PDF Files

PDF uploads are stored in exactly the same folder(s) as your uploaded images. But whatever you do, do not try to password protect these folders as this will also stop WordPress from accessing all of your images and uploaded files.

I still don’t see them. There are two folders, based on months and no PDF files.
How can I protect the files then though, so that people cannot hard link to them?

I still don’t see them.

I can assure you that they are in there if you uploaded them via WordPress’ Add Media functionality.

How can I protect the files then though, so that people cannot hard link to them?

Short answer: you can’t. In order to even view them, these files will be downloaded into the visitor’s browser cache. So they won’t need to link to them. They’ll already have copies on their hard drives.

I found the files.
I understand that people will have a copy on their computer. We send out copies whenever a new edition comes out. However, this is legal advice that people pay to receive, and it’s possible that someone could share the direct link to the page. We do not want people to be able to do that. I know it’s possible, another attorney does the same thing. I can’t ask him though, because he pays a developer and also doesn’t use wordpress. Even with the direct link to the file, you still need a password to access it.

If people are paying for these files, have you considered using an ecommerce plugin? Many such plugins store “product files” in different locations that would be more difficult to determine. They may also limit access to downloadable files on a per-customer basis with a limit on the number of download attempts. I know that https://www.ads-software.com/extend/plugins/eshop/ does all of this (I help to develop & support the plugin) but I think some of the other ecommerce plugins may do the same thing.

None seem quite right (would have responded earlier, but between the holiday, weekend, and the site not allowing me to log in for a bit haven’t had a chance). Or is there a way to allow an override for people who have already paid, or are current clients (and therefore have already paid)? I don’t want to create a hassle for anyone, going through the route of a coupon code that allows free access. At that point it may just be easier for them to request a new copy.

Or is there a way to allow an override for people who have already paid, or are current clients (and therefore have already paid)?

eShop does allow you to use discount codes, if that helps.

So I ended up embedding the information with Google Doc Embedder. It works fantastic, and the only time someone can see the direct link is after downloading it (which requires a password to do). At that point, they already have a copy of the file and can’t do anything they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. The file isn’t viewable without a password, and with the password is easy to view, download, ect.
https://www.davistribe.org/gde/