---
id: data-transfers.link-points-at-a-folder-error
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/link-points-at-a-folder-error
category: "Data Transfers"
subcategory: "Downloads and large files"
question: "Why does New Transfer say my link “points at a folder rather than a file”?"
alt_questions:
  - "That link points at a folder rather than a file"
  - "Start Transfer is greyed out for my download link"
  - "download link not accepted"
  - "folder link instead of file link"
  - "why can't I download this URL"
short_answer: "The link ends at a folder, so it would download a listing page, not your file. Add the file name to the end, or copy the link from the actual download button. When it's right you'll see “Download link recognised”."
tags: ["download", "link", "error message"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/download-a-file-from-a-link", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/download-needs-a-web-link-message"]
applies_to: "app>=4.16"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Why does New Transfer say my link “points at a folder rather than a file”?

The link ends at a folder (for example it finishes with a slash), so downloading it would only save the web page that lists the folder, not the file you want. Storage Studio stops you before that happens, and **Start Transfer** stays greyed out.

To fix it, add the file name to the end of the link — or go back to the web page, right-click the actual download button or file, choose *Copy Link*, and paste that instead. When the link is right, the sheet shows *"Download link recognised"* with the file name.

Related: [Download a file from a link](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/download-a-file-from-a-link)