Link to a .mp4 file for download

Question

I am asking on someones behalf how to implement a link to a .mp4 file for download.  Do you simply put the .mp4 file in a directory and create a link to that directory and file or would that only play the file? 

The goal is to make the open/save as window to pop up when the link is clicked.

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Cheers, Ben

Answer 1

A direct link to the mp4 file on the page may get opened in the users default media player. If you really want to force a download then use the method described here:

http://www.ew-resource.co.uk/js-tips.aspx

HTH

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Ian Haynes

EW - V4 Add-Ins
EW - Resources, hints and tips
EW - Design for the Mobile Web
expression(web.blog)

Answer 2

You can also force a download prompt by zipping the file. Zip is not a playable extension, so the browser should offer a download prompt when the link is clicked. Once downloaded, all modern OSes have native support for zip files, so the visitor can open a play it without a problem.

cheers,
scott

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Answer 3

Thanks guys!

Both answers are great but paladyn's was the easiest and quickest plus the one I was trying to think of.

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Cheers, Ben