3.9.6 Uploading and Linking to Files and Documents

With your Bistro website, you have the ability to upload a variety of files from documents to videos. You can link to these documents from anywhere in your site to allow visitors to view them.

Note 1: for information about acceptable file formats, review Section 3.9.6.1 Acceptable File Formats (PDF, DOC, SWF, etc.)

Note 2: please make sure there are no spaces in your filenames when uploading documents (eg: Test Document.pdf must be renamed as TestDocument.pdf with the space removed).

Note 3: Larger files will take longer to upload and there is a maximum file upload size of 10 MB. For information on how to upload larger files using FTP, review Section 3.9.6.2 Uploading Large Files Using FTP

To upload a document or file you would like to link to....

First make sure that the file exists on your computer. If the file you want to upload comes from another website, you will first have to download or obtain a copy of the file (assuming you have permission to do so) and save it on your own computer, before you can upload it to your site.
Next, you need to decide where on your site you want visitors to be able to access the file. For example, if you want them to click on a link on your home page to open and view a specific PDF document, your next step would be to create the appropriate link on your homepage.
To add the link to your homepage, log in to Bistro and open your homepage for editing. (If you need more information about accessing Bistro or editing pages, review section 3.2. How to Login and section 3.9. Editing Existing Pages).
In the editing area, type the text or add the image that will link to your document. (for more information about adding images to a page, review section 3.9.1.3. Adding and Editing Images)

Highlight the text or image that visitors will click on to open the uploaded document.

Click on the button that looks like two chain links on the toolbar

This will open the Insert/edit link dialogue box.

Click on the small browse icon to the right of the Link URL: text field
This will open the file manager (also known as the asset manager). Here you can view and organize all files, images and documents that already reside on your site. You can also upload new ones.

To upload your PDF document (or any other document or acceptable file), click the Upload button at the top of this main asset manager dialogue box (above) and the smaller Upload dialogue box will open.
Here you can type in a filename (if you know the entire file path) or you can browse your computer to find a file by clicking the browse button.
Once you have entered or located your file, click [Upload]. Note: if you have a number of files to upload, you can do that all at once as follows:
- click browse and find the first file you want to upload
- select it and click [Open], then [Upload].
- click browse again and find the next file you want to upload
- select it and click [Open], then [Upload].
- repeat this process until you have selected the various files you wish to upload.
- Remember that the maximum individual file size you can upload is 10Mb, that larger files will take longer to upload, and that when uploading too many files at once, you run the risk of losing your connection while the action is in progress.
- Once all files have successfully been uploaded - continue with instructions which follow.
When your file has finished uploading, close the upload file dialogue box, select your uploaded file from the list then click the Insert link on the bottom left of the file manager dialogue box (below the preview box).
You have now successfully uploaded and inserted a link to your file.
You will be returned to the Insert/Edit link dialogue box where you can continue to format your link.

The most important thing you will want to do before you finish is select how you want your file or document to open.

You do this by selecting one of the options from the Target: drop down list.

The default setting is "Open in this Window", but many people prefer to have documents open in a new window - so make sure you select the option you prefer.

Finally you will want to enter a title for your document by typing it into the Title: field.

This is the text that will appear when someone passes their cursor over the link on your page.

For more information about link formatting options, please review Section 3.9.1.2. Adding and Removing Links

Once you have selected the way you want your file to open and entered your title, click [Update] to return to your page.

Remember to save your changes by clicking [Save] when you are ready to exit the page editor.