Creating Direct Download Links for Files in Brightspace

Creating Direct Download Links for Files in Brightspace

This tutorial explains how to add files to a Brightspace course so students can download them directly, rather than only previewing them in the browser.

  • Use standard file uploads when students should preview and optionally download a file.
  • Use direct download links when students need to open files in their own software, such as Excel or PowerPoint.
  • Organize files in Manage Files before creating links to avoid broken links later.

Watch the Video

Watch this video walkthrough, then use the written steps below as a quick reference while working in Brightspace.

When to Use Direct Download Links

Brightspace can preview many uploaded files directly in the browser. This works well for PDFs, Word documents, and some PowerPoint files.

However, some files may not display as intended in the preview window. For example, spreadsheets may be broken into pages, and PowerPoint files with video or interactive content may not work correctly in the browser.

For these files, it is usually better to create a download link so students can open the file using the appropriate desktop or web application.

Option 1: Add Files Directly to Content

Use this option when you want students to preview a file in Brightspace and also have access to the built-in download button.

  1. Open your Brightspace course.
  2. Select Content from the course navigation.
  3. Create or open the unit where the files should appear.
  4. Drag and drop the files into the unit, or use the upload option.
  5. Wait for Brightspace to upload and render the file previews.
  6. Make the files visible to students when you are ready.

Option 2: Create Direct Download Links

Use this option when students should download files directly from a page in your course.

  1. Open your Brightspace course.
  2. Go to Course Admin.
  3. Select Manage Files.
  4. Create a new folder, such as Course Downloads.
  5. Open the folder.
  6. Select Upload, then choose your files, or drag files into the upload area.
  7. Return to Content.
  8. Open the unit where you want the downloads to appear.
  9. Create a new page, such as Course Downloads.
  10. In the page editor, place your cursor where the download links should appear.
  11. Use Quicklinks to browse to Course Files.
  12. Open the folder where you uploaded the files.
  13. Select each file you want to link.
  14. Save and close the page.
  15. Test the links to confirm the files download as expected.

Recommended File Organization

Before creating download links, organize your files in Manage Files. This helps keep your course easier to maintain.

Important: If you rename, move, or reorganize files after creating links to them, those links may break.

Organize your folders and files first, then create the links in your Brightspace pages.

Working with Migrated Moodle Files

If your course was migrated from Moodle, your previous course files may already be available in Brightspace course files.

When creating a page with download links, use Quicklinks to browse the course files area and locate migrated files. You can then link to those files from your Brightspace page.

This is helpful when you want students to download files that were originally part of your Moodle course content.

Best Practices

  • Use PDFs when students only need to read or print a document.
  • Use direct download links for spreadsheets, editable templates, and files with interactive elements.
  • Give links clear names, such as Download Weekly Schedule Spreadsheet.
  • Avoid moving or renaming files after links have been created.
  • Use View as Learner to confirm students can access the files.

Need Help?

For support with Brightspace course files, download links, or course content setup, contact the Educational Technology team.

edtech@okanagan.bc.ca

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