Digital product templates and delivery
Create from Template types, Direct Fulfillment vs Portal Access, and what buyers receive after checkout on ArtInStack.
When you add a Digital Product, you pick a Create from Template shape first, then choose how the buyer receives it. Template and delivery mode are independent choices—mix them deliberately so courses do not accidentally become zip-only downloads.
Capability overview
| Axis | Question it answers |
|---|---|
| Template | What content family does this SKU unlock? (course, gallery, event, file pack, …) |
| Delivery mode | After payment, does the buyer get an email download/link or client portal sign-in? |
Paid courses usually use Portal Access linked to a Course template SKU. Preset packs and one-off galleries often use Direct Fulfillment (zip email) when you do not need ongoing portal UX.
Interface architecture
[Products → Digital Products → Create from Template]
|
v
[Pick template + link core content (course, portfolio, event, …)]
|
v
[Delivery mode: Direct Fulfillment OR Portal Access]
|
+--> Direct: download email (+ optional license) and/or event registration email
|
+--> Portal: access grant + welcome email → client portal widgets
|
v
[Publish SKU → storefront checkout → buyer fulfillment]
Delivery modes
Configure under Delivery Settings in the digital product form.
Direct Fulfillment (email delivery)
Buyer receives email after payment—no standing portal account required for that SKU.
| What happens | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Download link (zip from linked portfolio) | Gallery Delivery, Digital Download Pack, Video Pack when you want files only |
| License text in email when enabled | Commercial/editorial downloads |
| Event registration confirmation | Event Access or Workshop with events widget in direct mode |
| Download expiry and max download count | Limits abuse on large zips |
Best for: one-time deliverables, preset bundles, “send me the files” purchases.
Portal Access (client portal)
Buyer receives a welcome email with sign-in to the client portal (/verify flow). The platform creates access grants for the widgets you select (courses, gallery, video library, messages, resources, events).
| What happens | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Ongoing access to linked course, gallery, or program | Course, Workshop, Mentorship, paid education |
| Widget-level content picks | Choose which course, which portfolio, which events |
| Same portal experience as Portal Manager invitations | Buyers see assigned tabs you enabled |
Best for: students, mentoring clients, members who return for lessons or proofing.
Do not assume every Digital Products row uses portal—check Delivery mode on each SKU.
Portal widgets (access types)
When Portal Access is selected, enable widgets and bind content:
| Widget | Buyer sees in portal |
|---|---|
| courses | Enrolled course player and lessons |
| gallery | Assigned portfolio / gallery delivery |
| video_library | Video collection access |
| downloads | Downloadable resources area |
| resources | Document/resource library |
| messages | Messaging with your studio |
| events | Event registration and schedules |
Not every widget is valid for every delivery mode— the editor filters choices when you switch modes.
Create from Template directory
Dashboard path: Products → Digital Products → Create from Template
Access-based (portal-friendly)
Full reference for courses: Set course access rules · Portal UX: Client portal experience
- Course — Video course with downloadable resources. Links a course; default widgets often include courses, video_library, downloads, resources, messages. Typical delivery: Portal Access for enrolled students.
- Workshop — Live workshop with recordings and materials. Links workshop metadata + events; widgets: video_library, events, downloads, resources, messages. Portal or direct (event confirmation email in direct mode).
- Mentorship Program — Ongoing mentorship. Links program metadata; widgets: video_library, messages, resources, events. Usually Portal Access.
- Event Access — Ticket-style access to events. Links an event; widgets: events, messages, resources. Direct Fulfillment can email registration; Portal Access keeps schedules in portal.
File delivery (download- or portal-capable)
- Video Pack — Standalone video collection from a portfolio. Supports license settings and downloads; portal video_library optional.
- Gallery Delivery — Photo gallery with download access from a portfolio. Strong fit for Direct Fulfillment zip; portal gallery widget when buyers need return visits.
- Digital Download Pack — Files and presets without tying to one gallery narrative. Direct Fulfillment required for attached file delivery; license settings available.
Physical fulfillment (no delivery mode toggle)
These use Product Catalog / POD flows—not portal delivery modes:
- Calendar — Customizable photo calendar (print-on-demand).
- Photo Book — Multi-image bound book (print-on-demand).
Choosing template + delivery
| You sell | Start with template | Delivery mode |
|---|---|---|
| Online course | Course | Portal Access + link course in widgets |
| Workshop ticket + replay | Workshop or Event Access | Portal for materials; direct for email-only ticket |
| Client proofing gallery purchase | Gallery Delivery | Portal for ongoing access, or Direct for one-time zip |
| Lightroom presets zip | Digital Download Pack | Direct Fulfillment |
| Mentoring retainer | Mentorship Program | Portal Access |
How this connects to courses and invites
| Path | When to use |
|---|---|
| Digital Products SKU (portal) | Storefront checkout; buyer pays → portal grant |
| Course access settings | Free enroll, invite-only, or “purchase required” pointing at that SKU |
| Portal Manager → Invite Client | Named access without going through cart—see Invite clients to portal |
A paid course usually needs both: course access rules + a published Course template product with Portal Access.
System restrictions & guardrails
- Calendar and Photo Book are not configured as digital portal products—use POD product flows.
- Direct Fulfillment without a linked portfolio zip or event id cannot fulfill—attach content before you sell.
- Mixing portal and direct expectations in marketing copy causes support load—state “instant download” vs “portal login” on the product page.
- Education module / client portal must be on your plan for Portal Access SKUs.
Next steps & validation
- Pick template and delivery mode using the tables above.
- Publish a test SKU and run checkout in test mode.
- Confirm buyer receives the correct email (download vs portal welcome).
- For portal SKUs, sign in as the buyer and verify each enabled widget.
Verifying your setup
- Template matches what you sell (course vs gallery vs files).
- Delivery mode matches how you described the offer publicly.
- Portal SKUs have widgets bound to real course/portfolio/event content.
- Direct SKUs produce a download or event email on a test purchase.
Course and event selling paths have dedicated product guides: Courses as a product · Events as a product.