How Do I Add or Replace a PDF on My Website?

TL;DR

• To add a PDF: upload it to your Media Library, then link to it from a page or add a File block.
• To replace a PDF: upload the new one and update every link to it. A new upload gets a new address, even with the same file name.
• Still seeing the old file? Check the link, then clear your browser’s cache.
• Rather not do it yourself? Send us the file and tell us which one it replaces.

How Do I Add a PDF to My Website?

1. Go to Media in your WordPress dashboard and upload the PDF.
2. Edit the page where it belongs.
3. Add it to the page, one of two ways:
   • A File block shows the file name with a download button, and can show a preview of the PDF.
   • A text link: in the Media Library, click the PDF and click Copy URL to clipboard. Then select some words on your page, click the link icon, and paste.
4. Save, then click the link on the live page to test it.

How Do I Replace a PDF?

1. Upload the new PDF to the Media Library.
2. Update every link to the old PDF so it points to the new one. WordPress gives each upload its own address, so old links keep pointing to the old file.
3. Delete the old PDF from the Media Library once nothing links to it. Outside links and bookmarks to the old file will stop working, so make sure nothing important still points there.
4. Clear your cache and test the links.

Not sure which links point to the old file? We can find them on your Webmaster Retainer. When it’s not clear which old PDF to swap, we check with you first.

Rather Have Us Do It?

Send us the file and tell us which page it goes on, or which old PDF it replaces. See How to Send Large Photos, Videos, and Files to Your Webmaster. We’ll make the change on your Webmaster Retainer.

What Webmaster For Hire Recommends

• Name PDFs clearly, like price-list.pdf, so you can find them later.
• Test every link after a replacement.
• Clean up old versions once nothing links to them.

:: Common Questions ::

Why Do I Still See My Old Flyer?

Either a link still points to the old file, or your browser is showing a saved copy. Check the link, then clear your cache. For more, see How Do I Add or Change a Link on My Website?

Can I Show My PDF as a Page-Flip Magazine?

Sometimes. It depends on your theme and how it looks on phones. For one client, Beth said, “Definitely post it the normal way. Behind the scenes, I’ll test a flipper plugin to see if it works with your theme and PDF.”

Have a New Flyer or Document?

See our Webmaster Retainer, or request a consultation.