We know that protecting your images is important to you. By default, we put security measures in place that prevent site visitors from downloading copies of your original uploaded images in their full resolution.
We also know that sometimes you give your clients rights to download their images at no added cost, depending on what you’ve worked out with them. For that reason, you also have the option to allow the downloading of original images for free within specific Groups and Galleries.
When you allow the free downloading of original files, images may be downloaded one-by-one from the Gallery thumbnails page, or all at once via a “Download All” button. When this option is selected, clients will receive the original uploaded images as a zip file via email.
Keep in mind that the option to download original files is only available to visitors who can access the photographs. For example: visitors can never access Private Gallery images - so even if the free downloading of original images has been allowed, site visitors will not be able to download those images, since Private Galleries will never be displayed to visitors.
While it is entirely possible to edit the Access Control settings for each and every item in a Gallery (including individual photos), we recommend that Access Control changes be made at the Gallery or Group level. Why? By default, when Access Control settings are applied at the Gallery level, they will also apply to all of the photos within the Gallery.
Allowing the Downloading of Videos
This guide covers how to allow the downloading of original images - these settings do not apply to videos. To allow the downloading of videos, follow the steps in this guide.
What does your Account look like?
Original Photos Page: Allow or Not Allow the Downloading of Original Photo Files from a Gallery
- In your account, go to Photos in the Main Menu
- Select the desired Gallery or Group in the Organizer. The item's details will load in the Details Column.
- Select Gallery Access (or Group Access) in the Details column. A pop-up window will open.
- Uncheck the Same as Containing... (if necessary).
- Go to the Downloading tab.
- Check Allow downloading or Do not allow downloading based on the desired effect.
- Click Save for the new settings to take effect immediately.
Note: The above steps can be applied to multiple selected items as one operation.
You may also want to consider the option to allow visitors to save smaller images than the original uploaded file.
Allow Downloading of Original Files from a Gallery with a Password
Perhaps you’d like to require a password as an added layer of security for free downloads you are allowing. With this option, in order to download the original files for free, your website visitor is required to type in a password. Here’s how to set this up:
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In your account, go to Photos in the Main Menu
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Select the desired Gallery or Group in the Organizer. The item's details will load in the Details Column.
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Select Gallery Access (or Group Access) in the Details column. A pop-up window will open.
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Uncheck the Same as Containing... (if necessary).
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Go to the Downloading tab.
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Mark the circle for Lock with a password
Enter the desired password in the fields provided.
Enter a password hint for your clients if you wish. If preventing unauthorized downloading is important, no hint should not be used. -
Choose to allow or not allow any linked RAW files to be downloaded with the images.
- Click Save for the new settings to take effect immediately
Note: The above steps can be applied to multiple selected items as one operation.
You may also want to consider the option to allow visitors to save smaller images than the original uploaded file.
New Photos Page: Allow or Not Allow the Downloading of Original Photo Files from a Gallery
- In your account, go to Photos in the Main Menu
- Select the desired Gallery or Group in the Organizer.
- Select Access. A pop-up window will open.
- Go to the Downloading tab.
- Uncheck the Sync all setting with Group, in the bottom left corner of the pop-up... (if necessary).
- Select Allow or Disabled based on the desired effect.
- Click Save for the new settings to take effect immediately.
You may also want to consider the option to allow visitors to save smaller images than the original uploaded file.
To Explicitly Allow Downloading of Original Files from a Gallery with a Password
Perhaps you’d like to require a password as an added layer of security for free downloads you are allowing. With this option, in order to download the original files for free, your website visitor is required to type in a password. Here’s how to set this up:
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In your account, go to Photos in the Main Menu
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Select the desired Gallery or Group in the Organizer.
-
Select Access. A pop-up window will open.
- Go to the Downloading tab.
-
Uncheck the Sync all setting with Group, in the bottom left corner of the pop-up... (if necessary).
-
Select the Locked option
-Enter the desired password in the field provided.
-Enter a password hint for your clients if you wish. If preventing unauthorized downloading is important, it is recommended not to use a hint - Click Save for the new settings to take effect immediately
