Download Attachments

What is Download Attachments?

Download Attachments offers a focused way to manage file downloads inside WordPress. Instead of a bloated interface, it adds a drag-and-drop, AJAX-driven metabox to your post editor. You can insert Media Library files and display them before, after, or inside your content. The plugin is built by dFactory and has been actively maintained for 13 years. It currently powers 8K+ sites with a 4.5/5 rating from 46 reviews. 76% of those ratings are five-star, which indicates strong satisfaction among users who need a lightweight solution to add download links to WordPress posts.

Version 1.4.1 was last updated on May 26, 2026. The plugin requires WordPress 6.0+ and PHP 7.0.0+. Its longevity and continued updates make it a stable choice for anyone wondering how to add download attachments in WordPress without learning custom code.

Key Features of Download Attachments

• Automatic or Manual Display — Choose to show download lists automatically after post content or place them manually using shortcodes.
• Multiple Display Styles — Switch between a simple list, a table, or a sortable dynamic table for your file lists.
• Download Count Tracking — Each file includes a built-in download counter, and a widget shows your most downloaded attachments.
• Drag-and-Drop Ordering — Reorder attachments inside the metabox by simply dragging files into position.
• URL Encryption by Default — Download links are encrypted out of the box, with pretty URL support and a custom slug option.
• Post Type Selection — Enable the metabox only on specific post types, keeping your editing screen clean.
• Developer Hooks — Access 5 functions and multiple filter hooks for custom templates and deeper integration.
• Multilingual Ready — The plugin includes a .pot translation file and works with WPML and Polylang.

Who Should Use Download Attachments?

This plugin suits site owners who need to display file download lists in WordPress without a heavy file manager. It works well for membership sites, resource libraries, or any blog that shares PDFs, zip files, or images. The interface is simple enough for beginners who want to add download links to WordPress posts quickly. The drag-and-drop metabox requires no technical skill. For developers, the filter hooks and customizable template engine offer deeper control.

The numbers back its accessibility. With 8K+ active installs and a 4.5 rating, it appeals to both casual users and professionals. The 76% five-star rate suggests most people find it easy to set up. The 4% one-star rate is small but worth noting — some users may need more advanced features like file versioning or user access controls, which are not included here.

Installation & Setup

You can install Download Attachments directly from the WordPress plugin directory or by uploading the files to your server. After activation, go to the Download Attachments settings under the News menu. The setup is beginner-friendly — you choose which post types to enable and select your preferred display style. Most users can have download links working in under five minutes.

Support & Community

Support data from the last two months shows 1 open thread and 1 resolved thread, giving a 100% resolution rate. This low volume suggests the plugin runs reliably for most users. The developer, dFactory, maintains a support forum on their own site for questions beyond the WordPress.org forum. The rating breakdown — 76% 4% one-star — indicates that when issues arise, they tend to be isolated rather than widespread. Version 1.4.1 is current, and the plugin has been updated consistently for 13 years, which speaks to ongoing maintenance.