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Digital Downloads ​

Digital downloads allow customers to receive files after purchasing a product. This is used for selling digital goods such as software, ebooks, music, templates, or any other downloadable content.

Setting Up Digital Products ​

To sell downloadable products, you need two things: a product type with files enabled, and files attached to the product.

1. Product Type ​

Make sure the product uses a product type with the Enable Files flag checked. The default "Downloadable" product type has this flag enabled. See Product Types for details.

2. Uploading Files ​

Open the product and navigate to the Files tab (only visible when files are enabled on the product type). Upload one or more files that customers will receive after purchase. You can upload any file type — ZIP archives, PDFs, audio files, software installers, etc.

A product can have multiple downloadable files. When a product has multiple files, the download system provides access to all of them.

How Downloads Work ​

The download system uses secure, unique download links to provide file access:

  1. Purchase — A customer purchases a product with downloadable files.
  2. Key Generation — After payment is confirmed, a unique download key is generated for the order item. This key is a 40-character random string that acts as a bearer token for accessing the files.
  3. Download Access — The customer accesses their download link, which validates the key and serves the file.

Download URL Format ​

Download links follow this pattern:

/meloncart/shop/download/{key}
/meloncart/shop/download/{key}/{fileId}

The first format downloads the first (or only) file. The second format downloads a specific file when the product has multiple downloadable files.

Download Controls ​

The download system supports two controls for managing access:

Expiration ​

Downloads can be set to expire after a specific date. Once expired, the download link returns an error. If no expiration is set, the download link remains valid indefinitely.

Download Count ​

The system tracks how many times each download link has been used. This can be used to enforce download limits, preventing unlimited redistribution of purchased files.

Security ​

Download links are secured through several layers:

  • Unique keys — Each download key is a 40-character random alphanumeric string, making it computationally infeasible to guess.
  • Validation — Every download request validates that the key exists, the product has files, the link hasn't expired, and the download limit hasn't been reached.
  • File isolation — Only files attached to the purchased product are accessible through the download link. There is no way to access files from other products.
  • No authentication required — Download links work without requiring the customer to be logged in, making them easy to share via email or order confirmation pages.

TIP

For best results, upload your digital products as ZIP archives. This packages all related files into a single download, reduces transfer size, and works reliably across all browsers and operating systems.

WARNING

Download links act as bearer tokens — anyone with the link can download the file. If you need stricter access control, consider setting short expiration windows or low download limits.