MemberPress Downloads is an extension that enables site owners to provide and track downloadable files for their members. The plugin allows for direct integration with existing access rules to protect PDFs, images, and zip files. It provides specific tracking capabilities to monitor how often files are accessed by your community.
WPExclusive members get access to MemberPress Downloads as part of a full plugin and theme library — plans from $9.99/month. See the full MemberPress collection →
What Is MemberPress Downloads?
MemberPress Downloads is developed by MemberPress and is a membership plugin for WordPress. It is designed to bridge the gap between static content protection and digital asset management. It belongs to the membership category on WPExclusive, alongside other tools for content restriction and user management.
The plugin solves the problem of unsecured direct file links that can be shared outside of a paid membership. It is built for creators, educators, and digital product sellers who need to distribute resources exclusively to authorized users.
MemberPress Downloads Features
This extension focuses on secure asset delivery and administrative oversight of digital files.
Advanced Access Control
The plugin utilizes standard MemberPress Rules to protect files just like posts or pages. You can restrict access to specific membership levels, ensuring that only paying subscribers can reach your premium content. This integration eliminates the need for separate permission configurations within the membership structure.
Download Tracking and Statistics
MemberPress Downloads monitors every instance a member interacts with your files. It records the number of times each file is downloaded, providing data on which resources are most valuable to your audience. The plugin even accounts for “force view” settings to ensure stats remain accurate across different browser behaviors.
File Management and Organization
Users can categorize and tag files for better organization within the WordPress dashboard. This system allows you to group related downloads, such as course materials or monthly bonuses. You can then use shortcodes to display lists of files based on these categories, making it easier for members to find relevant items.
Easy Deployment with Shortcodes
The plugin includes multiple shortcodes like [mpdl-file-link] and [mpdl-file-links] to display your downloads. These codes support attributes for sorting by order or date and can show file descriptions directly on the front end. It works on almost every web host without requiring custom server rules or .htaccess modifications.
Pricing
Check current pricing on the MemberPress Downloads sales page — WPExclusive members access it as part of their plan. The addon is typically included in higher-tier MemberPress plans such as Growth and Scale.
| Plan | Price | Sites | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MemberPress Growth | ~$399/year | 5 Sites | Downloads Addon + Courses |
| MemberPress Scale | ~$499/year | 15 Sites | Downloads Addon + All Addons |
| WPExclusive Membership | From $9.99/month | Unlimited | MemberPress Downloads + full library |
For developers managing multiple sites, a WPExclusive membership covers MemberPress Downloads plus hundreds of other plugins and themes — usually less than one premium license.
Latest Version
The plugin receives regular updates to ensure compatibility with the core MemberPress platform and the latest WordPress releases. WPExclusive updates plugin files promptly after each release to maintain security and functionality.
How to Install
- Download the MemberPress Downloads .zip from your WPExclusive member account
- In WordPress: Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
- Select the .zip and click Install Now → Activate
- Navigate to MP Downloads > Files in your WordPress sidebar to begin uploading your assets.
- Create a new Rule in MemberPress to define which membership levels can access your newly uploaded files.
Use Cases
Online Course Resource Distribution
Educators use this to provide worksheets, slide decks, and code samples to students. By utilizing the membership rules, you ensure students only see downloads for the courses they have purchased.
Digital Magazine and PDF Subscriptions
Publishers can upload monthly issues as PDFs and restrict them to active subscribers. The tracking feature helps identifies which issues are popular and which topics generate the most interest.
Software and Asset Repositories
Developers and designers can use the plugin to distribute zip files containing child themes, plugins, or graphics templates. This creates a secure, gated repository that tracks every user interaction.
Agencies and Developers Managing Multiple Client Sites
Agencies can deploy this across various client projects to manage document sharing without paying for individual site licenses. A WPExclusive membership makes this cost-effective while keeping client resources protected behind professional paywalls.
Pros and Cons
✅ Strengths
- Direct integration with existing MemberPress rules avoids double configuration.
- Comprehensive tracking of user downloads provides valuable engagement data.
- Server-agnostic setup that works on most shared hosting without .htaccess edits.
⚠️ Limitations
- Requires the core MemberPress plugin to function.
- Limited to Growth and Scale plans in the retail version.
- Developer auto-updates require an active license key. WPExclusive publishes updates manually when new versions are released.
Is MemberPress Downloads GPL Licensed?
Yes. MemberPress Downloads is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) — the same license that governs WordPress itself. GPL gives any user the legal right to use, study, share, and redistribute the software. This is the legal framework that makes WPExclusive’s membership model possible.
WPExclusive distributes 100% original, unmodified files — the same release the developer publishes. No injected code, no alterations, no security risks.
Get MemberPress Downloads on WPExclusive
WPExclusive membership starts at $9.99/month, $87/year, or $149 lifetime — giving you MemberPress Downloads plus every plugin and theme in the library, on unlimited sites.
Explore the full MemberPress collection → or browse all WordPress plugins →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MemberPress Downloads do?
MemberPress Downloads is a membership extension used to manage and secure digital files. MemberPress Downloads allows you to restrict file access based on membership levels and track how many times assets are downloaded.
Is MemberPress Downloads free?
MemberPress Downloads is a premium addon and is not available for free on the official repository. Through WPExclusive, you can access it via memberships starting at $9.99/month.
What is the latest version of MemberPress Downloads?
The plugin is actively maintained — WPExclusive members always receive the most current release available from the developer.
How much does MemberPress Downloads cost?
Retail pricing requires a Growth or Scale plan starting around $399 per year. Via WPExclusive, it is included in plans from $9.99/month.
Is it legal to use MemberPress Downloads via WPExclusive?
The plugin is GPL licensed, which explicitly permits redistribution. WPExclusive provides original, unmodified files — fully within GPL terms.
Can MemberPress Downloads track who downloaded a file?
MemberPress Downloads tracks the number of downloads and provides statistics that help site owners understand member engagement with specific digital assets.
