When submitting orders to GelatoConnect via API or other intake methods, you must provide direct download URLs for your print files. The URLs must allow GelatoConnect to download your files without requiring authentication or user interaction. This guide explains how to create direct download links for files stored in popular cloud storage services.
Dropbox
Dropbox sharing links typically end with ?dl=0, which opens a preview page rather than downloading the file directly. To create a direct download link:
Get the sharing link for your file in Dropbox
Change the end of the URL from
?dl=0to?dl=1
Example:
Original link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/abcdefg123456/filename.pdf?dl=0Direct download link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/abcdefg123456/filename.pdf?dl=1
This modification tells Dropbox to initiate a download immediately rather than showing a preview page.
Google Drive
Google Drive requires a different approach to create direct download links:
Get the sharing link for your file in Google Drive (right-click → Share → Copy link)
Extract the file ID from the URL (the long string between
/d/and/view)Create a new URL using the following format:
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=FILE_ID
Example:
Original link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a2b3c4d5e6f7g8h9i0j/view?usp=sharingDirect download link:
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1a2b3c4d5e6f7g8h9i0j
Note: For large files (over 100MB), Google Drive might display a virus scan warning. Users may need to click through an additional prompt to complete the download.
OneDrive
OneDrive links can be modified to create direct downloads:
Get the sharing link for your file in OneDrive
Modify the URL by adding
?download=1parameter:
For personal OneDrive accounts:
Original link:
https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=...&cid=...&id=...Direct download link: Change
?to?download=1&in the URL
For business/Microsoft 365 OneDrive accounts:
Original link:
https://company-name-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/...Direct download link: Add
?download=1at the end of the URL
Best practices for order submission URLs
When creating direct download links for print files in your GelatoConnect order requests:
Ensure files are properly accessible - The URLs must be publicly accessible without requiring login or authentication
Verify link expiration - Some sharing options create temporary links; ensure they won't expire during order processing (ideally valid for at least 7 days)
Test your links - Before submitting your order API request, verify the direct download link works by testing it in an incognito/private browser window
Check file format compatibility - Ensure your files meet GelatoConnect's format requirements (typically PDF for print files)
URL in correct format - Make sure the URL is included correctly in the "url" field under the "files" array in your API request
Permanent storage - For frequently ordered products, consider using a more permanent storage solution
Troubleshooting failed orders due to file access
If your orders are failing with file access errors:
Check the order status - Orders with inaccessible files will typically fail validation with a specific error message
Verify sharing permissions - Ensure the file is set to "Anyone with the link can view" without requiring sign-in
Check URL formatting - Ensure you've properly modified the URL according to the instructions above
Test in incognito mode - Test the link in an incognito/private browser window to verify it works without being logged in
Verify URL in request - Double-check that the exact URL is correctly formatted in your API request
File size limitations - Ensure your file isn't too large for the cloud service's direct download capabilities
For additional assistance with file accessibility in GelatoConnect order submissions, contact our support team at [email protected].