Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

How to Force Download PDF Files in WordPress

PDF files are a common type of file used for sharing documents, e-books, and other materials on the web. When it comes to sharing PDF files on your WordPress website, you might want to ensure that users can easily download them instead of opening them in their browsers.

By default, WordPress doesn't force downloads for PDF files. Instead, browsers will typically try to display the PDF file in a new tab or window. However, this can lead to issues with the file not loading correctly or users being unable to find the download button.

In this article, we'll explore how to force a PDF file to download in WordPress using two methods: plugins and manual code implementation.

Method 1: Using a Plugin

One of the easiest ways to force a PDF file download in WordPress is by using a plugin. Here are three popular plugins that can help you achieve this:

1. Download Monitor

Download Monitor is a free plugin that enables you to create download links for various file types, including PDFs. It includes a built-in download counter and supports custom templates for downloads.

To force PDF files to download, go to Download Monitor > Settings > General. Under “Download methods”, select “Force Download” for the PDF file type.

2. WordPress Download Manager

WordPress Download Manager is a popular plugin that lets you create download links, buttons, and widgets for different types of files. It also includes options for tracking downloads and managing user roles.

To force downloads for PDF files, go to Download Manager > Settings > Basic > Force Download. Under “File Extensions”, add “pdf” for PDF files.

3. Force Download

Force Download is a simple plugin that lets you force downloads for any type of file on your website. It uses custom shortcode to create download links that force files to download when clicked.

To force PDF files to download, use the following shortcode: [forcedownload file="sample.pdf"]. Replace “sample.pdf” with the name of your PDF file.

Method 2: Using Manual Code Implementation

For those who prefer to implement code on their own, here's how to force download PDF files manually:

1. Open your theme’s functions.php file by going to Appearance > Theme Editor > Theme Functions (functions.php).

2. Add the following code at the bottom of the file:

function wpb_custom_download_link($url) { if (false !== strpos($url, '.pdf')) { header('Location: ' . $url); exit; } return $url; } add_filter('wp_get_attachment_url', 'wpb_custom_download_link', 10, 1);

3. Save the changes to your theme’s functions.php file.

This code uses the wp_get_attachment_url filter to check for PDF files and force them to download by adding a header with a download location. This should override the default behavior of the browser to open PDF files in a new tab or window.

In conclusion, there are multiple ways to force download PDF files in WordPress, depending on your preferences and technical skills. You can use a plugin for a quick solution or implement manual code for more control over the process. Whichever method you choose, remember to test your website thoroughly to ensure that your users can download PDF files smoothly and efficiently.