Discover how to upload a PDF to WordPress: add it to the Media Library, then insert in posts or pages via Gutenberg, a link, or a download button.

To upload a PDF to WordPress, first add it to the Media Library. Then, you can insert it into a page or post using the Gutenberg Block Editor—either by linking text to the file or by adding a download button.

Because WordPress handles the technical side for you, there is no need for advanced skills to start sharing valuable resources. In this article, we will walk you through the standard Media Library method, show you how to embed PDFs directly in posts and pages, explore plugin-free options, and cover quick fixes for common upload issues.

Uploading PDFs to your WordPress site lets you share many types of content, such as e-books, reports, menus, brochures, etc., making them easily accessible to your audience. Let's take a closer look at the specific benefits and common uses:

Benefits of Using PDFs on Your WordPress Site

There are many benefits to using PDFs on your website, including:

The PDF format preserves all elements of your content, including fonts, colors, images, and layout. So, your file will appear the same on any device and prevent issues like 

With PDFs uploaded on your WordPress site, visitors can download them or 

 with just a few clicks. In this way, your files reach more people. Furthermore, you make your content accessible even offline.

Providing a professional way to present documents. 

You can create polished PDFs that reflect your own or your business’s quality standards. For instance, for branding, it is possible to include logos, as well as custom colors and fonts, to build trust with visitors and encourage engagement.

Here are some of the most common uses for PDFs:

These in-depth resources can help you showcase your expertise and reach visitors whose goal is to learn more. E-books read on Kindle and other e-readers can also provide an entertainment value. If designed as 

, they can include images, diagrams, links, etc.

 often come with images or diagrams to make complex processes easier to follow. For convenient use offline, they can be downloaded or printed.

Restaurants, cafes, or service providers can use PDFs to share menus or price lists in a visually consistent format. Customers can easily download, print, and share them with others.

PDFs let you present research or project results in a structured way. You can include charts, graphs, and images to share insights with your teammates, clients, or other stakeholders, without having to worry about formatting issues.

How to Prepare a PDF for WordPress Upload?

To prepare a PDF for upload, follow these simple steps and 

Large files can slow down your WordPress site and affect user experience. Therefore, you should 

 and remove unnecessary elements where possible.

. It is best to use clear, descriptive file names like “resume-template.pdf” or “marketing-guide-2025.pdf” to make it easier for search engines to understand your content and improve discoverability.

Your PDF needs to be accessible to all users. Adding alt text for images, including descriptive headings, and providing clear PDF metadata so screen readers can interpret the document are the best ways to go about it.

How to Upload a PDF to WordPress (Media Library)

 is the most direct method. It stores your file directly in WordPress's built-in media management system, so it is 

 for linking, embedding, or downloading throughout your site.

 Access your WordPress admin area by going to yoursite.com/wp-admin and entering your login credentials. Once logged in, you will see the main dashboard interface.

. You will see the media upload interface where you can add various file types, including PDFs.

You can either drag your file directly onto the upload area or click 

 to browse your computer. WordPress will upload and process the file, with a progress bar during the upload.

 Once uploaded, click on the PDF in your 

. You can now use this URL to create links to your PDF in posts, pages, or menus.

How to Add a PDF to a WordPress Post or Page

To insert a PDF in a WordPress post or page, consider using the Gutenberg Block Editor, linking text to a PDF file, and adding a download button. You should 

choose based on how you want visitors to interact with your PDF

. Let’s break down the steps for each method.

#1. Using the Gutenberg Block Editor (File Block)

 button to add a new block, then search for 

automatically creates a download link with the file name and file size displayed.

You can customize the link text or choose to show the PDF inline by toggling the 

To link text to a PDF file, simply highlight any text in your post or page, click the link button in the toolbar, and paste your PDF's 

This method of linking a PDF in WordPress provides a 

 where visitors can access additional resources without breaking from their content flow. The linked text will appear with your theme's standard styling.

You can add a PDF to WordPress by creating a custom download button through a button block or HTML. Select the 

Set the link to your PDF’s URL, and customize the appearance with colors and text like "

How to Add a PDF to WordPress Without Plugins

It is also possible to add documents to WordPress without plugins. Although 

 offer enhanced features for displaying PDFs with custom viewers, toolbars, and responsive layouts, you can easily embed PDFs directly into WordPress without them.

 using the standard WordPress upload process. Once uploaded, copy the file URL. Then, in your post or page editor, switch to the HTML/Code view and insert either an <iframe> or <embed> tag:

display the PDF directly within your webpage’s content

 so visitors can view it without leaving your site.

