How to manage Safari downloads with .download extension?

The .download extension is used during the actual download, as a temporary file for the incomplete data (since downloads could take a while, depending on file size, bandwidth, etc.).

Once the file is downloaded, though, Safari should clean up, remove the .download, and give you the file you expect.

I can't think of a single case I've seen where this hasn't worked, although you seem to have narrowed it down to the use of ExFAT drives (which I don't commonly use). Therefore I have to think it's something to do with ExFAT that's getting in the way of the cleanup process.

If you change your downloads location to a standard MacOS volume (e.g. APFS), does it work as expected?

If so, you can report it as a bug (Feedback - Safari - Apple) and either point Safari's downloads to a APFS volume, or deal with the Show Package Contents overhead post-download while you wait (and hope) for a fix.

starcrunch wrote:

I just ran a test and this is happening on any file downloaded through Safari from any site to an ExFat drive but not with Firefox or Chrome.

I would use what works.

To be proactive you can file a bug report / submit your Apple Feedback direct to the Product Team here:

https://www.apple.com/feedback/safari.html

starcrunch wrote:

[Sigh] really? I'm a professional with several stock footage accounts. They are all legal downloads.

Why is this place like this?

I would Contact the "stock footage" website support and ask them what is the issue...

starcrunch wrote:

I downloaded a bunch of stock footage...

I cannot change the name of these files and they will not play,

Safari 18.3

on Sequoa 15.3.1

Sounds like copyright infringement.