If you sell digital goods like eBooks, music, software, or offer online services such as consulting or coaching sessions, WooCommerce makes it easy to configure them as virtual and/or downloadable products. These product types streamline your workflow by skipping shipping, automating file delivery, and immediately completing orders after paymen.
With just a few steps, you can:
- Sell non-physical products or services with ease.
- Automatically deliver files to your customers.
- Skip shipping-related configuration entirely.
- Improve customer satisfaction with instant access post-purchase.
Step 1: Navigate to the "Products" page
- In your WordPress Dashboard, go to the left sidebar.
- Click Products > Add New.
- This opens the product creation screen, where you can start entering product details. You can check the article about adding a product here.
Step 2: Enter product name and description
- In the Product Title field, enter the name of your digital product.
- Use the main editor area to describe your product in detail.
Note:
Keep your description keyword-rich and clear—it helps with SEO and conversion.
Step 3: Select “Virtual” or “Downloadable” product type
Scroll down to the Product Data section (just below the editor).
- Check Virtual if your product doesn’t require shipping (e.g., a service).
- Check Downloadable if the product includes a digital file (e.g., PDF, MP3, ZIP).
- You can check both if it’s a digital file that doesn’t require shipping.
- For variable products (with options like formats or licenses), you can mark individual variations as virtual and/or downloadable.
Step 4: Set the product price
Under the General tab in the Product Data section:
- Regular Price: Set your base price.
- Sale Price (optional): Enter a discount price and schedule the sale if needed.
Step 5: Upload downloadable files
- Downloadable files: Click Add File, name it, and upload it or enter a hosted file URL.
- Download limit (optional): Set how many times the file can be downloaded. Leave blank for unlimited acces.
- Download expiry (optional): Set how many days the download link remains active after purchase.
You can upload multiple files, such as an eBook, bonus material, and audio instructions.
Step 6: Add product image, category, and short description
For better visibility:
- Short Description: Write a brief summary that shows next to the product image.
- Product Image: Upload a thumbnail (cover image, logo, etc.).
- Product Categories: Organize it under tags like “Digital Downloads” or “Online Services”.
This helps shoppers and search engines better understand your product.
Step 7: Publish the product
When everything is ready, click the Publish button on the right sidebar.
Step 8: Create downloadable variable products (optional)
If your product has variations (like different file formats or license types), you can make each variation virtual or downloadable.
To do this:
- Choose Variable Product in the Product Data dropdown.
- Under Variations, click to edit each one.
- Check Virtual and/or Downloadable as needed.
- Upload relevant files for each variation.
Note:
If a product is both virtual and downloadable, WooCommerce skips the “Processing” status and automatically marks the order as Completed. Customers receive an email with download links. You can view and manage orders in WooCommerce > Orders.