32 Top File & Download Sites

What to check before you download from a file site

Download sites range from licensed libraries of images and templates to sites that repost software and games without permission. What you get, and what comes bundled with it, depends on who runs the site.

• Licensing. Is the site allowed to distribute the file? Paid software and games offered free as "unlocked" or "pre-installed" copies are usually unlicensed, and using them can breach copyright law where you live.
• Installers and ads. Watch for reviews that mention bundled programs or fake "Download" buttons placed in ads.
• Usage rights for assets. For images, fonts and templates, read whether personal and commercial use are both allowed, and whether attribution is required.
• Payment terms. Credit packs and subscriptions may expire, renew automatically or limit how many files you can take per day.

On each company page, CandorRated shows who runs the website where that is known, how long the domain has existed and what contact details were found. A site with no owner information and a very new domain deserves extra care.

Common problems and how to avoid them

The most frequent complaints are malware hidden in archives, password-protected files that send you to survey pages, and subscriptions that are hard to cancel. Scan every download with up-to-date security software, avoid running files you cannot verify, and pay with a method that lets you dispute a charge.

Frequently asked questions

Is it legal to download files from these sites?

It depends on the file and your country. Free files the owner chose to share, or assets sold with a license, are fine. Copies of paid software, games or media shared without the rights holder's permission generally are not.

Why does a download ask me to install a separate program first?

Some sites wrap files in their own installer, which can add unwanted software. Where possible, download from the developer's own site instead.