Limit the number of downloads per order
To protect your content from unauthorized sharing and limit access to files, you can set up two types of download limits on Filemonk. These powerful controls help you manage how many times customers can download their files and for how long downloads remain available after purchase.
Accessing Download Limits Settings
Navigate to the download limits configuration through your Filemonk settings to set up content protection for your digital products.
Settings Navigation
- Click Settings in the left menu bar of your Filemonk dashboard
- Scroll down to the Download page section
- Click Customize Download page to open the download page editor
- Click Download limits in the left sidebar to access the limit settings
Setting Up Download Limits
Filemonk offers two distinct types of download limits that can be used independently or together to control access to your digital content.
Max Downloads Per File Limit
This limit controls the total number of times a customer can download each file in their order.
Configuring Download Count Limits
- In the Download limits section, locate the Max. number of downloads per file field
- Enter the maximum number of downloads you want to allow (e.g., 100)
- Customize the display text in the Maximum downloads per file label field if desired
- Leave the field empty to remove all download count restrictions
When you set a download count limit, customers will see their current download progress (e.g., "3 / 100 downloads") on their download page if you enable the display option.
Days Available to Download Limit
This limit controls how long downloads remain accessible after the customer places their order.
Configuring Time-Based Limits
- In the Download limits section, locate the No. of days available to download field
- Enter the number of days downloads should remain available (e.g., 30)
- Customize the display text in the Available to download until label field if desired
- Leave the field empty to remove all time-based restrictions
When you set a time limit, the system calculates the expiration date from when the customer originally placed their order, not when they first access the download page.
Customizing Limit Display Options
Control how download limits appear to your customers on their download pages.
Show or Hide Limits
Enable the Show/hide limits checkbox to display download limit information to customers on their download page. When enabled, customers will see:
- Current download count vs. maximum allowed downloads
- Expiration date for time-based limits
- Custom label text you've configured
Preview Your Settings
Use the preview pane on the right side of the settings page to see exactly how your download limits will appear to customers before saving your changes.
How Download Limits Work for Customers
Understanding the customer experience helps you set appropriate limits and provide better support.
Download Count Enforcement
When a customer attempts to download a file, Filemonk checks their current download count against your configured limit. If they've reached the maximum number of downloads, the download button becomes disabled and displays your custom error message.
The download count increments each time a customer successfully downloads a file, regardless of whether they complete the download or encounter any interruptions.
Time-Based Enforcement
Time limits are calculated from the original order date in your Shopify store. For example, if you set a 30-day limit and a customer placed their order on January 1st, their downloads will expire on January 31st, regardless of when they first access their download page.
When the time limit expires, all download buttons become disabled and customers see your configured error message explaining that their download period has ended.
Combined Limits
You can use both download count and time limits simultaneously. In this case, whichever limit is reached first will prevent further downloads. For example, if you set a 5-download limit and a 30-day limit, customers who reach 5 downloads before 30 days will be unable to download more files, even if time remains.
Backend Validation and Security
Filemonk implements robust server-side validation to ensure download limits cannot be bypassed.
Validation Process
Every download request goes through a comprehensive validation check that verifies:
- Current download count against the configured maximum
- Order date against the configured time limit
- Customer access permissions and fraud detection status
- Plan limits and fair usage policies
Advanced Tips
- Generous limits: Set higher download counts (50-100) for customers who may need to re-download files due to device changes or technical issues
- Reasonable timeframes: Consider 30-90 day time limits to balance content protection with customer convenience
- Clear messaging: Use descriptive error messages that explain the limit and suggest contacting support if needed
- Testing limits: Test your download limits with a test order to ensure they work as expected before applying to all products
- Monitoring usage: Regularly review download patterns to adjust limits based on actual customer behavior
Troubleshooting
Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
Limits not enforcing | Settings not saved properly | Re-configure limits and ensure you click Save changes |
Download counts not updating | Browser caching issues | Ask customers to refresh their download page |
Time limits showing wrong dates | Timezone differences | Verify your Shopify store timezone matches your location |
Customers can't see limits | Display option disabled | Enable "Show/hide limits" checkbox in settings |
Error messages not appearing | Custom message not configured | Set a clear error message in the Download limits settings |
Limits applying to old orders | Retroactive enforcement | Download limits apply to all orders, including those placed before limits were set |
FAQs
Q: Can I set different download limits for different products?
A: No, download limits are global settings that apply to all digital products in your Filemonk store. All customers receive the same download restrictions regardless of which products they purchase.
Q: What happens if I change the download limits after customers have already made purchases?
A: Changes to download limits apply immediately to all orders, including existing ones. If you reduce limits, customers who have already exceeded the new limits will be unable to download additional files.
Q: Can customers see how many downloads they have remaining?
A: Yes, when you enable the "Show/hide limits" option, customers will see their current download count compared to the maximum allowed (e.g., "3 / 10 downloads") on their download page.
Q: How do I reset download counts for a specific customer?
A: Download counts cannot be reset through the Filemonk interface. If a customer needs additional downloads due to technical issues, you can manually send them new download links or contact Filemonk support for assistance.
Q: Do download limits work with watermarked files?
A: Yes, download limits apply to all files regardless of whether they are watermarked. The limit checking occurs before watermark processing, so even watermarked downloads count toward the customer's limit.
Q: What happens if a customer's download is interrupted?
A: Interrupted downloads still count toward the customer's download limit. The system increments the counter when the download begins, not when it completes successfully.
Q: Can I set download limits to expire at a specific time of day?
A: No, time-based limits expire at midnight on the calculated date. For example, a 30-day limit on an order placed January 1st will expire at the end of January 31st.
Q: Do download limits affect license key access?
A: No, download limits only apply to file downloads. Customers can always view their license keys regardless of download limit settings, as license keys don't require file transfers.
Updated on: 08/08/2025
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