External Download URLs

Instead of uploading files to the platform, you can attach a download URL to any product — a direct link to a file hosted on your own server, a CDN, a cloud storage bucket (S3, Cloudflare R2, Backblaze, etc.), or any other https:// address.

When to use

• Your files are already hosted on your own server or a CDN and you don't want to duplicate them.
• Your files are too large to upload comfortably through the browser.
• You manage file storage yourself and want full control over the hosting.
• You use shared hosting with strict upload limits.

You can use external URLs alongside uploaded files — there is no need to choose one or the other on a per-product basis.

Adding a download URL

1. Open the product editor and go to the Files & Deliverables tab.
2. Click Add URL (next to the upload button).
3. Enter the full https:// address of your file.
4. Optionally enter a display name — this is what buyers see instead of the raw URL. If you leave it blank, the URL itself is shown.
5. Click Save URL to add it to the list.
6. Repeat for as many URLs as you need. You can also mix URLs with uploaded files in the same release.

If you have Release Management enabled, each release can contain any number of URLs and uploaded files. Add, edit, or remove them individually using the pencil and × buttons next to each entry.

What buyers see

After a successful purchase, buyers can access their download URLs from:

• My Downloads — the account downloads hub, where all versions and files appear with download buttons.
• Order confirmation email — if "Include Download Links" is turned on in Settings → Mail, buyers receive signed download buttons directly in their email.
• Subscriptions page — for subscription products, all download URLs appear in the "Downloads & Files" table alongside uploaded files.

All download links are protected — buyers must click a signed link that is verified against their order before they are sent to the file. The raw URL is never shown to buyers directly. Access is gated by:

• Whether their order is valid and completed.
• Which plan they purchased (if the file is restricted to specific plans).
• Their support window (if a support policy is enabled on the product).
• Their daily download limit (if configured).

Limitations

• Download All zip — the "Download All" zip button cannot bundle external URLs into a zip file. If a release contains only external URLs, a message is shown and buyers must click each link individually. If a release mixes uploads and URLs, the zip includes only the uploaded files.
• URL format — only standard http:// and https:// addresses are accepted, up to 2048 characters. Relative URLs or other schemes are rejected.
• File content — ChargePanda does not verify that the URL points to a valid or downloadable file. It is your responsibility to ensure the linked file is accessible and remains available.