Using .htaccess to deny directory access while allowing acce

[coupsan]

I'd like to use .htaccess to deny entry to particular directories while still allowing access to the files contained in them if directly linked to. In my case, I have a directory that contains a lot of images, but I'd like to prevent people from seeing those images unless I link to them directly. I've tried googling this but the results tend to lead directly to Apache's reference site which is honestly kind of a pain to read.

[kraze]

You are indeed in the right location. I came across the answer to your problem because I also host a lot of content on my site and do not like people being able to browse directories. I am looking for the line to add to your .htaccess file as I type..

Hopefully I will find it soon..

[kraze]

This should help you..
RewriteCond %{HTTP_REFERER} !yoursite.com [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F]

Your going to need to customize it of course.

[Edge100x]

If you use mod_rewrite, you will most likely need this at the top, as well:

RewriteEngine on

[coupsan]

Not sure what exactly I'm supposed to customize in those particular lines. The file works--except it also forbids access to the images.

[Edge100x]

Rereading this, are you just trying to make it so the directory listing doesn't show up? If so, the simplest way is to create a blank index.html file in the folder.

The solution that kraze was giving was meant to defend against external linking.

[coupsan]

Ahaha yes that is what I wanted to do, woops, I can't believe I overcomplicated things that badly. WELP, thanks!