Download Store Frequently Asked Questions

A file that you purchase that you can use immediately after your payment is processed. (Some bank transfer payments without a backup credit card might hold up your order for a day or two.) Nothing is shipped, you don’t have to wait by your mailbox, and you can start your project right away on a snowy night or stormy afternoon without having to leave the house. Our files are PDFs which can be opened on almost any computer. If you’d like to learn more about downloading and using your files check out our How To Download page.

Our payments are currently processed through Paypal so you can use your pre-existing paypal account or use a credit card without an account. (Some situations might have different rules or limitations with Paypal, consult their website if you have questions.)

We require an account to make it easier for you to access the content you paid for! Without an account you would only have one chance to download your file via a link in an email. Having an account means you can retrieve your purchases at your convenience and from different computers and devices. You can also make use of the Project List feature to help you keep track of things you’d like to make!

Your files are delivered as PDFs that are available for download immediately after you complete the purchase, or at your convenience after that by signing in, clicking Account (at the top of the page), then clicking the My Downloads tab on your profile page.

You can download them during the purchase process, or any time after that by signing in to your account, clicking Account (at the top of the page), then clicking on the My Downloads tab on your profile page. You’ll find links for all of your purchased products there. Your files will continue to be available for download at your convenience, but we recommend you download and back up your purchase immediately, just in case. You’d hate to be ready to go on a project and then find out that your internet is down.

No, How Did You Make This? files do not have any DRM (Digital Restrictions Management) built into them. You can access your files yourself on as many personal computers, tablets, laptops, and smartphones as you’d like. In exchange for the convenience of unlimited access you agree to not give away, sell, or share your downloads with others in any way.

PDF is a file format designed to open and work exactly the same way across different computers, tablets, smartphones, and operating systems. It’s a good way to manage the various photos, diagrams, and printable patterns that go into our digital products so that you can access them easily.

Adobe Acrobat is the most common software for opening a PDF. It is available for free from the Adobe website. Many computers also come with other software that reads PDFs (like Preview on Macs, for example), though we’ve found that patterns printed directly from Adobe Acrobat are often more likely to print true-to-size on the first try. Many tablets and smartphones will also open PDFs with apps like Google Drive, which can be a convenient way to access a tutorial wherever you’re working without having to print a copy.

We don’t currently offer paper copies of our projects.

Each pattern download includes instruction sheets, a printing gauge, a construction template, and the pattern pages. The construction template helps you arrange the pages in the correct order. There are marks to help you align the pages and we suggest using a few pieces of tape hold the pages together. At that point you simply need to cut out the pattern pieces and you are all set to go! You can view a full tutorial on the process by clicking here.

If your download includes a paper pattern (like a pattern for sewing or a template for a paper project) you’ll need to print those pages. For projects that are only tutorials you can choose to open them on your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone and access them digitally instead!

The download includes a printing gauge with instructions on how to get your printer to print at the correct scale. Follow those instructions to get your settings just right and things should work out to the correct scale. You can view a full tutorial on the process by clicking here.

The pattern downloads are designed to fit on US Letter ( 8.5″ x 11″) or A4 paper depending on the download link you click. Downloads that include patterns to print (example: sewing patterns) will have a set of pages to print and tape together. There are instructions included with the pattern that will help you set your printer to print at the correct size and a guide for the arrangement of pages that need to be taped together. Check out this page to see how printed patterns are assembled at home.

We don’t offer any refunds due to the nature of digital products. If you’re struggling with opening or printing it check out our printing tutorial – you can view a full tutorial on the process by clicking here, and if that doesn’t help use the contact box below and we’ll help get you sorted out!

You are welcome to print purchased files for your personal use. Other than that, no part of the publications may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of the author. Requests to the author and publisher for permission should be addressed to the following email: [email protected].

Limitation of liability/disclaimer of warranty: While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing all files, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of the files and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives, promoters, or written sales materials.

The contents of purchased files may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Due to the nature of instant download files no refunds will be offered. No physical goods will be shipped to you. If you have difficulty accessing your files you should consult http://howdidyoumakethis.com/download-suppport, or contact [email protected] for any further questions. Though you are not required to download your files immediately, there is no guarantee that they will be available indefinitely. You are responsible for keeping a copy for your own use. Files will not be available for download until payment has cleared.