Creating Downloadable Files

Do you want to create templates? Or have a way that your students or peers can download a file? After a short process you can create compressed files that are linked to your web pages and are easily downloadable.

While there are several programs that will BinHex your files for downloading, this tutorial is going to focus on using Compact Pro, a shareware program that creates files that can be expanded automatically by Netscape after you download it or that only need to be double--clicked on. If you don't already have it, you can download it here:

If you want to place a collection of files to be downloaded, first you should archive and compress them. Directions for this can be found at the Compressing Files tutorial. Once you have finished compressing the archive, you can find directions to get it ready to be downloaded here (follow the same process).

The Process

  1. BinHexing your file
  2. Adding a link to your compressed file

BinHexing your file

In order to make your files downloadable you must first BinHex them. This process done by Compact Pro, makes the file easily transferable over the Internet to anyone's computer.

1. Open up Compact Pro.

2. Go to Misc on the menu bar and down to Convert TO BinHex4.

3. You will then be asked to find the file you wish to BinHex. When you find it, hit open.

4. The save dialog box will now appear. You may change the name of the file, but make sure to keep the ".hqx" at the end. When you are done, hit Save.

You are now ready to link that file to your web page.

Adding the Link

1. First you have to make sure that you place the compressed file in your main folder - with your other .htm files.

Now all you have to do is make a local link.

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Written by Dan McDowell
Last update July 19, 1998