# Getting Started with Easy Digital Downloads Welcome to Easy Digital Downloads (EDD). This guide takes you from installing the plugin to making your first sale. There are six steps. Each one links to a full guide with screenshots, so you can work through them at your own pace. Most stores can be up and selling the same day. New to EDD's terms, like Downloads and Passes? Start with the [Easy Digital Downloads Introduction](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/easy-digital-downloads-introduction/). Otherwise, jump into Step 1, or skip ahead to whichever step you're on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUEdc8sB3uQ - [Set Up Your Store in 6 Steps](#set-up-your-store-in-6-steps) - [Step 1: Install and Activate Easy Digital Downloads](#step-1-install-and-activate-easy-digital-downloads) - [Step 2: Complete the Setup Wizard](#step-2-complete-the-setup-wizard) - [Step 3: Create Your First Product](#create-your-first-product) - [Step 4: Set Up Payments](#step-4-set-up-payments) - [Step 5: Configure Your Store Emails](#step-5-configure-your-store-emails) - [Step 6: Test Your Store and Go Live](#step-6-test-your-store-and-go-live) - [Understand Your Store](#understand-your-store) - [Customize and Configure](#customize-and-configure) - [FAQs on Getting Started with EDD](#faqs-on-getting-started-with-edd) - [Start Selling with Easy Digital Downloads](#start-selling-with-easy-digital-downloads) --- Set Up Your Store in 6 Steps ---------------------------- Follow these steps in order. Each links to a complete guide for that part of your setup. ### <a></a>Step 1: Install and Activate Easy Digital Downloads Download the Easy Digital Downloads (Pro) plugin from the **Downloads** tab of your EDD account, then upload and activate it on your WordPress site. Using the free version? You can search for and install EDD Lite right from the **Plugins** » **Add Plugin** screen. When you're done: EDD is running on your site and the Setup Wizard is ready to launch. Full guide: [Install and Activate Easy Digital Downloads](http://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/install-easy-digital-downloads/ "Install and Activate Easy Digital Downloads") ### Step 2: Complete the Setup Wizard Go to **Setup** » **Get Started** to launch the Onboarding Setup Wizard. It walks you through five quick steps: your business info and currency, payment methods, your purchase receipt email, recommended tools, and creating your first product. Exited the Wizard earlier and don't see the Setup menu option anymore? Go to **Downloads** » **Tools** and select **Restart the Setup Wizard**. When you're done: your store's foundation is configured without touching a single settings screen. Full guide: [Setup Wizard Walkthrough](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/setup-wizard/) ### <a></a>Step 3: Create Your First Product Go to **Downloads** » **Add Download** to create your first product. You'll enter a product name and description, upload a featured image, then set your product type, price, and files in the **Download Details** metabox. When you're done: you have a live product page customers can buy from. Full guide: [Creating Products](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/creating-products/) ### <a></a>Step 4: Set Up Payments Choose how you'll get paid. EDD connects to Stripe, PayPal, and Square in just a few clicks. If you connected a gateway during the Setup Wizard, you're already most of the way there. If not, go to **Downloads** » **Settings** » **Payments** to pick the gateway that fits your business and connect your account. When you're done: your store can accept payments from customers around the world. Full guide: [Payment Settings](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/payment-settings/) ### <a></a>Step 5: Configure Your Store Emails Review the emails your store sends automatically, like purchase receipts and admin sale notifications. You can customize what they say and how they look. To make sure they reliably reach inboxes, we recommend a deliverability tool like WP Mail SMTP. When you're done: customers automatically get their receipts and download links after every purchase. Full guide: [Email Setup and Configuration](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/email-setup-and-configuration/) ### <a></a>Step 6: Test Your Store and Go Live Before you launch, make sure everything works. Enable test mode, make a test purchase, and confirm the whole experience: checkout, receipt email, and file download. Then turn off test mode and open your store. When you're done: you've verified the full buying experience, and your store is live. Full guide: [Test Your Store and Go Live](http://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/test-and-launch/) <a></a>Understand Your Store ---------------------------- Want to know how everything fits together? These guides explain the moving parts of your new store. - [Easy Digital Downloads Introduction](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/easy-digital-downloads-introduction/): EDD's key terms and how your store is organized. - [Your Store Pages](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/the-plugin-pages/): the pages EDD creates for you, like checkout and purchase confirmation, and what each one does. - [Easy Digital Downloads Blocks](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/easy-digital-downloads-blocks/): display your products anywhere on your site with WordPress blocks. - [Installing Your Pro Features](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/how-do-i-install-an-extension/): where to find and activate the features included in your Pass. <a></a>Customize and Configure ------------------------------ Once your store is making sales, these optional guides help you fine-tune it. **Cart and checkout:** - [Enabling Cart Previews](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/enabling-cart-previews/) - [Enabling Cart Recommendations](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/enabling-cart-recommendations/) **Appearance:** - [Buy Now Buttons](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/buy-now-buttons/) **Store settings:** - [General Settings](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/general-settings/) - [Tax Settings](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/tax-settings/) - [Privacy Settings](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/privacy-settings/) - [Misc Settings](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/misc-settings/) - [Tools](https://easydigitaldownloads.com/docs/tools/) --- FAQs on Getting Started with EDD -------------------------------- Here are quick answers to common questions about setting up Easy Digital Downloads. ### Is Easy Digital Downloads free? Yes. The core plugin is free and includes everything you need to start selling digital products. Paid Passes add advanced features like subscriptions, software licensing, and marketing integrations. ### How long does it take to set up Easy Digital Downloads? Most stores are up and running the same day. The Setup Wizard handles your store's foundation in a few minutes, and the remaining steps usually take under an hour combined. ### Do I need to know code to use EDD? No. The Setup Wizard configures your store for you, and EDD's WordPress blocks let you display products anywhere without touching code. ### What payment methods can I accept? EDD connects to Stripe, PayPal, and Square out of the box. Through those gateways, your customers can pay with credit cards, digital wallets, and more. ### What types of digital products can I sell? Any digital file: ebooks, software, plugins, themes, music, photos, videos, courses, templates, and more. If it can be downloaded, EDD can sell it. ### Where can I get help if I'm stuck? Search the documentation for step-by-step guides, or reach out to the EDD support team from your account. We're happy to help you get selling. --- Start Selling with Easy Digital Downloads ----------------------------------------- You're six steps away from your first sale. Start with Step 1: Install and Activate Easy Digital Downloads, and work through each guide at your own pace. If you get stuck at any point, the EDD support team is here to help.