Description
The convenient download manager for WordPress.
Z-Downloads makes file delivery simple: upload, place a shortcode, done. It automatically builds ZIP archives, keeps them updated when files change, and gives you clear stats and a clean UI.
Example use case: A single file is present in multiple ZIP archives (e.g., press kits). Update the file once—every affected ZIP is rebuilt automatically.
Benefits
- User-friendly interface with inline help
- Time-saving automation (auto-rebuild of ZIP archives)
- Reliable performance with smart caching
Top features
- GDPR compliant: IP address anonymization by default
- Built-in security: direct file paths remain hidden
- Download statistics + dashboard widget
- Shortcodes for files, ZIPs, lists, audio, and video
- Download button (with optional icons)
- Display info like file size or download count
- Generate file lists
- Embed an audio player
- Embed a video player
- Show MD5 and SHA1 hashes in the frontend (Premium)
- Option to activate direct URL paths for PDF files
- Centralized file management
- Automatic ZIP archive creation
- Drag-and-drop file upload
- Log page to trace actions and troubleshoot
- Safe uninstall option to remove all plugin data on request
- PHP 8 compatible
- Ready for internationalization (English & German included)
- Multilingual
- And more…
Effortlessly embed download buttons with shortcodes
Upload your file, then add this shortcode to a post or page:
[zdownload file="123"]
Embed automatically generated ZIP archives with shortcodes
Create a ZIP entry in the backend, link your files, then use:
[zdownload zip="123"]
Embed external files with shortcodes
Link to a file hosted elsewhere and render a download button:
[zdownload url="https://example.com/file.zip"]
Output a list of files linked to a ZIP archive
Display all files attached to an archive as a neat list:
[zdownload_list zip="123"]
Output audio files as an audio player
Turn an audio file (MP3, WAV, OGG, …) into a player:
[zdownload_audio file="123"]
Output video files as a video player
Render a video file directly as a player:
[zdownload_video file="123"]
Languages
Z-Downloads can be translated into multiple languages. Currently supported:
- English
- German
Screenshots
Overview of all uploaded files 
Overview of all archives 
Dashboard widget with download statistics 
Detail view of an audio file with audio player 
Available shortcodes for an archive 
Use case in a post
Installation
In the WordPress plugin directory
Search for Z-Downloads” in your WordPress plugin directory, install, and activate.
FAQ
-
Is Z-Downloads free?
-
Yes. All basic functions are free.
For advanced features there is Z-Downloads Premium — e.g., MD5/SHA1 hash output or unlimited files per ZIP archive.
-
Who is this plugin for?
-
Site owners who want an easy, fast way to offer downloads and ZIP packages without manual maintenance.
-
Is this plugin GDPR (DSGVO) compliant?
-
Yes. No personal visitor data is stored. IP addresses are anonymized by default (can be changed in the settings).
-
What language is the plugin in?
-
The plugin ships in English and is fully translated into German. Other languages can be added easily.
Reviews
Contributors & Developers
“Z-Downloads” is open source software. The following people have contributed to this plugin.
Contributors
Translate “Z-Downloads” into your language.
Interested in development?
Browse the code, check out the SVN repository, or subscribe to the development log by RSS.
Changelog
- You can find the versions here: Z-Downloads release notes