What is DLM Protect file

Hello @infernoprime ,

The Protect file functionality creates a Download using the file and moves the file in Download Monitor’s protected directory. You can also un-protect the file, that moves the file back in the default uploads directory. The Download remains and the file path will be updated.

Hope this clears things out.

Warmly,
Razvan

What are the protected and unprotected directory’s?

Uploads in general are not protected, meaning that anyone can download files from there, while dlm_uploads directory found in wp-content/uploads/ contains an .htaccess file that forbids access to those files ( if you are using nginx then you need to talk to you host in order to protect that directory ).

Hope this helps!

Warmly,
Razvan

So could I just take the .htaccess file and use it in another folder?

Sure, but be aware that files from the directory you are adding the .htaccess file won’t be available to the public anymore.

Warmly,
Razvan

OK, I am getting confused by what you are saying. Is DLM Protect only for files you want to keep as private downloads by password or is it to protect them only until someone clicks the link to actually start the download?

DLM Protect functionality is used to protect files from Media Library, moving them from the default uploads folder to the dlm_uploads folder and creating a Download from them. It does not password protect them, and if you give visitors the download link for the protected files the visitors can download the files, but they can download them only by going through the Download Monitor link. It is the same as creating a new Download and uploading a file from the new Download screen.

Hope this clears things out.

Warmly,
Razvan

Would it be possible to add a sub folder inside the protected folder?

The protected folder, based on your settings for Media, already has sub folders. Could you please describe your situation and what are you trying to achieve?

Warmly,
Razvan

I like to have a folder structure for the way I organize things, so something like this – main folder>subfolder>sub sub folder

The folder tree is managed by WordPress Media settings. Sure, using FTP to upload files and then browsing for them to add them to Downloads you can use any organization you’d like, but if you want to upload files directly in WordPress then you’ll need to follow WordPress’ rules.

Hope this clears things out.

Warmly,
Razvan

When you’re talking about media settings, are you referring to how you can specify the wp-content folder or change its location?

I am talking about the the uploads folder. Yes, you can move the wp-content folder and the dlm_uploads folder will follow the uploads folder found inside wp-content.

The uploads folder organizes its files and folders either based on month-year based either directly in folder.

Warmly,
Razvan