To download a PDF from a link, you can try clicking the download button, choosing Save link as, using the Inspect tool, the printing option, or Google Drive to save a copy of the document to your device.
Whether you are trying to access an eBook or a research paper, knowing how to download a PDF from a link is important, as it will allow you to read the document without an internet connection.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different methods for downloading PDFs from a link on desktop and mobile and share some tips and practices to follow when doing so. We’ll also cover what to do when a PDF opens in your browser instead of downloading.
Key Takeaways
- You can download a PDF from a link using Save link as or the browser’s download button, the Inspect tool, the Print to PDF option, or Google Drive (if access is granted). On iPhone and Android, use Safari’s Save to Files or Chrome’s Download link option.
- If a PDF doesn’t download, the issue might be a broken link, restricted access, pop-up or download blockers, or an interrupted download preventing the file from saving.
- When using the Inspect tool, you can locate and copy the direct file URL from the site’s code and paste it into your browser to initiate the download.
- To stay safe, always verify the source, scan downloads with antivirus software, and avoid untrusted PDF editors and downloader tools that may compromise your data.
4 Ways to Download a PDF From a Link on Desktop
The method you use for downloading a PDF from a link depends on the website and the kind of link on which the document is located.
If you want to download a document online, here are four desktop PDF download tutorials you can try, with steps for smartphones right after:
#1. Using Save Link as (Browser)
The easiest way to save a PDF from a URL is via a browser; all you have to do is access the link and click the download icon in the PDF viewer’s toolbar, usually a downward arrow near the top-right corner. Most browsers open PDFs in a built-in viewer, so clicking the link alone often won’t save the file.
If this doesn’t prompt a file download, you can right-click on the link and select Save link as. For Mac users, you can select Control + Click and select the same option. Choose a folder for the file, and check your Downloads folder if you can’t find it afterward.
#2. Using the Inspect Tool (Browser)
Another way to download files from the web is by using the Inspect tool on the link or URL. This can be a great alternative when trying to download HTML files or embedded PDFs. It works because the page’s code reveals the file’s direct address: look for an href value on a link or a src value on an embedded PDF.
Simply right-click on the link and scroll down to Inspect. When you click on it, it will show the website’s code, along with the exact URL of the file you are trying to download. Look for an address ending in .pdf.
Then, copy the URL and paste it on a new browser tab to start the downloading process. Once the PDF opens, click the download icon to save it. If you do end up downloading an HTML file, the URL probably points to a web page rather than the PDF itself.
#3. Using the Print Option
If the previous methods for downloading PDFs from a link don’t work, you can save the PDF to your computer by using the printing option. To do so, open the PDF link in a separate tab or window and press Control + P (Windows) or Command + P (Mac) to prompt the printing menu to pop up. Then, set the destination (or PDF menu on Mac) and click Save to download the document.
If you only need part of the document, choose a page range in the print settings.
#4. Using Google Drive
Finally, if someone shares a Google Drive link with you and you want to download the document online, you can just click on the downward arrow or download button in the top right corner of the page. You can also right-click the file in Drive and select Download. Dropbox and OneDrive links work the same way.
If this option doesn’t appear, the owner has likely disabled downloads, or you haven’t been given the right file access. Click Request access, or sign in with the account the file was shared with. If downloading is turned off on purpose, you won’t be able to save a copy until the file’s owner changes the restrictions.
How to Make Your Browser Download PDFs Instead of Opening Them
If you often save PDFs from links, you can change your browser settings so that PDFs download automatically instead of opening in a new tab. Exact menu names may vary slightly by browser version.
- Chrome: go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Additional content settings > PDF documents, then select Download PDFs.
- Firefox: go to Settings > Downloads > Fles and Applications, find Portable Document Format (PDF), and choose Save File.
- Safari (Mac): there is no switch for this, but you can hold Option and click a link to download the linked file.
How to Download a PDF From a Link on iPhone and Android
Phones follow the same logic as desktop: save the file from the link, or from the viewer after it opens. Because mobile devices store personal and banking information, verify the link before you tap.
On iPhone and iPad
- Open the link in Safari.
- Tap the Share icon and select Save to Files.
- Choose a folder and tap Save.
- You can also press and hold the link and select Download Linked File, then find the PDF in the Files app under Downloads.
On Android
Press the link in Chrome and select Download link. The PDF is saved to your Downloads folder, which you can open from the Files app or Chrome’s menu under Downloads.
If the PDF is already open, tap the three-dot menu and choose Download, or choose Share > Print > Save as PDF.
4 Common Reasons You Can’t Download a PDF File From a Link
If you can’t download a PDF file from a link, it’s likely because the link is broken, the website is restricting downloads, you have active pop-up blockers, or the download was interrupted.
