How do I protect my course files & downloads?

To protect your course content in LearnDash, it’s essential to leverage the right tools and settings to ensure that only authorized users can access your materials. Here’s a refined guide that focuses on effective content protection:

Table of Contents [hide]

• 1 1. Use the LearnDash Integrity Add-On
• 2 2. Host Videos on a Secure Platform
• 3 3. Control Access to Learning Materials
• 4 4. Restrict Course Display and Content
• 5 5. Leverage Membership Plugins (Optional)
• 6 Was this article helpful to you?

1. Use the LearnDash Integrity Add-On

The Integrity Add-On offers several features designed to enhance content protection:

• Hotlink Protection: Prevents unauthorized users from accessing your course files by blocking direct links.
• Content Copy Prevention: Disables right-click and text selection to minimize the risk of content copying.

To set this up:

1. Install and activate the Integrity Add-On via LearnDash LMS > Add-Ons.
2. Configure the settings according to your protection needs.

2. Host Videos on a Secure Platform

When using videos in your course, consider hosting them on Vimeo, which offers robust security features:

• Domain-Level Privacy: Restrict video playback to your domain.

Set up your videos on Vimeo and embed them into your LearnDash courses using the video URL. Please note that these special privacy settings are not available of the free Vimeo plan.

3. Control Access to Learning Materials

For downloadable content like PDFs or other resources:

• Conditionally Display Content with Shortcodes: Use the [student] shortcode to ensure that only enrolled users can view or download the materials.
  • Example: [student]Your download link here[/student]

For more information, refer to the LearnDash Shortcodes & Blocks documentation.

4. Restrict Course Display and Content

Make sure your course content is only visible to enrolled users:

1. Set the Course Access Mode:
   • Go to LearnDash LMS > Courses.
   • Edit the course and select the appropriate access mode (e.g., Buy Now, Recurring, or Closed) to restrict access.

For detailed configuration, see the LearnDash Course Display & Content Settings documentation.

5. Leverage Membership Plugins (Optional)

For advanced content protection, consider integrating with a membership plugin like MemberPress or Restrict Content Pro:

• These plugins allow you to create membership levels and assign access to LearnDash courses based on the user’s membership status.

By combining these methods, you can effectively protect your LearnDash course content, ensuring that only authorized users can access your materials while maintaining a smooth user experience.