
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