: Full Dropbox
- Access all files in account
- Browse entire Dropbox
- Existing files accessible
App Folder Only
Access type: App folder
- Restricted to
/Apps/YourAppName/ - More secure
- Need to move files to app folder
Which to Choose?
| Use Case | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Existing files | Full Dropbox |
| New setup | App folder |
| Security priority | App folder |
| Team use | Full Dropbox |
Dropbox Plans
Storage Limits
| Plan | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 2 GB | Free |
| Plus | 2 TB | $11.99/mo |
| Professional | 3 TB | $19.99/mo |
| Business Standard | 5 TB | $15/user/mo |
| Business Advanced | Unlimited | $24/user/mo |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Basic | Plus | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage | 2 GB | 2 TB | 5 TB+ |
| File recovery | 30 days | 180 days | 180 days |
| Smart Sync | No | Yes | Yes |
| Team folders | No | No | Yes |
| Admin controls | No | No | Yes |
Folder Organization
Recommended Structure
Dropbox/
├── Apps/
│ └── WPDM Integration/ (if using App folder)
│ ├── Software/
│ ├── Documents/
│ └── Templates/
├── Downloads/ (if using Full access)
│ ├── Current/
│ ├── Archive/
│ └── Previews/
└── Shared/
└── Team Files/
Default Folder
Set starting folder:
Default Path: /Downloads/Current
Team Sharing
Shared Folders
Use Dropbox shared folders:
- Create shared folder in Dropbox
- Invite team members
- Files accessible to all
Business Teams
With Dropbox Business:
- Create team folder
- Set permissions by group
- Files available in WPDM
Troubleshooting
“Authorization Failed”
Causes:
- Wrong app credentials
- Redirect URI mismatch
- App not configured correctly
Solutions:
- Verify app key/secret
- Check redirect URI matches exactly
- Ensure permissions (scopes) set
- Re-authorize
“File Not Found”
Causes:
- File moved or deleted
- Path changed
- Using App folder but file outside
Solutions:
- Verify file exists in Dropbox
- Re-browse and re-attach
- Check if using correct access type
“Rate Limit Exceeded”
Causes:
- Too many API requests
- Heavy download traffic
Solutions:
- Enable link caching
- Use proxy for high-traffic files
- Upgrade Dropbox plan
“Link Expired”
Cause: Temporary link expired before download
Solutions:
- Increase link expiry time
- Use shared links for slow downloads
- Check download speed
Caching
Enable Link Caching
☑ Cache temporary links Cache duration: [1] hour(s)
Reduces API calls, improves performance.
Clear Cache
[Clear Dropbox Cache]
Use when files updated but old links served.
Security
Best Practices
- Use App folder – Limits access scope
- Enable 2FA – On Dropbox account
- Review connected apps – Remove unused
- Monitor access – Check Dropbox activity
- Temporary links – Prevent permanent sharing
Revoking Access
To disconnect WPDM:
- Go to Dropbox settings
- Security > Third-party apps
- Find WPDM app
- Click Remove
Or in WordPress:
- Go to WPDM Dropbox settings
- Click Disconnect
Related Documentation
Last updated: January 2026
Applies to: WordPress Download Manager 7.x + Dropbox Add-on