Do I need to change my theme for digital products?

No, but hide the shipping fields at checkout and say plainly that the item is a download. Both prevent the most common support message.

Can I limit how many times a file is downloaded?

Yes, most apps allow a limit. Set it generously — a tight limit creates far more support work than piracy does.

How big can the file be?

Apps have size caps, usually generous. For very large files, host elsewhere and deliver a link.

Can I sell a file and a physical item together?

Yes. The file is delivered digitally and the physical item ships as normal.

Why did my buyer not get the file?

Usually the file was attached to the product but not the variant, or the confirmation email went to spam. Put the link on the thank-you page too.

How do I sell digital products on Shopify?

Updated 17 September 2026

Install a downloads app first

Install a digital downloads app before you create the product, attach the file to the variant rather than the product, untick "this is a physical product" so no shipping address is asked for, then place a real test order and check the link works on a phone.

Those four steps are where nearly every broken Shopify download comes from.

Turn off shipping on the product

Untick "this is a physical product". If you forget, buyers are asked for a shipping address and some will abandon the checkout.

Also set inventory to unlimited so the product never goes out of stock.

Test a real purchase

Place an order yourself, with a real card if you can, and check the email arrives and the link works.

Then check it on a phone. That is where most buyers will open it.

Write the thank-you page properly

Put the download link on the order confirmation page as well as in the email. Emails go to spam; the page does not.

This one change removes most of your future support messages.

FAQ

Questions, answered straight.

Do I need to change my theme for digital products?: No, but hide the shipping fields at checkout and say plainly that the item is a download. Both prevent the most common support message.
Can I limit how many times a file is downloaded?: Yes, most apps allow a limit. Set it generously — a tight limit creates far more support work than piracy does.
How big can the file be?: Apps have size caps, usually generous. For very large files, host elsewhere and deliver a link.
Can I sell a file and a physical item together?: Yes. The file is delivered digitally and the physical item ships as normal.
Why did my buyer not get the file?: Usually the file was attached to the product but not the variant, or the confirmation email went to spam. Put the link on the thank-you page too.

Sell it inside your Whop.

MKKT adds a store to your community. Upload the file, set a price, share one link.

Start selling What MKKT does on Whop →