Pretty Protected Downloads

A Joomla custom field that offers files for download without ever giving them a public URL.

Files are stored outside the web root, and every download goes through Joomla, which checks that the visitor may see the item the field is on, the field and its field group before a single byte is sent. Use it for member documents, meeting minutes, reports for a closed group or price lists for logged-in customers: anything that should follow the access level of the article it belongs to.

We have added the following features
  • A new field type for articles, categories, contacts and user profiles, with as many files per field as you like.
  • Each file has its own button text, title, description, icon and button style.
  • Upload straight from the article form, with a progress bar.
  • Files are stored outside the web root, or inside it in a folder closed with .htaccess.
  • Every download is checked the way the item's own page is: publishing state and dates, item and category access, plus the field and field group access.
  • Download buttons carry a short-lived token bound to the visitor's session.
  • Visitors download the file under the name it was uploaded with.
  • Three layouts: Buttons, Cards and List, each overridable from your template.
  • Works inside subform fields.
  • Allowed file types and a maximum file size. Scripts, web pages and SVG images are always refused.
  • Storage status and a clean-up button for unused files on the plugin settings screen.
  • English and Dutch language files.
Requirements
  • Joomla 5 or 6.
  • PHP 8.1 or newer.
  • For storage inside the web root: Apache or LiteSpeed, or a server rule that blocks the folder (for example on nginx).

Demo

The same three files in each of the three layouts. Try a download: each button only works from this page, for a limited time.

Buttons

Cards

Product brochure

PDF, 50.84 kB

A two-page PDF about the plugin.

Price list 2026

CSV, 161.00 b

An example price list as a CSV file for Excel or Numbers.

Logo pack

ZIP, 32.51 kB

A ZIP archive with the logo as SVG and a sample image.

List

  • Product brochure (PDF, 50.84 kB)
    A two-page PDF about the plugin.
  • Price list 2026 (CSV, 161.00 b)
    An example price list as a CSV file for Excel or Numbers.
  • Logo pack (ZIP, 32.51 kB)
    A ZIP archive with the logo as SVG and a sample image.

Missing a feature?

Open an issue on github.

Download Plugin