If you want to provide explorers with a file to download in your topic or article - an example spreadsheet, a PDF document (such as a policy), a template Word file - there are a few different ways to do so.
The easiest way is to use the Download element.
Expand the sections below to learn more. Alternative options are also described below.
Steps to add the Download element to a course
Steps to add the Download element to a course
Add the element to your topic or article by selecting the 'Download' option from the Content box, then follow these steps:
Click to select your file in the first area of the Download element. The Download element allows you to upload a file up to 100MB in size.
2. Optionally, provide a display name for your file. This is the text used on the 'download' button for explorers. This might be a shorter or cleaner version of the actual file name.
3. Optionally, write a caption for your file, which might be instructions on its use or a summary of the file contents. Explorers will then see the file with any caption, along with a button to download that file.
4. Manage your download settings, as preferred.
5. Click 'Save'
Note: When you add a Download element, you can later change the file without having to recreate the element (typically to update to a later version of the file).
Video demonstration
Video demonstration
In the video below, we show you how to use the download element. Please note, certain aspects of the UI may have changed since the video was recorded.
Settings and options
Settings and options
You can choose to turn on the setting to force explorers to download the file before progressing. This will mean that explorers will be unable to continue through the topic or article until the file has been downloaded.
To force explorers to download the file, mark the checkbox "Explorers must download this file before progressing".
Examples
Examples
No display name or caption:
Display name, without caption:
Display name and caption:
Alternative options
Alternative options
Alternative options for making files available for explorers to download include:
Text element - You can also use a URL or hyperlink in a Text element (or just about any other element with text including Insights, Columns, Polls and Quizzes) to link out to a file stored elsewhere. This can be useful when that file may be regularly updated. As long as the URL does not change, explorers can then always access the latest version of that file.
PDF element - For PDF files, you could use the PDF element, which will also display the PDF for viewing on screen. The PDF element can be configured to allow explorers to download and print files.
Embed element - Finally, you can achieve a similar result with the Embed element which supports links to files in Dropbox, OneDrive, Box and other cloud storage providers.