Packages Management

Creating Packages

6 min read Updated Feb 8, 2026

Overview

A package is the fundamental content type in WordPress Download Manager. Each package represents a downloadable item containing one or more files, with settings for access control, display, and tracking.

Prerequisites

  • WordPress Download Manager installed and activated
  • Editor or Administrator user role
  • Files ready for upload

Quick Start

  • Go to Downloads > Add New
  • Enter title and description
  • Attach files using the file browser
  • Configure access settings
  • Click Publish

Creating a New Package

Step 1: Access the Package Editor

Navigate to Downloads > Add New in your WordPress admin.

The package editor has several sections:

  • Title & Content Area: Standard WordPress editor for title and description
  • Package Settings: Tabbed panel for configuration options
  • Attach File: File upload and attachment area
  • Sidebar: Categories, tags, featured image, and publish settings
  • Changelog: Lets you track and display version history

Step 2: Enter Package Details

Title

Enter a descriptive title for your download. This appears:

  • In package listings and search results
  • As the page title on the package’s dedicated page
  • In shortcode displays

Description

Use the content editor to add:

  • Detailed description of the download contents
  • Installation or usage instructions
  • System requirements

You can use all WordPress editor features including:

  • Formatting (headings, lists, bold, italic)
  • Media (images, videos)
  • Gutenberg blocks
  • Custom HTML

Step 3: Attach Files

The Attach File panel is where you add downloadable files.

Upload Methods

Attach File:

  • 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

Insert URL:

  • Paste the URL in insert URL filed
  • After clicking on the + button, file will appear in Attached File section
  • The file will download immediately, if the URL is a direct download link.  Otherwise, users will be redirected to the URL when they request the file.

Select from Server :

  • Click Server File Browser
  • Navigate to files already on your server
  • Select files to attach

Select from Media Library:

  • Click on Media Library
  • Choose files you want to attach

Select from Dropbox: (add-on)

  • Connect your Dropbox account
  • Browse and select files to attach

Select from Google Drive: (add-on)

  • Connect your Google Drive account
  • Select the files you want to attach

Select from pCloud: (add-on)

  • Connect your pCloud account
  • Pick files to attach from your storage

Select from OneDrive: (add-on)

  • Connect your OneDrive account
  • Select files to attach

Select from GitHub: (add-on)

  • Connect your GitHub account
  • Choose files or repositories to attach

Select from Amazon S3: (add-on)

  • Connect your Amazon S3 account
  • Browse buckets and select files to attach

Select from Box.com: (add-on)

  • Connect your Box.com account
  • Browse and select files to attach

Managing Attached Files

Once files are attached, you can:

  • Reorder: Drag files to change their order
  • Remove: Click the X or delete icon to detach a file
  • Edit Details: Click on file name to edit individual file settings

Multiple Files( Pro version)

When multiple files are attached:

  • Users download a single ZIP archive containing all files
  • Individual file downloads can be enabled in settings
  • File order determines order in ZIP

Step 4: Configure Package Settings

The Package Settings panel contains configuration tabs:

Package Settings Tab

Setting Description
Basic Information General details about the package, such size, version, and link label
Limits & Quota Rules that define stock limits and downloads per user
Statistics Download counts and view counts
Access Control Permissions and rules that control who can access or download the package
Download Options Configuration options related to how files are downloaded
Template Template used to define the layout and appearance of the download page
Master Key This key can be used for direct download without authentication

Lock Options Tab

Add protection layers:

  • Password Lock: Require password to download
  • Email Lock: Collect email before download
  • Social Lock: Require social share/follow
  • CAPTCHA Lock: Verify human visitor
  • Terms Lock: Require acceptance of terms

Check Access Control Overview and Download Protection for detailed lock options.

Icon Tab

Set a custom icon for your package:

  • Icon URL – Enter a direct URL of 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.

Pricing & Discounts Tab

This tab lets you set custom prices, discounts, and special offers for your packages. Stays hidden by default and becomes available after you click Activate Digital Store Option and activate the Premium Package plugin.

Step 5: Set Access Control

The Access Control panel controls who can download.

Allow Access

Select user roles that can download:

  • All Visitors: No login required (public)
  • Custom Roles: User roles defined by membership plugins(WP Pro Membership recommended)
  • Specific Roles: Choose Administrator, Editor, Subscriber, Custom Roles
  • Specific Users: Name individual users ( requires Advanced Access Control add-on)

Step 6: Categorize and Tag

Categories

  • In the Categories sidebar panel, select existing categories
  • Or click + Add New Category to create one

Categories help organize your packages and enable category-based listings. View detailed information on category management.

Tags

  • In the Tags panel, enter relevant keywords
  • Separate multiple tags with commas
  • Or click Choose from the most used tags

Tags improve search ability and enable tag based filtering.

Step 7: Add Featured Image

  • Find the Featured Image panel in the sidebar
  • Click Set featured image
  • Upload or select an image

The featured image displays in:

  • Package listings and grids
  • Social share previews
  • Some package templates

Recommended size: 800x600px or larger

Step 8: Publishing  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

Managing Packages

Edit Package

  • Go to Downloads > All Packages
  • Click on the package title
  • Or hover and click Edit

Delete Package

  • Go to Downloads > All Packages
  • Hover over the package
  • Click Trash

Quick Edit

For rapid changes:

  • Hover over a package in the list
  • Click Quick Edit
  • Modify title, categories, or status
  • Click Update

Displaying Packages

Shortcode

Replace 123 with your package ID. Additional options:

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

Direct Link

Each package has a URL:

https://yoursite.com/download/package-slug/

In Templates

Use template tags in custom templates.

Troubleshooting

File Upload Fails

Cause: File size exceeds PHP limits

Solution: Increase in php.ini:

upload_max_filesize = 256M
post_max_size = 256M

Package Shows No Download Button

Cause: No files attached or access restricted

Solution:

  • Verify files are attached in the package editor
  • Check access settings allow the current user

Package Page Returns 404

Cause: Permalinks need refresh

Solution: Visit Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes

Related Documentation

Applies to: WordPress Download Manager version 6.x – 7.x