How to create a downloadable file in html

The optional value of the download attribute will be the new name of the file after it is downloaded. There are no restrictions on allowed values, and the browser will automatically detect the correct file extension and add it to the file. Specify a value for the download attribute, which will be the new filename of the downloaded file "w3logo. We just launched W3Schools videos. That's why I have the side-note on compatibility. And according to your source both IE and Safari don't support this approach, or at least not yet : Anyhow, if you want all browsers to force download I suggest checking some of the other answers instead The solution is easy but unfortunately not supported in IE and Safari.

Instead of linking to the. TravisO TravisO 9, 4 4 gold badges 34 34 silver badges 44 44 bronze badges. Please don't make up headers and send them. Could you update your answer. Be careful when using this code verbatim, though. This code is likely dangerous in another way.

Could be used by an attacker to attempt to scan your internal network for exposed PDF files. Not to mention how easy it would be to bypass any "sanity checks" you think you'll be doing to the "file" parameter. Show 8 more comments. Alex V Alex V The readfile function is indeed faster.

I personally recommend using this answer instead of the accepted one — Jose Garrido. Rob W Rob W k 76 76 gold badges silver badges bronze badges. TecBrat Yes, but that was what the OP asked. TecBrat or put the. Alex W Alex W Sudden Def Sudden Def 8, 3 3 gold badges 17 17 silver badges 8 8 bronze badges.

I know I am very late to answer this but I found a hack to do this in javascript. W3Schools is optimized for learning and training. Examples might be simplified to improve reading and learning. Tutorials, references, and examples are constantly reviewed to avoid errors, but we cannot warrant full correctness of all content.

While using W3Schools, you agree to have read and accepted our terms of use , cookie and privacy policy. Copyright by Refsnes Data. Open a folder on your server for both the page and the file. The easiest way to link a file is by placing the file in the same folder as the page's HTML file. Use the control panel file manager or the file browser in your FTP program to navigate to the folder containing the HTML file you'll be adding the link to.

Your FTP client should already be configured to connect to your webserver since you've uploaded your site there before. If your web server has an online control panel, you can access your server files directly through the web management interface. You'll be able to access this when you sign into your site as an administrator. Once you're in the control panel, select the "File Manager" option. If you created your website using a website creation tool like WordPress, Weebly, or Wix, see the platform-specific instructions in the methods below.

Upload the file you want to create a link to. Note that some servers may limit the size of the file you are allowed to upload, and large files can eat through your allotted bandwidth pretty quickly.

To upload files using your FTP program, drag the file into the folder in the FTP window that you want to upload it to. It will begin uploading immediately. Your upload speeds will typically be much slower than your download speeds, so it may take a while to completely upload the file. If you are using the virtual control panel file manager, click the "Upload" button at the top of the window.

Browse your computer for the file you want to upload. Large files may take a while to upload to your server. Open the page you want to add your link to in your code editor.

Once the file is uploaded, you'll need to add the link to it on your web page. Open the HTML file that you want to add the link to. You can double-click it in the control panel file manager to open it in the built-in page editor. Find the spot on the page that you want to add the link. Place your cursor in the spot in the code that you want to insert your download link.

This could be in the body of a paragraph, at the bottom of a page, or anywhere else. Add the code for the link. Enter the following HTML5 code for your download link. This will start the download immediately for users after they click the link. As long as the file to be downloaded is in the same folder as the HTML file, you just need to use the name and extension. If the file is located in another folder, you'll need to include the folder structure.

Create a download button instead of a link. You can use an image instead of text to create the download link. This requires a button image already on your web server. Rename the downloaded file.

This can make it easier for users to identify files that they download from you. Save the changes to your HTML file. Once you're satisfied with your code, save the changes to your HTML file and reupload it if necessary.

You'll be able to see your new download button live on your website. Method 2. Open your site in the WordPress site editor. If you use WordPress to manage and publish your website, you can use the built-in tools to add a download link to any of your pages. Log into your WordPress dashboard using the admin account.

Place your cursor where you want the link to appear.