Separate the message from the document
With a conventional email attachment, a copy of the document travels inside the message. With a download email, the message carries an action that opens a delivery destination. These are different paths even when both arrive in the same inbox. Choose deliberately, because a link introduces an access dependency: the destination must still exist and allow the intended customer to use it.
The QuickAttach delivery flow uses a branded email with a download action after the merchant associates a file or link with an order. This does not mean the document is embedded as a raw email attachment, nor that an external provider’s permissions are changed by the app.
Map both paths before switching
| Path | What the customer receives | What the merchant must check |
|---|---|---|
| Email attachment | A message containing a file copy | Correct attached copy and readable format |
| Hosted download | A link to retrieve the selected file | Order mapping, download path, and availability |
| External destination | A link that leads to another provider | All delivery checks plus provider sharing permissions |
This table describes delivery architecture, not a universal ranking. A hosted download is useful when the merchant wants a delivery record associated with the order. It is not a guarantee that the message reaches the inbox or that a downloaded copy cannot be forwarded.
A fictional replacement workflow
A map illustrator previously sends 4104-map-v3.pdf from a personal inbox. For the next synthetic order, the illustrator attaches the final file to its order item and sends a download email. The email names the map and explains where to get help; it does not contain another copy of the PDF. Before adopting the process, the illustrator checks the destination from a recipient context rather than the merchant’s logged-in browser.
Use this migration checklist
- Identify which messages currently contain raw files.
- Choose hosted upload or an external link for each deliverable.
- Check the final document before associating it with the order.
- Replace “see attachment” with instructions that match the actual download action.
- Confirm access from a controlled customer inbox and device.
- State the availability period you can support and provide a help route.
- Remove any duplicate attachment step from the staff procedure.
QuickAttach support guidance asks merchants to verify the customer email, keep files under 100 MB, test the download link, and check external sharing permissions. Those checks belong to the new delivery path even when the email itself is short.
Deliver the right file with the right order
See how QuickAttach connects a customer-specific file or link to a Shopify order item.
See the QuickAttach order-to-download walkthrough