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Generate a download link

Generate a shareable download link by creating a free order, useful for manual distribution.

Beka Rice Avatar

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Beka Rice

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Need a download link for a specific file outside Shopify’s normal order flow — to share manually, embed in another channel, or send to someone who didn’t go through checkout? Create a $0 order with the file attached, then copy the download link from the resulting order page.

Available on all plans. The link inherits whatever global limits you have set (download count, IP, expiration) — bump those for the order if you plan to share the link widely. The link is tied to the order, so deleting the order kills the link.

When you’d use this

  • Sharing a file with a partner or guest who’s not a paying customer.
  • Sending a one-off file to someone via Slack, email, or chat.
  • Generating a link for a press kit or promo material.
  • Testing how the download flow looks for a customer.

1. Create a $0 order in Shopify

  1. Shopify admin → Orders → Create order.
  2. Add the product the file is attached to.
  3. Click Add discount → set 100%.
  4. Add a customer email (yours, or anyone you want the link sent to).
  5. Click Collect payment → Mark as paid.
  1. Open Fileflare → Orders → click the new order.
  2. Find the asset on the order page.
  3. Right-click the download icon and copy the link address.

The link is now yours to share. It works the same way as any customer download link — it’ll respect download counts, IP limits, and expiration set on the order.

Default global limits will block the link after a few clicks. If the link is going to a wide audience (press, partners, public marketing), override the global limits on this order to allow more downloads:

  1. On the same order page in Fileflare, enable Override global limitations.
  2. Set high download/IP limits (or remove the cap entirely).
  3. Save.

Common issues

  • Link returns “limit reached” almost immediately — global limits are tight. Override them on the order.
  • Link returns 404 — make sure the file is actually attached to the product before creating the order. If you attached after creating, recreate the order.
  • Free order shows up as revenue in my reports — only happens if you skip the discount. Always set the 100% discount before marking paid.
  • I want a link that doesn’t expire — set Order expiration on the order to a far-future date or 0 (no expiration).

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