Overview
The Package Settings panel provides comprehensive configuration options for each download package. Located below the content editor when creating or editing a package, it contains tabbed sections for all package-specific settings.
Prerequisites
- WordPress Download Manager installed
- Editor or Administrator user role
- At least one package created
Quick Start
- Edit any package at Downloads > All Packages
- Scroll to the Package Settings panel
- Configure settings across the available tabs
- Click Update to save changes
Accessing Package Settings
When editing a package, the Package Settings panel appears below the main content editor. It contains multiple tabs organizing different configuration options.
Settings Tabs
General Tab
Core package information and behavior settings.
Version
Field: Version Type: Text Example: 2.1.0
The version number displayed to users. Useful for:
- Software releases
- Document revisions
- Tracking updates
Version appears in templates using the [version] tag.
Link Label
Field: Link Label Type: Text Default: Download
Text displayed on the download button. Examples:
- “Download Now”
- “Get Free PDF”
- “Download v2.0”
Download Limit
Field: Download Limit (Quota) Type: Number Default: 0 (unlimited)
Maximum total downloads allowed for this package. When reached:
- Download button becomes disabled
- Shows “Limit Over!” message
- Admins can increase the limit
View Limit
Field: View Limit Type: Number Default: 0 (unlimited)
Maximum page views before package is hidden. After limit:
- Package page shows “Not Available”
- Shortcodes show nothing
- Admins still see the package
Download Limit Per User
Field: Per User Download Limit Type: Number Default: 0 (unlimited)
Maximum downloads per logged-in user. Tracks downloads by user ID.
> Note: Guest downloads are tracked by IP address with limited accuracy.
Single File Download
Field: Single File Download Type: Checkbox Default: Off
When enabled with multiple files:
- Each file gets its own download button
- Users download files individually
- No ZIP archive created
When disabled:
- All files bundled into ZIP
- Single download button
Open in Browser
Field: Open in Browser Type: Checkbox Default: Off
When enabled:
- Files open in browser (PDFs, images, videos)
- Uses
Content-Disposition: inline
When disabled:
- Forces download dialog
- Uses
Content-Disposition: attachment
Icon Tab
Configure the package icon displayed in templates.
Icon Source Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| File Type | Automatic icon based on file extension |
| Featured Image | Uses package’s featured image |
| Custom Icon | Upload specific icon image |
| Icon Library | Select from built-in icons |
Custom Icon Upload
- Click Upload Icon
- Select image file
- Recommended size: 128x128px or larger
- PNG with transparency works best
Files Tab
Manage attached files (also available in sidebar panel).
File List
Shows all attached files with:
- File name
- File size
- File type icon
- Drag handle for reordering
- Delete button
File Operations
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Reorder | Drag files to change order |
| Delete | Click X to remove file |
| Replace | Delete and upload new version |
Version Tab
Track package versions and changelog.
Current Version
Field: Current Version Type: Text
The active version number. When updated:
- Old version can be archived
- Changelog entry can be added
- Download count can reset optionally
Enable Version History
Field: Keep Previous Versions Type: Checkbox
When enabled:
- Old versions remain accessible
- Users can download specific versions
- Version dropdown appears on package page
Version Archive
Lists previous versions with:
- Version number
- Release date
- Download link
- Option to restore or delete
Changelog Tab
Manage version history and release notes.
Adding Changelog Entry
- Enter Version number
- Set Release Date
- Write Changes in the rich text editor
- Click Add Entry
Changelog Format
Best practices for changelog entries:
### Added - New feature description ### Changed - Updated functionality ### Fixed - Bug fix description ### Removed - Deprecated feature removed
Displaying Changelog
Use the [changelog] template tag in page templates, or the [wpdm_changelog] shortcode:
[wpdm_changelog id="123"]
XDL Tab (Cross-Domain Links)
Configure external file hosting and CDN delivery.
Remote File URL
Field: File URL Type: URL
Direct URL to externally hosted file. Useful for:
- CDN delivery
- Cloud storage
- Mirror sites
Mirror URLs
Add multiple download sources:
https://cdn1.example.com/file.zip https://cdn2.example.com/file.zip
WPDM can:
- Rotate between mirrors
- Redirect to fastest source
- Provide fallback if one fails
Meta Tab
Custom metadata and additional information.
Package Size Override
Field: Package Size Type: Text
Override calculated file size. Useful when:
- Files are remote
- Size calculation is incorrect
- You want to show uncompressed size
Additional Meta Fields
Add custom key-value pairs:
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
requirements |
Windows 10, 8GB RAM |
license |
GPL v3 |
author |
John Developer |
Access in templates:
[wpdm_meta key="requirements"]
Preview Tab
Configure file preview options.
Preview Images
Upload preview images or screenshots:
- Click Add Preview
- Upload images
- Reorder by dragging
Preview Gallery
When multiple previews added:
- Displays as gallery/slider
- Lightbox on click
- Thumbnail navigation
PDF Preview
For PDF files:
- Set number of preview pages
- Enable/disable inline preview
- Requires PDF Viewer add-on for full preview
Saving Settings
After configuring:
- Review all tab settings
- Click Update (or Publish for new packages)
- Changes apply immediately
Bulk Editing Settings
To change settings on multiple packages:
- Go to Downloads > All Packages
- Select packages with checkboxes
- Choose Edit from Bulk Actions
- Click Apply
- Set common values and update
Settings Priority
When settings conflict:
- Package-level settings override global
- User-specific settings override package
- Lock requirements must all be satisfied
Default Settings
Configure defaults at Downloads > Settings:
- Default template
- Default access roles
- Default download limits
- Default label text
New packages inherit these defaults.
Troubleshooting
Settings Not Saving
Cause: JavaScript error or session timeout
Solution:
- Check browser console for errors
- Ensure you’re logged in
- Try a different browser
Version Not Updating
Cause: Cache or version field empty
Solution:
- Enter version number explicitly
- Clear any caching plugins
- Save the package again
Files Not Showing
Cause: Files deleted from server
Solution:
- Re-upload files
- Check file permissions
- Verify upload directory exists
Related Documentation
Last updated: January 2026
Applies to: WordPress Download Manager 7.x