The HTML approach works well when you need 

you won't have to install plugins, and it loads quickly while ensuring compatibility across WordPress updates without additional maintenance.

However, if you want the user experience to go beyond basic viewing, plugins are better. They can provide 

 such as thumbnail previews, page navigation controls, search capabilities within the PDF document itself, etc.

Keep the following in mind when troubleshooting common issues with WordPress file upload:

WordPress’s default upload limit is typically 2-8MB. To increase this limit for larger PDFs rather than having to 

, add this code to your theme's functions.php file: ini_set('upload_max_filesize', '64M'); and ini_set('post_max_size', '64M');. Alternatively, contact your hosting provider to adjust the PHP settings or add directives to your .htaccess file.

error, it could be because of security plugins or server configurations blocking uploads. Check your settings to ensure PDFs are whitelisted. You can also add PDF support by inserting this code in functions.php: function allow_pdf_uploads($mimes) { $mimes['pdf'] = 'application/pdf'; return $mimes; } add_filter('upload_mimes', 'allow_pdf_uploads');

 can cause broken links. You should always verify file URLs in the 

after changes. It helps to use relative URLs and consider using WordPress's built-in attachment pages for more reliable linking. Regularly checking your PDF links using a broken link checker plugin is also a good idea.

Prepare Your PDF for WordPress With PDF.net

 streamlines the prep process with a full suite of intuitive tools. To make your documents easier to follow, you can 

 so readers can reference content quickly.

 to draw attention to important details. Best of all, you can do it all right in your browser, ensuring every element is polished before publishing.

Now that you know how to upload a PDF to WordPress through the Media Library, you can easily add it to a post or page.

Each option listed above makes it simple for your visitors to view or download the file, depending on what works best for your site. Also, remember to test your PDF links after publishing to ensure visitors can access them properly and that the content displays correctly across all devices.

#1. Can I track how many people downloaded my PDF in WordPress?

track how many people downloaded your PDF in WordPress by using 

 to your PDF links. These options let you see download counts, user locations, and referral sources for deeper insights.

#2. How do I make a PDF open in a new tab in WordPress?

To make a PDF open in a new tab in WordPress, highlight your text, click the link button, paste your PDF’s URL, and toggle the 

 option in the link settings panel when creating text links. For 

, add target="_blank" attribute to your link: <a href="your-pdf-url.pdf" target="_blank">Link text</a>.

#3. Are there free plugins for embedding PDFs in WordPress?

Yes, there are free plugins for embedding PDFs in WordPress, such as the basic version of 

. These provide simple embedding functionality; their premium versions offer more advanced features like custom styling.

How to Upload a PDF to WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide teaches you how to uncheck a box in a PDF regardless of whether it’s static or interactive with the help of PDF.net and other tools.

To uncheck a box in a PDF, you need to know whether the file is interactive or static. If the PDF allows editing, you can simply click the box to uncheck it. If it is a flattened or scanned file, you will need a PDF editor or convert the file to Word to remove the checkmark.

Checkboxes in PDFs are commonly used in forms, surveys, and applications to make data collection simple and structured. They help users select options quickly, but once a box is checked, unchecking it is not always straightforward.

If you have ever found yourself stuck with a checked one you can’t remove, this guide is for you. Below, we will show you the detailed steps to uncheck a box in a PDF using different tools and devices.

You can uncheck boxes in PDFs, but the method depends on whether the file is 

 allow you to simply click checkboxes to toggle them on or off, while 

If editing is restricted, you can either 

, but the approach depends on the type of PDF you are working with. Static PDFs are like digital printouts, where checkboxes are represented by images or shapes. You can’t click to check or uncheck these boxes without special editing software.

Interactive PDFs, on the other hand, are designed for user input. They include 

, such as checkboxes that you can click to check or uncheck directly. If the PDF is interactive, simply clicking the box will toggle it on or off.

To uncheck a box in a PDF, you can use Adobe Acrobat/Reader, an online PDF editor like PDF.net, or convert the PDF to Word and do so before saving it back as a PDF. Let’s take a closer look at each method:

Adobe Acrobat/Reader is handy if your PDF is editable or has interactive form fields. You can follow these three simple steps:

Click on the checkbox you want to uncheck to toggle the box off.

If you can’t click on the box, the PDF may be locked or have restricted permissions that prevent edits. In that case, you won’t be able to uncheck it without a password or permission from the creator.

Adobe Acrobat is supported on macOS and Windows, so you can uncheck a box in your PDF on Mac or PC.

 to uncheck boxes in fillable PDF forms, cover checkmarks in static PDFs, and add new unchecked boxes or shapes as needed. This tool is easy to use, as it does not require software installation and works directly in your browser.

