Simplified file downloads for your Electron app
- 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)
- Handles multiple downloads.
- Shows badge count (macOS & Linux only) and download progress. Example on macOS:
$ npm install electron-dl
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();
});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);
});It can only be used in the main process.
electronDl.download(window, url, [options]): Promise<DownloadItem>
Type: BrowserWindow
Window to register the behavior on.
Type: string
URL to download.
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.
Type: string
Default: User's downloads directory
Directory to save the file in.
Type: string
Default: downloadItem.getFilename()
Name of the saved file.
This option only makes sense for electronDl.download().
Type: string
Default: Download Error
Title of the error dialog. Can be customized for localization.
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.
Type: Function
Optional callback that receives the download item.
You can use this for advanced handling such as canceling the item like item.cancel().
Type: Function
Optional callback that receives a number between 0 and 1 representing the progress of the current download.
Type: Function
Optional callback that receives the downloadItem for which the download has been cancelled.
Type: boolean
Default: false
Reveal the downloaded file in the system file manager, and if possible, select the file.
Type: boolean
Default: true
Shows the file count badge on macOS/Linux dock icons when download is in progress.
After making changes, run the automated tests:
$ npm test
And before submitting a pull request, run the manual tests to manually verify that everything works:
npm start
- electron-debug - Adds useful debug features to your Electron app
- electron-context-menu - Context menu for your Electron app
- electron-store - Save and load data like user preferences, app state, cache, etc
- electron-unhandled - Catch unhandled errors and promise rejections in your Electron app
MIT © Sindre Sorhus