Choose which WordPress files to protect

Prevent Direct Access Gold lets you protect files in the WordPress Media Library so they are not openly accessible through their original URLs. It supports unlimited files and all file types, including ebooks, files, images, audio, and video. Protect files individually, select several at once, or use Folder Protection to cover files in selected folders under the WordPress root or uploads directory. New uploads can be protected automatically or on the fly.

You can also protect the uploads directory from user browsing and use image hotlink prevention to stop other sites from linking directly to images.

Control who can access downloads

Restrict protected files to logged-in users or custom visitor roles, and control which users can view them in the Media Library. A Private Download Link lets you share a selected file without exposing its standard file URL. You can create and personalize unlimited links, with expiration after a set number of days or clicks.

Referrer Links grant access to individual files or groups based on the referring location. IP-based restrictions are also available for protected access. The WooCommerce Integration extension can restrict access to a WooCommerce order page by IP address.

Manage file URLs and page content

The encryption option encrypts protected files to prevent unauthorized downloads from being viewed. The extension can search site content for unprotected file URLs and replace them with protected references. It can also prevent Google and other search engines from indexing protected files, helping keep their content and original URLs out of search results.

An optional content protection setting disables text selection and right-click on web pages to reduce content copying.

Connect storage, membership, and course workflows

Amazon S3 Integration can synchronize or offload multiple files to Amazon S3, replace unprotected URLs in content, and set expiration times. The Amazon S3 and Wasabi Smart File Uploads Plugin can upload multiple files directly from a local computer to Amazon S3 or Wasabi.

Prevent Direct Access Gold integrates with WordPress Multisite Network and top membership add-ons. LearnDash integration can grant course material access to enrolled students. These settings support private downloads, member resources, customer materials, and learning content.

Set up protected downloads

Install and activate the extension, then open its Media Library interface and select files to protect. Choose the relevant access, link, folder, or integration settings, and share the available private URLs. Configure cloud storage, membership, WooCommerce, or LearnDash workflows after activation when needed.