Here is how to cover checkmarks in static PDFs:

If you want to add new unchecked boxes, take these steps:

from the left (Create Checkbox Widget) in the options that appear.

3. Click on the part of the page where you want the checkbox placed to put it there.

4. Customize your checkbox’s name, options, and style.

You can change the field’s fill color, border color, border style, border width, 

If you include text, you can change its font, size, color, and alignment.

 in the toolbar at the top of the page, click 

If you don’t want to uncheck a box in a PDF through Chrome, converting your file to Word is also an option.

Converting your PDF into an editable Word document is another effective method that makes it easier to uncheck a box in a PDF. You can do so with PDF.net in the following way:

3. Upload your PDF by dragging and dropping it in or clicking 

PDF.net will automatically convert the file for you; a window like this will appear:

Once you have the Word file, open it and locate the checkbox to uncheck it manually. Then, save the document and export it back to the 

What If You Can’t Uncheck the Box in a PDF?

If you can’t uncheck a box in your PDF, it is likely due to one of two reasons: the checkbox is part of a flattened, non-editable image, or the file is locked.

When a checkbox is part of a flattened PDF, it’s essentially part of the image and not an interactive element. In this case, you will need to use PDF editing software or OCR (Optical Character Recognition) tools to convert the image into editable text.

If the PDF is locked and editing is restricted, you’ll need to get an unlocked version from the sender. For 

 that aren’t locked but still do not respond, try clearing the form fields. This can remove all user-entered data, including checked boxes, and return the form to its original state.

Uncheck Boxes in PDFs Easily with PDF.net

PDF.net gives you a simple way to fix checkboxes in your PDF. If you cannot uncheck a box because it is part of a flattened image, you can cover it with a white shape, and then add a new checkbox in the right spot.

, you can still make quick visual changes without needing advanced software. The tool works directly in your browser, so there is no need to download anything. Just upload your file, make your edits, and save the updated version in just a few minutes.

The key to unchecking a box in a PDF is knowing what type of PDF you are working with.

Interactive files can usually be edited with Adobe Reader or a tool like PDF.net. For non-editable files, covering the checkmark, converting the PDF to Word, or asking for an unlocked version are all valid options. So, in conclusion, with a bit of troubleshooting and the right approach, you can make the changes you need without having to recreate the entire file!

#1. Can I uncheck a box in a read-only PDF?

can uncheck a box in a read-only PDF if it is interactive and not locked

. Tools like PDF.net or Adobe Reader support this function. If the PDF is static, converting it to Word allows the box to be unchecked before exporting it again as a PDF. For scanned files, you should run OCR first.

#2. What if my PDF checkbox won’t deselect?

If your PDF checkbox won’t deselect, try clearing the form fields. If that does not work, you may need to refresh the file, reopen it, or repeat the process using a different tool.

#3. Is there a way to uncheck multiple boxes at once?

#4. Do all PDF viewers support checkbox editing?

Not all PDF viewers support checkbox editing

, but you can rely on PDF.net and Adobe Acrobat for this, as basic viewers may display the checkbox but not let you interact with it.

click anywhere outside the selected text or press the Escape key

. If the text remains highlighted, try switching tools (e.g., from 

) or clicking into a blank space in the document.

This guide teaches you how to uncheck a box in a PDF regardless of whether it’s static or interactive with the help of PDF.net and other tools. 

How to Uncheck a Box in a PDF: 3 Simple Methods

Learn how to password-protect a PDF easily using PDF.net editor tool, create strong passwords, and remove them when needed.

Knowing how to password-protect a PDF is important since a single unprotected file can lead to data breaches, unauthorized sharing, or misuse of sensitive information.

, you can secure your PDFs from copyright infringement. Moreover, this is the perfect way to keep sensitive data in your emails, invoices, and other important documents safe.

In this article, we show you how to password-protect a PDF 

and Microsoft Word, when you need this feature most, and how to disable it if needed. Lastly, we share tips on generating secure passwords, so keep reading to learn more about the topic!

Password protection prevents unauthorized access, safeguards sensitive data, limits copying/editing/printing, and ensures compliance with standards like HIPAA.

 upload your file to PDF.net, set a strong password, and download the secured version.

 Use 12+ characters, mix symbols and numbers, avoid personal info, and rotate or update them regularly.

How to Password-Protect a PDF File Using PDF.net

, you need to upload the file to our website, pick a strong password, and download the protected file.

#1. Open the Password-Protection PDF Tool and Upload Your File

. Then, you can upload your document by dragging it to the box labeled 

." You can also upload it manually by clicking the 

 button and selecting it from your storage.

