1. Documentation /
  2. Adding and Managing Products /
  3. Virtual and Downloadable Products

Virtual and Downloadable Products

Marking a product as virtual and/or downloadable, you designate it as a product that either isn’t shipped, can be downloaded, or both. These settings are useful for intangible products like services or something like an album, which might offer both delivery and download options. On this page, you’ll learn the basics about how to add and configure virtual and download products.

Making a product Virtual

↑ Back to top

When adding a Simple product, you can tick the Virtual checkbox box in the product type panel.

The Virtual product checkbox appears next to the product data on simple products

With Variable products, this checkbox appears on each respective variation.

The virtual product checkbox appears on individual variations for variable products.

Enabling the Virtual option disables all shipping related fields such as shipping dimensions. A virtual product will also not trigger the shipping calculator in cart and checkout.

Making a product Downloadable

↑ Back to top

When adding a simple product, you can select the Downloadable checkbox box in the product type panel. This adds additional fields in the General section of the Product data panel:

  • Downloadable Files – Add file(s) for customers to download.
  • Download Limit – Set how many times a customer can download the file(s). Leave blank for unlimited.
  • Download Expiry – Set the number of days before a download expires after purchase.

For maximum flexibility, unless also marked as virtual, downloadable products have fields for shipping information, and incur shipping calculations at checkout. This allows you to offer physical products that include a download. For example, to digitally deliver the user manual for a smart device instead of including a printed one in the box. 

You can check the Virtual box if the downloadable product is not shippable. 

Note: Orders where all products are both virtual and downloadable will skip the Processing order status and move directly to the Completed order status. For more information about order statuses check the Managing Orders documentation

Adding a Simple Downloadable Product

↑ Back to top

Add a simple downloadable product by following these instructions:

  1. Go to WooCommerce > Products > Add Product to add a new Simple product.
  2. Tick the Downloadable checkbox:
  3. After ticking this box, other options appear:
    • Downloadable Files – Add file(s) for customers to download.
    • Download Limit – Set how many times a customer can download the file(s). Leave blank for unlimited.
    • Download Expiry – Set the number of days before a download expires after purchase.
  4. Select the Add file button and then name the file. If hosted elsewhere, enter the file URL. If you need to add a new file or choose one from your Media Library, click “Choose file.” Upload the file and click Insert to set up each downloadable file URL.
  5. Enter Download limit (optional). Once a customer reaches this limit, they can no longer download the file.
  6. Enter Download expiry (optional). Download links expire after the days specified (leave blank to never expire).
  7. Press Publish or Update as usual to completed the edit to the product.
Settings for creating a Simple downloadable product

For more details about downloadable product settings, configurations, and troubleshooting, check the Digital/Downloadable Product Handling Documentation. 

Downloadable Variable Products

↑ Back to top

Making a variable product downloadable is very similar to making a simple product downloadable. For details on the process, check our Variable product documentation

Questions and Support

↑ Back to top

Do you still have questions and need assistance? 

This documentation is about the free, core WooCommerce plugin for which support is provided in our community forums on WordPress.org. Searching there you’ll often find that your question has been asked and answered before.

If you haven’t created a WordPress.org account to use the forums, here’s how.

  • If you’re looking to extend the core functionality shown here, we recommend reviewing available extensions in the Woo Marketplace.
  • Need ongoing advanced support, or a customization built for WooCommerce? Hire a WooExpert agency.
  • Are you a developer building your own WooCommerce integration or extension? Check our Developer Resources.

If you weren’t able to find the information you need, please use the feedback thumbs below to let us know! 🙏