Download a PDF file from URL

Question

I am writing a JavaScript function that download 10-15 PDFs from an array of URLs. But for now lets try just one static file.

I have tried adding the file in a <a> tag like

I tried adding this to my page, the URL shows up and it downloads on click

<a href="" download="http://www.africau.edu/images/default/sample.pdf" > download this</a>

I've also tried

<a href="http://www.africau.edu/images/default/sample.pdf" download="http://www.africau.edu/images/default/sample.pdf" > download this</a>

But it always is corrupted.

I have tried several combinations.

P.S. The files aren't on current domain, they're on another domain

You have to set the `href` attribute to the URL, the `download` attribute can be used to specify a file name. — Luca Kiebel, Aug 08 '19 at 12:26
It does work just fine. Try not setting the filename at all, or setting it to something other than a URL — Luca Kiebel, Aug 08 '19 at 12:29
I've tried that with and without the filename, with and without the href and with and without the href tag, though the file gets downloaded, it shows its corrupted. — Mohit Agarwal, Aug 08 '19 at 12:31

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Aug 08 '19 at 12:31

0

You should place that pdf file in secured location, see console log for the error: This request has been blocked; the content must be served over HTTPS.

answered Aug 08 '19 at 12:31

MilosMarkoni

171
8

the actual files are sent over HTTPS, this sample file isnt, and the files do get downloaded – Mohit Agarwal Aug 08 '19 at 12:32
Then try solution as stated above, keep the download attribute but place url inside href tag. – MilosMarkoni Aug 08 '19 at 12:35
Download pdf here – MilosMarkoni Aug 08 '19 at 12:35
Also, please check your browser if that option is supported at all, https://caniuse.com/#search=download – MilosMarkoni Aug 08 '19 at 12:36

Download a PDF file from URL

1 Answers1