The File Library is not limited to graphic files only. In fact, any type of file can be loaded into the library, then accessed using the *filex* code.
If a non-graphic file is used, then the *filex* code will convert the code to a link that will lead to the document. For instance, you may want to link to a PDF document on your site. The process for that would be:
- Upload the PDF file to the File Library (Adding a file to the library)
- Use the *filex* code in one of your program/project pages.
- Re-publish the pages.
When a user clicks on the link, the new item will be sent to them. Depending on the way their computer is set up, the file may either open, or they will get a dialog box asking them to save the file.
In Internet Explorer most files will open up immediately- many of them directly in the browser (Microsoft file types, such as Word and Excel and PDF). In Netscape Navigator, PDF files will typically open in the browser. Many others will either display a 'save to hard-disk' dialog box, or if the system is configured, open up the file in the application that created it. The big difference is that Internet Explorer will open up Word files directly, while Netscape Navigator will launch Microsoft Word.
To Use the File on Your Page:
When the File Library window is open, you will see the file number next to the file name. That file number is very important. Take that number, and enter it as part of the code on your page. The code should look like:
*filex* Where 'x' is your file number. This next picture is an example of me adding a link to a data file that was number 34 in the file library. Notice the code.
Data File Example Code
After the page is published, the code is converted to a link. This is what the results look like to the user. You have just created a link to a document.
Data File Example Output
This type of link will work for any file, other than a JPEG, or GIF. Those are Graphics and are handled differently.