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.
Why Upload PDFs to WordPress?
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:
- Keeping formatting intact. 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 PDF missing text.
- Streamlining document interaction. With PDFs uploaded on your WordPress site, visitors can download them or share via email 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.
4 Common Uses for PDFs
Here are some of the most common uses for PDFs:
- E-books. 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 interactive PDFs, they can include images, diagrams, links, etc.
- Instruction manuals. Instruction manuals in PDF format often come with images or diagrams to make complex processes easier to follow. For convenient use offline, they can be downloaded or printed.
- Menus and price lists. 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.
- Reports and case studies. 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 optimize your PDF for web use:
- Resize your file. Large files can slow down your WordPress site and affect user experience. Therefore, you should compress the PDF and remove unnecessary elements where possible.
- Name your file with SEO in mind. 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.
- Ensure file accessibility. 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)
Uploading a PDF to WordPress via Media Library is the most direct method. It stores your file directly in WordPress's built-in media management system, so it is easily accessible for linking, embedding, or downloading throughout your site.
Here's how to upload your PDF using the Media Library:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard. 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.
- Go to Media > Add New. From the left sidebar menu, hover over Media and click Add New Media File. You will see the media upload interface where you can add various file types, including PDFs.
- Drag and drop or select the PDF. You can either drag your file directly onto the upload area or click Select Files to browse your computer. WordPress will upload and process the file, with a progress bar during the upload.
- Copy the file URL for linking. Once uploaded, click on the PDF in your Media Library to view its details. Select Copy URL to clipboard. 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)
In your post or page editor, click the + button to add a new block, then search for File or go to the Media section.
Select your uploaded PDF from the Media Library or upload a new one directly. The File Block 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 Show inline embed option in the block settings.
#2. Linking Text to a PDF File
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 Media Library URL.
This method of linking a PDF in WordPress provides a seamless reading experience where visitors can access additional resources without breaking from their content flow. The linked text will appear with your theme's standard styling.
#3. Adding a Download Button
You can add a PDF to WordPress by creating a custom download button through a button block or HTML. Select the + button, then search for Button to add a new block.
Set the link to your PDF’s URL, and customize the appearance with colors and text like "Download PDF" or "Get the guide." This way, you provide a clear call-to-action (CTA) that encourages downloads.
How to Add a PDF to WordPress Without Plugins
It is also possible to add documents to WordPress without plugins. Although plugins like PDF Embedder and Embed PDF Viewer offer enhanced features for displaying PDFs with custom viewers, toolbars, and responsive layouts, you can easily embed PDFs directly into WordPress without them.
First, upload your file to the Media Library 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:
- Using <iframe>. <iframe src="your-pdf-url.pdf" width="100%" height="600px"></iframe>
- Using <embed>. <embed src="your-pdf-url.pdf" type="application/pdf" width="100%" height="600px">
When to Use This Method vs. Plugins
Both methods 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 simple PDF display functionality; 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 enhanced functionality such as thumbnail previews, page navigation controls, search capabilities within the PDF document itself, etc.
Troubleshooting Common PDF Upload Issues
Keep the following in mind when troubleshooting common issues with WordPress file upload:
- File size limits. WordPress’s default upload limit is typically 2-8MB. To increase this limit for larger PDFs rather than having to resize them, 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.
- Unsupported file errors. If WordPress rejects your PDF with a File type not allowed 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');
- Broken PDF links. Permalink changes, file deletions, or server migrations can cause broken links. You should always verify file URLs in the Media Library 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
PDF.net streamlines the prep process with a full suite of intuitive tools. To make your documents easier to follow, you can rearrange pages for better flow or add page numbers so readers can reference content quickly.
You can also highlight key sections 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.
Final Thoughts
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.
How to Upload a PDF to WordPress FAQs
#1. Can I track how many people downloaded my PDF in WordPress?
Yes, you can track how many people downloaded your PDF in WordPress by using Google Analytics events, plugins like Download Monitor or WP File Download, or by adding tracking code 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 Open in new tab option in the link settings panel when creating text links. For HTML code, 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 PDF Embedder and Embed PDF Viewer. These provide simple embedding functionality; their premium versions offer more advanced features like custom styling.