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Downloads Setup

Enable and configure downloadable file attachments for your channel.

Overview​

The downloads feature allows users to attach files to discussions, including:

  • 3D model files (STL, OBJ, BLEND, GLB)
  • Archives (ZIP, RAR)
  • Images (PNG, JPG, GIF)
  • Other file types you allow

Enabling Downloads​

Channel-Level Toggle​

  1. Go to Channel Settings → Downloads
  2. Toggle Downloads Enabled on
  3. Save changes

Server-Level Requirement​

Downloads must also be enabled at the server level. If your server admin has disabled downloads, you cannot enable them for your channel.

Allowed File Types​

Inheriting Server Defaults​

By default, channels use the server's allowed file types. To see the current server defaults, contact your server admin.

Customizing File Types​

To set channel-specific file types:

  1. Go to Channel Settings → Downloads
  2. Find Allowed File Types
  3. Add or remove extensions (e.g., .stl, .zip)
  4. Save changes

Note: You can restrict file types further than the server default, but you cannot allow types that the server prohibits.

Common File Types​

ExtensionUse Case
.stl3D printing models
.obj3D models with materials
.blendBlender project files
.glbWeb-ready 3D models
.zipCompressed archives
.rarCompressed archives
.pngImages with transparency
.jpgCompressed images

Download Filters​

Create custom filter categories to help users find downloads.

Creating Filter Groups​

  1. Go to Channel Settings → Downloads
  2. Click Add Filter Group
  3. Configure the filter:
FieldDescription
KeyInternal identifier (e.g., print_size)
Display NameUser-visible label (e.g., "Print Size")
ModeINCLUDE or EXCLUDE

Adding Filter Options​

For each filter group, add options:

  1. Click Add Option
  2. Set:
    • Value: Internal value (e.g., small)
    • Display Name: User-visible label (e.g., "Small (< 50mm)")
  3. Set the display order
  4. Repeat for additional options

Example: 3D Printing Channel​

Filter groups for a 3D printing community:

Print Size:

  • Small (< 50mm)
  • Medium (50-150mm)
  • Large (150-300mm)
  • Extra Large (> 300mm)

Print Type:

  • Figurine
  • Functional Part
  • Decoration
  • Prop/Cosplay

Support Required:

  • Supportless
  • Minimal Supports
  • Heavy Supports

Using Filters​

Once configured, users can:

  1. Click the filter icon on the downloads tab
  2. Select filter options
  3. View filtered results
  4. Clear filters to see all downloads

File Features​

Attachments on Discussions​

Users create downloads by:

  1. Creating or editing a discussion
  2. Clicking Add Download
  3. Uploading a file
  4. Setting file details (optional)

File Properties​

PropertyDescription
File NameOriginal filename
KindFile type (ZIP, STL, etc.)
SizeFile size in bytes
URLDownload link

Download Tracking​

The system tracks:

  • Total download count
  • Unique downloaders
  • Download history

Version Control​

Files support versioning:

Uploading New Versions​

  1. Edit the discussion with the download
  2. Click Add Version on the file
  3. Upload the new file
  4. Add a changelog entry (optional)
  5. Save changes

Version Properties​

PropertyDescription
Version NumberSequential version
ChangelogDescription of changes
Created AtUpload timestamp
SizeFile size

Accessing Previous Versions​

Users can view and download previous versions from the discussion page.

File Scanning​

Uploaded files are scanned for malware:

StatusDescription
PENDINGAwaiting scan
CLEANNo issues detected
INFECTEDMalware found (blocked)
SUSPICIOUSFlagged for manual review
FAILEDScan could not complete

Files with INFECTED status are not downloadable.

Moderation​

Removing Downloads​

As a channel owner, you can:

  1. Navigate to the discussion with the download
  2. Click the action menu
  3. Select Archive or Edit to remove the file

Reporting Downloads​

Users can report problematic downloads:

  1. Click the report icon on the download
  2. Select a reason
  3. Submit the report
  4. A moderation issue is created

Best Practices​

File Type Selection​

Consider your community's needs:

  • Only allow relevant file types
  • Be cautious with executable formats
  • Consider archive formats for multi-file projects

Filter Organization​

Design filters that:

  • Match how users think about content
  • Have clear, mutually exclusive options
  • Cover the most common categorizations

Quality Guidelines​

Communicate expectations:

  • File naming conventions
  • Required metadata
  • Quality standards
  • Attribution requirements

Troubleshooting​

Upload Failures​

If uploads fail:

  1. Check file type is allowed
  2. Verify file size is within limits
  3. Ensure user has upload permission
  4. Check server storage is configured

Missing Filter Options​

If filters don't appear:

  1. Verify filter groups are saved
  2. Check filter mode (INCLUDE/EXCLUDE)
  3. Ensure options have display names

Download Errors​

If downloads fail:

  1. Check file scan status
  2. Verify storage is accessible
  3. Check user permissions