Link to a (PDF) file

This guide explains how to offer downloadable content to your visitors. You’ll learn how to upload a PDF (or any document) to your Media Library and use the Multi-URL Picker to create a link that lets users view or download the file with a single click.

Why Media First?

In Umbraco 17+, you do not simply "attach" a file from your computer to a single page. By uploading the PDF to the central Media Library first, you gain enterprise-level control:
  • Consistency: Link to the same brochure from your Footer, a blog post, and your Contact page without creating duplicate files.

  • Updates: If your document changes, simply use the "Replace" function in the Media Library. Your website will automatically update every link to point to the new version instantly.

  • Load-Balanced Syncing: Because the entire Backoffice is now load-balanced, any file you upload or update is synchronized across your server cluster, ensuring it is immediately available to all users and editors.

Choosing the Link Behavior

When a user clicks a link to a PDF, it is a "best practice" to set it to open in a New Tab. This ensures that the visitor can read the document without losing their place on your website. This approach also supports WCAG accessibility standards by providing a predictable user experience.

Watch: Uploading and Linking to Documents in Umbraco 17+

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This video shows how to drag a PDF into the Media Library and how to use the 'Media' tab within the link picker to create a download button.

Other Related Tutorials

Action Steps to Link a PDF

  1. Upload the File: Go to the Media section and drag your PDF from your computer into a folder (e.g., a "Downloads" folder).

  2. Go to Your Page: Open the page in the Visual Editor where you want the link to appear.

  3. Open the Link Picker: Click Add Link (or the link icon in the text editor).

  4. Select the 'Media' Tab: Instead of searching for a page, click the Media tab at the top of the sidebar.

  5. Choose Your File: Click your PDF and hit Select.

  6. Set the Target: Check the box for "Open in new window". This ensures the PDF doesn't navigate the user away from your site.

  7. Save and Publish: Click Submit, then Save and Publish your page.

 

Pro-Tip: Keep your PDF filenames clean! Before uploading, rename your file from final_v2_draft_01.pdf to something professional like Company-Price-List-2026.pdf. This name is often visible to the user when they download the file or see it in their browser tab.

Where Next?

Now that your visitors can download your resources, why not make the call-to-action stand out? Your next step is to explore "Create a button"—the most effective way to guide your users with clear, high-impact navigation.