Download List Block with Icons

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Download List Block with Icons

by threadi

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Description

Use a Gutenberg Block to manage a download list with file type specific icons. No configuration is necessary. The Block can be used immediately after installation.

Features

  • Choose files from media library
  • Output chosen files as list with file-type-specific icon, download-link, title, size and description from media library
  • Ships with multiple iconsets (Bootstrap-Icons, Dashicons, FontAweSome-Icons, Themify-Icons)
  • Optional preview images for images, PDF files and audio or video files with cover image
  • Optional frame for icons and preview images with color, radius, inner spacing and background
  • Overview of all posts, pages, patterns and templates, which use the block
  • Show all files of a folder from folder plugins like Folderly, HappyFiles or Folders
  • Abilities for AI agents and automations via the Abilities API of WordPress
  • Drag & Drop sorting for the list
  • Remove files from list

Supports

  • Display of file size, description and icon can be switched on and off
  • Choose what link should be published: direct link or attachment page
  • Choose an iconset for each Block; manage custom icons in unlimited lists
  • Usage of multiple hooks to change or add icons to shipped iconsets
  • Sort list by title or filesize with one click
  • The Block can be used in widgets
  • Set colors, typography and borders for each Block
  • Use External files in media library if you want to link to external files

The development repository is on GitHub.

  1. Upload “download-list-block-with-icons” to the “/wp-content/plugins/” directory.
  2. Activate the plugin through the “Plugins” menu in WordPress.
  3. Add the Download List Block to the post or page where you want to show the download list. Choose the file(s) you wish to present.
  1. After adding the Block you have to choose the files.

    After adding the Block you have to choose the files.

  2. After adding files to the Block they will be listed.

    After adding files to the Block they will be listed.

  3. The files will be listed in the frontend.

    The files will be listed in the frontend.

Where do I enter the description of a file?

The description stored at the file in the Media Library itself is used as the description. You can edit it in 2 ways:

  • Open the file in the Media Library for editing. There you will find the field “Description”. Enter the desired description here.
  • Or open this editing mask via the pencil at the file in the block you have created.

You can also add a custom title and description for each file used only by the Block of this plugin.

Is there a limit to the amount files?

No, there are no restrictions.

Can I use the block in my theme?

The block can basically be used in any theme that supports Gutenberg blocks. If this is the case for your theme, you have to ask your theme developer.

Can I add my own icons?

Yes, you can manage your custom iconsets in WordPress-backend.

No icon is displayed at a file. Why?

The file will probably have a file type that does not follow the WordPress standard and is therefore not included in our plugin. You have 2 options:

  • Use the iconset specific hook “downloadlist_*_icons” to add the list of icons. Check beforehand with the developer of your chosen icon set if the icon you want is included there.
  • Use another icon set, which supports the file type if necessary.

Why is no preview shown for my PDF files?

WordPress generates the preview of the first page of a PDF file during the upload. This requires Imagick with Ghostscript on your hosting. PDF files uploaded before have no preview: regenerate them e.g. with the plugin “Regenerate Thumbnails” or with wp media regenerate. Files without preview are shown with their icon.

Which files get a preview image?

Images, PDF files with generated preview and audio or video files with a cover image. WordPress takes the cover from MP3 files during the upload; you can also set it as featured image when editing the file in the media library. All other files are shown with their icon. The block shows a hint for each case.

Can I show the files of a folder from my media folder plugin?

Yes, if the plugin saves its folders as taxonomy for the media library, as for example Folderly, HappyFiles or Folders do. Choose the folder in the toolbar of the block with “Choose a download list or folder”. New files in this folder are shown automatically. Plugins which save their folders in their own database tables, like FileBird or Real Media Library, are not supported yet. Developers can add other folder taxonomies with the filter downloadlist_folder_taxonomies. You can disable the use of folders under Settings > Download List Block with Icons > Settings.

Can AI agents work with my download lists?

Yes, since WordPress 6.9 the plugin offers abilities for the Abilities API of WordPress. An AI agent can e.g. find where a file is shown, list the download lists and folders or check for missing preview images. In the mode “All” it can also assign files to download lists and add download lists to posts. The abilities always run with the rights of the logged-in user. You can disable them or allow only reading abilities under Settings > Download List Block with Icons > Settings, where you also find a check whether they could be used in your project.

Are the preview images protected like my files?

No. The preview images are saved in the uploads directory and are public, even if a plugin protects the files themselves. Do not enable the previews for confidential documents.

Does the plugin also support Elementor or other PageBuilders?

No. The plugin is intended solely for the Gutenberg editor and will not be extended to other PageBuilders.

Finally, an accessibility plugin for downloadable files

By maette216 on October 15, 2025

It's very useful that it's easy to use and compatible with Gutenberg. I searched everywhere and was starting to despair. So thank you to @threadi for this great work.
I've suggested translations for the French version. I m waiting for their validation. I really need a French version for next month 🙂

Great Gutenberg Plugin, Great Support

By thewebtailors on January 31, 2025

Perfect plugin for adding a download link list. I am already using it on a couple of websites. Also, the developer goes above and beyond. Give it a try!

Nice and simple

By sankari on November 13, 2023

A useful and free plugin to easily manage file lists.

Great plugin for Gutenberg and files

By pizienolamitica on July 20, 2023

I was looking for a plugin that would allow me to show the size of the files I wanted to share with the community as well as the extension and icons to show for each individual file. With this plugin I found everything. Good integration with Gutenberg. This plugin replaces Gutenberg's insufficient native "file block" and extends its capabilities.

Please, increase the possibility to select file's icons

Easy to use document listing block

By In Touch Consulting (intercommsa) on April 12, 2023

This Gutenberg block plugin makes it very easy to add a list of downloads anywhere on the page. You can select the files from the media manager and choose whether to show the description, size, etc. And they can be bullets or numbered.

My page builder often conflicts with 3rd party blocks, but this one worked perfectly. It looks very elegant, and it will be easy for my clients to use.

Originally I had a conflict, but support fixed it immediately - very responsive development team!

Easy to use

By KarenWallace on October 19, 2022

This plugin is even better than the built-in single download link block since it takes its link text from the media title instead of the media filename. Thank you, Thomas!

Very useful plugin and responsive developer

By redkite on July 26, 2022

Interestingly this block doesn't display anything if placed inside another block (I tried Kadence rows and sections, a Gutenberg column and a Stackable column). Could be very useful if this bug is fixed. No settings to hide/show display elements but easy to do with CSS. EDIT: the issue with nested blocks was fixed, and other options like hiding file sizes and hiding icons were added. This is now a solid choice for creating a simple download list.

5.0.1

  • Updated dependencies to be compatible with WordPress 7.2

older changes

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