electron-dl

Simplified file downloads for your Electron app

Why?

One function call instead of having to manually implement a lot of boilerplate.
Saves the file to the users Downloads directory instead of prompting.
Bounces the Downloads directory in the dock when done. (macOS)
Shows download progress. Example on macOS:

Install

$ npm install --save electron-dl

Usage

Register it for all windows

This is probably what you want for your app.

const {app, BrowserWindow} = require('electron');

require('electron-dl')();

let win;

app.on('ready', () => {
	win = new BrowserWindow();
});

Use it manually

This can be useful if you need download functionality in a reusable module.

const {app, BrowserWindow, ipcMain} = require('electron');
const {download} = require('electron-dl');

ipcMain.on('download-btn', (e, args) => {
	download(BrowserWindow.getFocusedWindow(), args.url)
		.then(dl => console.log(dl.getSavePath()))
		.catch(console.error);
});

API

electronDl([options])

electronDl.download(window, url, [options]): Promise<DownloadItem>

window

Type: BrowserWindow

Window to register the behavior on.

url

Type: string

URL to download.

options

saveAs

Type: boolean
Default: false

Show a Save As… dialog instead of downloading immediately.

Note: Only use this option when strictly necessary. Downloading directly without a prompt is a much better user experience.

filename

Type: string
Default: downloadItem.getFilename()

Name of the saved file.

This option only makes sense for electronDl.download().

errorTitle

Type: string
Default: Download Error

Title of the error dialog. Can be customized for localization.

errorMessage

Type: string
Default: The download of {filename} was interrupted

Message of the error dialog. {filename} is replaced with the name of the actual file. Can be customized for localization.

onProgress

Type: Function

Optional callback that receives a number between 0 and 1 representing the progress of the current download.

openFolderWhenDone