How to build file downloads in Bubble

A file download in Bubble works by giving the user a direct link to a file stored in Bubble’s file storage (AWS S3). Bubble automatically stores any uploaded file as a URL. So the core idea is: upload → store URL in a field → show that URL to the user → when the user clicks it, the browser downloads the file.

How to Build File Downloads in Bubble

The simplest reliable way is to let Bubble handle the download using the file’s file URL. Any File-type field in Bubble automatically contains a unique URL. You display that URL using a Link element or a button workflow that triggers “Open external website”. When the user opens that URL, the browser downloads the file.

• Use a File Uploader to let users upload files.
• Save the uploaded file to a File field in the database.
• Show a Link element that points to “Current Thing’s File URL”.
• Bubble handles permissions via Privacy Rules: if the user is allowed to view the Thing, they can access the file URL.

Step-by-Step (Beginner-Friendly)

Upload side

• Place a File Uploader on the page.
• On button click → create a new Thing → set its File field to “File Uploader’s value”.

Download side

• Add a Link element on the page.
• Set Destination = “External URL”.
• Set URL = “Parent group’s Thing’s File :url”.
• Choose “Open in same tab” or “new tab”. The browser will download it automatically.

Optional: Trigger download from a button

If you don’t want a visible URL, use a workflow:

• When Button is clicked → “Open external website”.
• URL = “Thing’s File :url”.

Example URL call (this is what Bubble outputs internally)

https://s3.amazonaws.com/appforest_uf/f1700000000000x123456789/myfile.pdf  // Opening this triggers a download

Important Notes

• Privacy Rules control who can access the file, because the link resolves only if the user can view the Thing that stores it.
• If you need forced download headers, Bubble currently doesn’t let you change S3 headers directly. The standard approach is opening the file URL, which works for all normal file downloads.
• Never store file URLs as text; always use a File field so Bubble manages security and versioning correctly.