WordPress File Manager Plugin (CMDM) + Anonymous Upload (CMDMAU) - Use Case - Allowing Anonymous Uploads
Use Case - Allowing Anonymous Uploads In Your Directory
Note: This guide covers features from the
- Pro version of WordPress File Manager Plugin - This document uses version 4.3.0
- Anonymous Upload add-on.
Video Use-Case
Introduction
The Anonymous Posting Add-On includes anonymous upload support to the WordPress File Manager plugin. Administrators can moderate each upload and approve or trash it.
Use Case Front-End
Use Case Assumptions
In this example use case guide, we'll cover how to let users upload files anonymously to your downloads directory. You can apply the same idea to any topic or file type.
We consider that you have already bought the add-on, but not installed it. We'll cover only the basics of setting up the WordPress File Manager plugin - If you still have not done so, check WordPress File Manager Plugin (CMDM) - Use Case - Creating Library of Content From Scratch.
It follows:
- Installing the add-on
- Allowing anonymous uploads (Add-on Options)
- Asking and requiring anonymous users to provide email
- Moderating downloads
- Using reCAPTCHA to block spammers
- Collecting activity information, including IP
- Translating the forum interface
- How anonymous users see Front-End upload page
Installing the Add-on
The process is the same for all CM plugins and add-ons.
- Download the plugin from your customer dashboard.
- Log in to WordPress and navigate to the WordPress Admin → Plugins settings.
- Click on Add New.
- Activate it and add the license.
Warning: WordPress File Manager Plugin Has To Be Activated
WordPress File Manager Plugin has to be activated before you activate the add-on. Activating the add-on on its own will cause errors.
Allowing Anonymous Uploads (Add-on Options)
All the core functionality of the add-on is located in two screens. First, navigate to the Admin Dashboard → CM Downloads Pro → Settings.
Click on the Access tab. Set "Who can add new downloads" to "All users (including guests)".
Next Steps
The basic setup for the use case is done!
But we can do much more.
TIP Set Other Permissions
In this same screen, you can allow anonymous users to:
- View downloads
- Use preview
- Download files
Asking and Requiring Anonymous Users to Provide Email
All anonymous users have to provide a name. This will be used as the "Author" field of the download.
A first line of security measure is to ask or force users to provide an email address while uploading.
To do so, change tab to Anonymous Upload. Here, you have two settings.
- Display email address field - Adds the "email" field to the upload form
- Require email address - Makes the field obligatory. Note that there is no check to see if the email is valid.
Email Field on The Upload Form
The email field will appear at the end of the form.
If the email is obligatory and was not provided, users will see the error message.
You can change this message from the labels settings.
Moderating Downloads
Chances are you want to moderate new downloads.
To do so, navigate to the Admin Dashboard → CM Downloads → Settings → Access and moderation tab.
Under the Downloads moderation section, disable "Auto-approve new downloads".
Approval Message Example
When users upload files, they will see this message:
This label can be changed from the settings. Learn more: WordPress File Manager Plugin (CMDM) - Getting Started - Changing Front-End Text (Labels)
TIP: Same Settings as The Base WordPress File Manager Plugin
Many other important settings are carried over from the original plugin. For example, the same file types are permitted. More resources:
Using reCAPTCHA To Block Spammers
Enabling reCAPTCHA is a great way to protect to prevent spam.
To enable it, you must acquire reCAPTCHA API keys from Google.
TIP: What is reCAPTCHA
reCAPTCHA is a test designed to filtrate bots. There are different versions of it. Learn more from Choosing the type of reCAPTCHA | reCAPTCHA.
A properly configured reCAPTCHA should result in a test like this:
Acquiring API Keys
All steps are done from google.com/recaptcha.
Check our specific guide: General Support - reCAPTCHA - What is It and How to Enable
Adding Keys
Once you have the keys, add them to Anonymous Upload tab → Captcha. Don't forget to enable Enable captcha.
Collecting Information, Including IP
Note: This feature is relevant to GDPR compliance. Learn more: User Data Privacy and GDPR Compliance
The WordPress File Manager Plugin allows to maintain a log of download activity.
Example
Navigate to the Admin Dashboard → CM Downloads Pro → Settings. Click on the Download Page tab.
Under the Logs section, check:
- Log downloads of - This setting can control if the log will be active, and if it will log only logged-in users or all users.
- Geolocation - offers additional country information for each IP that is collected in the log file. You need an API key. Learn more: WordPress File Manager Plugin (CMDM) - Extras - Log and Statistics (Checking Reports)
Translating The Interface
This integration includes some specific labels. This way, you can adapt all messages related to anonymous posting.
Head to CM Downloads → Settings → Labels and edit all relevant text.
How Anonymous Users See Front-End Upload Page
Let's check the complete result.
TIP: Upload Page Link
Remember you can review the upload page link from Admin Dashboard → CM Downloads Pro → Settings.
Now non-logged-in users can access this link too.
In this page, users should click on Add new.
The guest user has to fill captcha (if defined) and enter their e-mail address in provided fields.
Learn more about editing the Upload Form: WordPress File Manager Plugin (CMDM) - Getting Started - Adding a Download and Customizing the Upload Form
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