Uploading and Linking to a File in Your Store
When you want to provide a free download on your store, such as a free e-book, size chart or assembly instructions, you can link directly to a file on the product page or on its own web page. File types that you can upload include images, documents and PDF files. This article covers how to first upload the file, then link to it via a Web Page or the WYSIWYG editor. Keep in mind that WebDAV has a limit of 512 MB per file.
Uploading a File
Connect to your store via WebDAV and double-click on the content folder.
Did you know? In WebDAV, you can create subfolders inside the content folder to organize your files. Note that you will need to include the subfolder name in any links, using the format of /content/subfolder/filename.pdf instead of /content/filename.pdf
Drag and drop your file into the content folder. You may be prompted to re-enter your password. In our example, we're using "FileName.pdf"
Please note: when creating a link in the steps below, the filename is case-sensitive and should have no spaces. You can rename the file after uploading it.
Now that you uploaded the file, there needs to be a way for your customers to access it. We will cover how to link to a file using a web page link, the WYSIWYG editor, and via HTML.
How many files can I store? BigCommerce can store up to 4,000 files in a single folder. If you are storing more files, we recommend creating one or more subfolders.
Getting the File Link URL
Once you have uploaded your files to WebDAV, you will need to locate the proper link URL. Use this URL if you will be sharing it in an email or via HTML.
In WebDAV, double click the content folder.
Right click the file and choose Copy URL. Make sure you copy the URL that does not have /dav in it.
Why are my customers being asked to log in again to view a file? If you copied the URL with /dav in it, a login prompt for WebDAV will appear. You will need to go back and copy the Public URL which does not contain /dav.
Using a Web Page to Link to a File
You can use a web page to link directly to a file, without using any coding. Go to Storefront › Web Pages, then click Create a Web Page.
For This Page Will, select Link to another website or document.
Assign the Page Name, and enter in the location of the file.
Save your changes. Your file link will appear in your site's navigation menu.
Using the WYSIWYG Editor to Link to a File
The WYSIWYG Editor is available when creating a web page or editing a product description. This allows you to add in a link to standalone sizing chart files and additional product information.
Edit the product or web page content that you are adding the link to. Inside the Description or Page Content field, highlight the text that will be linking to the file, then click the Link button.
In the Link URL field, enter the location of the file.
Click Insert when finished. The linked text will now be blue and underlined. If you need to edit your link, click on it, then click the Link button. Save your changes when done.
Using HTML to Link to a File
If you are comfortable with code, you can edit HTML through the WYSIWYG editor when you click the HTML button.
If you choose to edit HTML, you will need to use the correct format to share the file.
Where else can I edit HTML? Besides the WYSIWYG Editor, you are able to edit your theme files. For more information, see our articles on Accessing and Customizing Template Files (Blueprint) or Stencil Themes
Using the WYSIWYG Editor to Link to a Video or Audio File
The WYSIWYG editor can also be used to link a video or music file by embedding the data directly into the page. It's a great alternative to integrating media from external sources, like Youtube or Vimeo.
Video Example:
Audio Example:
Edit the page or product that will have the media file.
Using the WYSIWYG editor, click the Insert/Edit Embedded Media icon.
Choose either HTML5 Video or HTML5 Audio from the Type drop-down menu. Then in the File/URL field, enter the location and media file name.
Click the Advanced tab and enable Controls. This will provide the play and pause buttons on the media file.
Click Insert and Save when finished. The media file will now be embedded into your page.