Once you upload the document, it will automatically open. Think about the password combination you want to use and confirm it by typing it in the password field.

and wait for the automated process to complete; it takes only a few moments.

The last step is to download the protected PDF file by hitting the 

 button in the top right corner. This will start automatically and last only a couple of seconds; after that, you will find your document in the default download folder.

How to Password-Protect a PDF File in Microsoft Word

To password-protect a PDF file in Microsoft Word, open the file using this program, select the option to 

To open the PDF this way, right-click it, select 

; if you can’t open the file, you may need to convert it from 

 first. Once you manage to open it, click the 

. Enter the password in the designated field, and then click OK. The area around the 

 button will turn yellow, indicating that your file has been password-protected.

 button on the left. Choose the location to store your file and name it. Click the 

as the exporting file type. Finally, hit the 

 button at the bottom of the window to finalize this process.

Why You Should Password-Protect Your PDF Files

You should password-protect your PDF files to ensure that only authorized individuals can use them and access the sensitive information within them. Besides that, password security increases the overall protection of your documents and helps you avoid potential mishandling.

Let’s learn more about when and why you should

If you want to make sure only chosen individuals can access your PDF, you should protect it with a password. This is one of the simplest forms of protection, as it does not involve restrictions within the file but denies access to unauthorized users. By doing so, you can only share the password with users who you think should be able to open your PDF.

 and other channels, like social media and websites, exposes them to a risk of the information getting stolen. Therefore, the best way to secure PDFs if they contain sensitive data (e.g., bank statements, business information, etc.) 

Some files you decide to share with others may contain important parts, such as 

, that other individuals shouldn’t use. Besides securing such files with a watermark or 

Specifically, you can lock PDFs and prevent users from copying the content within them. Further protection implies 

 to avoid changing or modifying text, moving objects, or adding form fields. Similarly, you can 

of a PDF that contains patents or other sensitive information or data subject to 

Learning how to encrypt a document will help you comply with data protection standards. For example, industries such as the 

 require data protection and follow standards such as 

 for sharing documents. By password-protecting your files, you can share them within such industries and rest assured that they will be well protected.

4 Useful Tips and Practices for Strong PDF Passwords

Creating a secure PDF file is not only about setting the password but also about its strength. Let’s see the 

 that can help you strengthen your PDF passwords:

; the more characters, the stronger your password will be.

Additionally, you should pay attention to the type of characters you use. Your password should be a combination of uppercase and downcase letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and different symbols (e.g., #, &, -, etc.).

 for passwords may make them easy to guess or crack. This is why it’s important to stay away from using your pet names, date of birth, or similar personal information as passwords.

You should also avoid using ones that are similar to the document name as well as repeating patterns such as ‘qwerty’ or ‘123456’.

#3. Use Password Generators and Storing Software

If you wish to create a long and complex password easily, you can use 

. These come up with secure passwords instantly and make your documents more secure from the get-go.

However, software-generated passwords can be difficult to remember. You can resolve this by using the web browser option to store, save, and autofill your PDF file passwords when you open and use such files online.

#4. Don’t Reuse Passwords, and Keep Them Up to Date

Using the same password for different purposes may cause you to lose multiple documents or accounts at once. Instead, we advise you to come up with a password for 

. Remembering them may not always be easy, but as we said, you can use high-quality software to store them.

. If you have used a password for a couple of months, maybe it is time to replace it with a new one.

How to Remove a Password or Change a Password-Protected PDF

To remove a password or change a password-protected PDF with PDF.net, first find 

 in the header. However, to unlock it, you need to enter the correct password.

After you have removed or changed the password, 

Some offline programs also provide the option to remove PDF passwords, but as with the PDF.net, you need to know the document-specific password. Depending on the type of software you use, you can enter the PDF security settings, type in your password, and apply the removal option. The 

Lastly, web browsers like Google Chrome allow you to open most password-protected documents. You may not be able to make large edits, but you can remove pages and save PDFs for further reference.

Using PDF.net for Maximum PDF Document Protection

As previously mentioned, to get maximum PDF protection, you need to use high-encryption software with which you can streamline the password protection process easily.

can provide maximum protection for your PDFs. We use the latest technology to protect your files with 128-bit key or 256-bit AES encryption. Plus, you can streamline both encryption and standard password protection processes with just a few clicks.

On top of that, the passwords you use to protect your documents on our website remain private, as we 

 after you finalize this process. If you change your mind or need to make your documents password-free again, you can do so hassle-free with our Unlock PDF tool.

 to modify your documents before protecting them with a password. It’s possible to change, add, or remove text, add hyperlinks and comments, and 

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