Overview
This article explains how to manage your preferences for locking downloads before payment is received. You’ll learn how to control when clients can download media you deliver, whether by default, or on a per order or per customer basis.
Paywalls & Watermarks
When you have activated the setting to lock downloads before payment is received, the client will see a Pay Now option when they view the listing in both the download center and their customer portal.
Images will have watermarks on them until payment is received.
Right clicking on images is also prevented and will display the message pictured below. Images and other media can be downloaded after payment is received by clicking on the Download button.
Unlocking Downloads
Upon clicking the Pay Now button, the client can complete payment for the order. Once payment has been completed, the content will automatically unlock and be available to download.
Note: The client does not need to create an account in order to complete payment.
Account Default Download Settings
Set your account-wide default preference for locking downloads before payment.
1. Navigate to Settings, under More in the left-hand navigation menu.
2. Scroll down and click on Download Settings.
3. Select the option you prefer for the box next to Lock Downloads Before Payment
Checked Box: Content is locked until payment is received.
Unchecked Box: Content is available for download regardless of payment.
The setting you select will act as the default across your account, but can be customized at the order or customer level.
Locking Downloads via Order Page
To adjust the download locking settings for an individual order:
Open the Order page.
Click on the Settings & Activity tab at the top of the order page.
Find Lock downloads for customers until paid? and choose your desired option from the dropdown.
Yes: Lock content until payment is received.
No: Downloads will be allowed.
Customer-Specific Download Settings
To customize locking preferences per customer:
Go to the Customers page, using the left-hand side menu.
Click on the desired customer to view their customer profile.
Click on Settings, then click Download Settings.
Select one of the following options from the dropdown:
Use my group’s default download settings
Yes, require this customer to always pay before downloading content
No, always allow this customer to download content even if unpaid
This is useful for clients on custom billing cycles, like monthly invoicing.
Locking Downloads via Listing Page
If you haven’t connected a payment gateway and still want to restrict downloads, you can manually lock downloads on each listing.
Go to the Listing.
Click on the Settings cog wheel in the top right-hand corner of the page.
Select the desired Lock Downloads setting:
Yes: Lock content, regardless of payment or order status.
No: Content will be downloadable unless tied to an unpaid order.
Note: If you select Yes, you must manually update this setting to No after payment is collected in order for your client to download the media.
FAQs
Q: Can I have different settings for specific clients?
A: Yes, you can adjust the lock download setting on the customer level that can be different from your default account setting.
Q: What happens if I don't use a payment gateway?
A: You can manually lock downloads on each listing page, but you’ll need to manually unlock it after payment to allow the customer to download the media.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to the Aryeo Support Team at [email protected] and we'll assist you!