Manage multiple files for uploads

Each upload has one primary file (big blue download button on your file page). This file serves as the main download option and represents the upload's overall version and update status. When uploading a new addon with multiple files, the first uploaded file will be the primary file. The primary file should be the one most frequently updated and widely used (e.g., the latest version or the most popular variant). You can always change the primary file through your File Management tab, by replacing it with your desired file.

Additional files can be attached to the upload as secondary files (alternative download options, smaller download buttons below). Examples are versions for specific platforms (e.g., MSFS 2020, MSFS 2024) or quality options (e.g., 4K, 8K). These files provide flexibility but are not tied to the overall upload's update status.

Updating Files

Creators can update both primary and secondary files independently. Each file can have its own version number and changelog entry. However, updates are treated differently.

• When a primary file is updated:
  • Updating the primary file will mark the entire upload as "Updated" and trigger the "Update required" indicator for users under My Downloads.
  • It will change the add-on's overall version number and update the Update required status for users.
  • That means this is a regular add-on update.
  • Each downloader can see which download option they have downloaded and whether there is a new version available for that option.
• When a secondary file is updated:
  • A site notification will alert users that an alternative download option has been updated.
  • (New) Your add-on's last update date will be updated, and it will show on the Recent Updates pages.
  • But: Secondary File Updates will not trigger the "Updated" icon or "Update required" indicator for users under My Downloads. It will not affect the upload's overall version number and changelog.
  • It is an isolated update for this additional secondary file only. However, the update changelog is displayed under a new "Other Versions" section in the Changelog widget on the file page.

You can always replace primary and secondary files without updating version numbers or providing changelogs by selecting "No update" during the upload process. This will simply replace the files silently.

Best Practices for File Management

The primary file should always reflect the most current or actively maintained version (e.g., MSFS 2024). Outdated versions (e.g., MSFS 2020) should be moved to secondary status. Creators can easily replace, edit, or remove files from the File Management tab.

Why This Approach is Necessary

This approach is essential because Flightsim.to allows creators to upload multiple files under a single upload. These files can represent entirely different versions, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024 editions, or other variations like livery registration packs, quality options (e.g., 4K or 8K), or segmented content (e.g., Part I, Part II, Part III).

In many cases, only one file may require an update while the others remain unchanged, and in some cases, all files might need updates simultaneously. Managing multiple version numbers for a single add-on would be both impractical and overly complex, making it difficult to track, update, and manage effectively. This streamlined approach simplifies version control while still ensuring that users are notified about relevant updates to any files associated with the add-on.

Recent Changes

• December 05th 2024: If you update your secondary file only, your add-on will now also appear on the Recent Updates pages on Flightsim.to.