> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.beatpass.ca/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How Downloads Work

> Step-by-step guide to the BeatPass download flow, including access checks, ownership rules, and license generation.

This page covers the standard BeatPass download flow. It explains who can download, what happens after you click **Download**, and how licenses are generated.

<Note>
  Standard downloads require a paid subscription. Exclusive checkout is covered separately in [Purchasing Exclusive](/help/downloads-and-licensing/exclusive-licenses/purchasing-exclusive).
</Note>

## Before You Click Download

BeatPass checks several things before a download can start.

### Access Rules

* You must be signed in
* Your account must have the download permission (paid plans only)
* Your subscription cannot be overdue
* The track must still be available for non-exclusive download

### Exceptions

| Scenario                       | What happens                                                             |
| ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| You own the track              | Download is always allowed — no license is generated                     |
| You purchased exclusive rights | Download is still allowed even after the track is marked sold            |
| The track is sold exclusively  | New non-exclusive downloads are blocked for everyone else                |
| The track is exclusive-only    | Standard download is not available unless you are the owner or purchaser |

## The Download Flow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click Download">
    On an eligible track, select **Download**. BeatPass opens the **Download Track** confirmation modal.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the download">
    Select **Download** in the modal. BeatPass re-checks your access before starting the file transfer.
  </Step>

  <Step title="The track file downloads">
    The original uploaded audio file downloads to your device.
  </Step>

  <Step title="License is auto-generated">
    For non-owners, BeatPass automatically generates a non-exclusive license certificate on download and stores it in **Your library** → **Licenses**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Post-download modal may appear">
    After the file downloads, a **Download Complete** modal can appear with a link to view your license. If you already had an active license for that track, it shows **License Already Available** with a **View Licenses** button.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Where to Find Your Licenses

Open **Your library** → **Licenses** to view all license records tied to your account.

From that page you can:

* Search by track name, artist name, licensee name, or license ID
* Open the printable certificate view
* Use **Verify License** to open the public verification page
* View licenses granted to other users if you are a track owner

## Track Availability

| Track state                          | Standard download available?                                    |
| ------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Non-exclusive only**               | Yes, if your account has download access                        |
| **Both (non-exclusive + exclusive)** | Yes, unless the track has been sold exclusively                 |
| **Exclusive only**                   | No — purchase required                                          |
| **Sold**                             | No — blocked for all users except the owner and exclusive buyer |

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Download button is not visible" icon="eye-slash" defaultOpen>
    The button is hidden when you are not signed in, lack the download permission, or the track is not eligible. A paid subscription is required.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I see an overdue subscription message" icon="credit-card">
    BeatPass blocks downloads when your subscription payment is overdue. Resolve the billing issue first.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I own the track but have no license" icon="user">
    Owners can download their own tracks freely. No license certificate is generated for self-downloads.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The track downloaded but I need my certificate" icon="file-lines">
    Open **Your library** → **Licenses**. The license is auto-generated on download for non-owners and should appear there.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="License Certificates" icon="file-lines" href="/help/downloads-and-licensing/license-certificates">
    What the certificate includes and how to open it.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Releasing Music" icon="rocket" href="/help/downloads-and-licensing/releasing-music">
    Practical checklist for releasing a song with a licensed beat.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Verifying Licenses" icon="shield-halved" href="/help/downloads-and-licensing/verifying-licenses">
    Check a certificate on the public verification page.
  </Card>

  <Card title="FAQ" icon="circle-question" href="/help/downloads-and-licensing/faq">
    More common download and licensing questions.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Need Help?

If you have questions or need assistance, contact the support team at [**contact@beatpass.ca**](mailto:contact@beatpass.ca) or visit the [Contact Support](/help/contact-support) page.