How to Build a Direct Link

Capture a download link that can be shared with others via email and IM.

Scripting languages used to develop websites provide a number of methods that can be used to make downloads available to users. However, in many cases, the link or widget that provides the download does not make a direct link to the file available to copy and use elsewhere. Employ the features of common Web browsers to find and copy the URL in order to build a direct download link.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Windows computer with Firefox or Safari web browser installed

Instructions

1. Open the Firefox or Safari web browser and navigate to a website that contains a download for which you need a direct link.

2. Click on the button, link or widget that starts the download. Click the "Save" or "Save File" in the window that appears.

3. Right-click on the download progress bar in the "Download" window that appears and click "Copy address" or "Copy download address" in the menu that appears.

4. Right-click on the email, Web page text box or word processor where you wish to place the direct link. Click "Paste" in the menu that appears to place the direct link in the area you have selected.

References

• W3Schools: HTML Links

Resources

• Apple: Safari Download
• Mozilla: Mozilla Firefox