Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

How to Force PDF Download in WordPress

If you have a WordPress site and want to offer downloadable PDF files to your visitors, you may want to force the download of the file instead of opening it in the browser. This is useful if you have file types that are typically displayed in the browser, like PDFs or images, but you want the option for your visitors to save the file rather than just view it. Here's how to force PDF download in WordPress.

Method 1: Using the Download Button Plugin

One of the easiest ways to add a download button to your PDFs in WordPress is to use the Download Button Plugin. This plugin adds a download button to your PDF files, so when a visitor clicks on it, they will automatically download the PDF file to their computer. Here's how to use the Download Button Plugin:

1. Install and activate the Download Button Plugin.
2. Upload your PDF file to your WordPress site.
3. Then, while editing the post or page where you want to add the PDF file, click the add media button.
4. Select the PDF file you just uploaded.
5. Scroll down to the attachment display settings.
6. Choose "Button" as the link to field.
7. Click "Insert into post."
8. Save and publish the post or page.

Method 2: Using HTML Code

Another way to force PDF download in WordPress is to use HTML code. This method is a bit more technical and requires that you add HTML code to your site. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Upload your PDF file to your WordPress site.
2. While editing the post or page where you want to add the PDF file, click the "Text" tab to switch to the HTML view.

3. Add the following code where you want to add the download button:

   html <a href="/url-to-pdf-file.pdf" download>Download PDF</a>

   Be sure to replace /url-to-pdf-file.pdf with the URL of your PDF file.

4. Save and publish the post or page.

Conclusion

Forcing PDF download in WordPress is a great way to provide your visitors with the option to save a file instead of opening it in their browser. You can use the Download Button Plugin or HTML code to add a download button to your PDF files. Both methods are simple and easy to use, but the HTML code method requires a bit more technical know-how. Whether you choose one method or the other, incorporating a PDF download button to your WordPress site is sure to enhance user experience.