To download a PDF from a link, you can try 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 today’s article, we’ll discuss the different methods for downloading PDFs from a link and share some tips and practices to follow when doing so.Let’s start!
How to Download PDF From a Link: 4 Methods Explained
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 PDF download tutorials you can try:
#1. Via Desktop (Windows/Mac)
The easiest way to save a PDF from a URL is via desktop; all you have to do is access the link on a web browser and click on it to download.
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.
#2. Using the Inspect Tool
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.
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.
Then, copy the URL and paste it on a new browser tab to start the downloading process. If you do end up downloading an HTML file, you can simply use PDF.net to convert the HTML file to PDF or your desired file format.
#3. Trying the Printing 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 browser and press Control + P (Windows) or Command + P (Mac) to prompt the printing menu to pop up. Then, scroll through the options and click Save as PDF to download the document.
#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 on the top right corner of the page.
If this option doesn’t appear, unfortunately, it means that you don’t have the right file access and will not be able to download the document until the file’s owner changes restrictions.
Why Can’t You 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, or you have active pop-up blockers that are preventing the download prompt.
Let’s discuss these further.
- 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.
- Pop-up 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.
- 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.
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.
#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 Using Suspicious PDF Editors or Readers
While most online PDF editors are safe, not all software have 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 like PDF.net, which utilizes end-to-end encryption to ensure file security.
Enjoy Secure PDF Management With PDF.net
When you need to convert a link to PDF or simply want to make edits to personal documents, you can rely on PDF.net. As a professional PDF editor, our tool has the latest HTTPS encryption to keep your files secure while in use so that you can modify your documents with confidence.
How to Download PDF From a Link FAQ
#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. These allow you to access the document’s main URL and save it to your device.
#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 and hyphens and symbols.
#3. 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.