However, if your PDF simply opens in a new tab, that isn’t an error. Use the download icon or change your browser settings as described above.
#1. The File Link Is Broken
You may encounter broken URLs when trying to access PDF files from links, especially if the file is old or outdated. This means that the file may have been moved, deleted, or changed its URL. When this happens, you can try checking the URL for typos or contacting the website owner. A 404 error or a blank page is a common sign of a broken link.
#2. The Website Restricts Downloads
Some websites may restrict download access and only allow readers to view the PDF document on the website to protect their content. If you really need a copy of the file, you can reach out to the website administrator to request access. Others require you to sign in first, so log in to your account and open the link again. Please respect copyright and the site’s terms of use when saving restricted files.
#3. Pop-Up and Download Blockers Are Preventing Downloads
If you fail to get a PDF from a browser link, we recommend checking that you don’t have any pop-up blockers preventing the download from processing. Make sure to turn these off and then try downloading the file again. Also check the address bar for a blocked-download icon, and allow downloads for that site.
#4. The Download Was Interrupted
A weak connection or a full device can interrupt a download and leave you with an incomplete file that won’t open. Check your internet connection, free up storage space, and try downloading the file again. If Chrome shows “Failed – network error” or says the file can’t be downloaded securely, double-check the link and its source before you retry.
3 Best Safety Tips and Practices for Downloading PDF Files
It’s not enough to know how to download PDFs from a link; there are also certain tips and practices you should keep in mind to keep your device safe from malicious attacks and data breaches, such as:
#1. Verifying the Source of the Link Before Downloading
Before clicking on any link, it’s crucial to verify its source and confirm that it’s not a scam site masquerading as a legitimate one. This is crucial when trying to save a PDF on mobile since these devices often have an individual’s personal information, social media access, and banking details that can be at risk. Check that the address starts with https://, watch for misspelled domain names, and be wary of unexpected redirects.
#2. Using Antivirus Software to Scan Downloaded Files
Unfortunately, PDFs can have viruses, so it’s best to scan every new file you download before opening it to remove potential malware and keep your device secure. Even files from legitimate websites can contain malicious code, which is why it’s important to be extra careful when downloading PDFs from a link.
You can even set your antivirus software to automatically scan new downloads and alert you of any risks or remove certain viruses.
#3. Avoiding Suspicious PDF Editors and Downloader Tools
While most online PDF editors are safe, not all software has the proper security measures in place that keep your files protected from outsider attacks and privacy risks. So, when choosing between PDF downloader tools, make sure you only use reliable and trustworthy software, which utilizes HTTPS connections and encryption to ensure file security.
How to Share a PDF via Link With pdf.net
Once your PDF is downloaded, sharing it is just as simple. Instead of attaching a large file to an email, you can send a link that opens on any device. Here is how to do it with pdf.net:
- Go to Share PDF and upload your file.
- Click Share in the upper-right corner. Click Share in the upper-right corner.
- Set the role and permissions.
- Click Copy link and paste it into an email, chat message, or any other app to share your PDF. The recipient can download the PDF from the link if you enable that option. They don’t need an account.
Final Thoughts
Downloading a PDF from a link is usually a matter of finding the right button, but the best method depends on where the link leads. On desktop, start with your browser’s download icon or Save link as. If a link won’t download or the PDF is embedded, the Inspect tool or Print to PDF can help, and Google Drive links offer a Download option when the owner allows it. On iPhone and Android, Save to Files and Download link do the same job.
Whichever method you use, verify the source, scan the file with antivirus software, and stick with trustworthy tools.
How to Download PDF From a Link FAQs
#1. How to download a PDF from a website that is not downloadable?
To download a PDF from a website that is not downloadable, you can try one of the methods we discussed above, such as using the inspect tool or the printing method. The inspect tool helps you find the PDF’s direct URL, while printing saves a new copy of what you see on screen.
#2. Is it safe to download a PDF from any link?
No, it’s not safe to download a PDF from any link, especially if it looks suspicious. Some URL red flags you should look out for include shortened URLs, misspelled domain names, unexpected redirects, and links that don’t use HTTPS.
#3. Why does my PDF open in the browser instead of downloading?
Most browsers have a built-in PDF reader, so they open PDFs by default. Click the download icon in the reader’s toolbar to save the file, or change your browser’s PDF settings so that PDFs download automatically.
#4. How to create a link for a PDF?
To create a link for a PDF, you need to upload the document to a secure cloud storage or file-sharing service and then generate a shareable link. Then set the sharing permissions (view-only or editable) before you copy the link. With pdf.net, you can create and share a PDF link in just a few clicks.