Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

How to Create a WordPress Force Download Link

If you want to offer a downloadable file on your WordPress website but don't want the file to be previewed in the browser, you can create a force download link. This type of link prompts users to download the file instead of displaying it in the browser.

Here's how you can create a WordPress force download link.

Step 1: Upload the File to WordPress

Upload the file you want to offer as a download to your WordPress site. This can be done by navigating to Media > Add New in your WordPress dashboard and dragging and dropping the file into the uploader.

Step 2: Get the File URL

Once the file is uploaded, click on it in the media library to open the attachment details. Here, you can copy the file URL at the top of the page. This will be used in the force download link.

Step 3: Create the Force Download Link

In your WordPress post or page editor, create the text or image you want to use as the link. Highlight the text or image and click on the link icon in the editor toolbar.

In the link dialog box, paste the file URL you copied in step 2 into the URL field. Next, add the following code to the end of the URL:

?force-download=1

This code tells WordPress to force download the file instead of previewing it in the browser. Once you've added the code, click on the "Add Link" button to create the force download link.

Step 4: Test the Link

Preview your post or page and click on the force download link to test it. When you click on the link, your browser should download the file instead of opening it in the browser.

And that's it! You now have a WordPress force download link that allows users to easily download a file from your website.