Lock downloadable files
This guide locks a specific downloadable file or link, such as the logo print files or a licensed font. The page itself stays public. For the other ways to lock content, see the overview in How access works.
What you will have
The download button stays on the site, but clicking it opens a dialog asking for the password or email verification. The file downloads only after that.
Steps
Open the section with the file
In the panel, open the page and the section that holds the file, for example Files for download. See Working with sections.
Open the file row
In Downloadable file list, click the file. In other sections, open the button of type Download file (in a Font section: Files).
Set a password, domains, or both
Fill in Protect file with a password (at least 12 characters) or Allow download for email domains, for example
company.com. If you fill in both, visitors choose the method.Add a help text
In Help text in the password dialog for this file, say where to get the password, for example “marketing@company.com will send you the password.” If you leave it empty, the default text with the contact email appears.
Save the page
Confirm the row and save the page with Save.
How to tell it worked
Open the page on the site and click the file button. A dialog titled Enter password to download the file or Verify email to download the file opens, and the file downloads only after the correct password or code.
Where files and links can be locked
| Where the file or link is | Lock fields |
|---|---|
| Files for download section – each file in the list | Protect file with a password, Allow download for email domains |
| A Download file button (in a Font section: Files) in the Image (multifunctional), Video & Animation (multifunctional), Image gallery, Large gallery, Table, Expandable content (accordion), Font, Google Drive and Embedded content sections | Protect file with a password, Allow download for email domains |
| An External link button (in a Font section: Link) in the same sections | Protect link with a password, Allow access for email domains |
| Link cards and hub card sections (where you choose a card or link type, only with Custom link card or Link to URL) | Protect link with a password, Allow access for email domains |
| An External Link card on the home page or in a group | Protect link with a password, Allow access for email domains |
| Audio section | File password (password only, appears after turning on Allow download) |
What visitors see
Clicking the button opens a dialog with one of two ways to verify:
- Password – the visitor fills in Password and clicks Download, or Open for a link.
- Email – they fill in Email address, click Verify email, enter the Verification code and click Verify and download.
Files do not remember being unlocked: the password or code is needed for every download.
Locked files in search and exports
- Locked files and links do not appear in the manual's search.
- The public AI export does not include the file; it only states that the file is protected and has to be downloaded from the manual.
- The public MCP server does not hand out locked files.
- In an online static export the password works, email verification does not. In an offline export all files are unlocked.