Download Link Generator – Create HTML Download Links for PDFs, eBooks and ZIPs in 3 Easy Steps
Digital Product Download Link Generator
Create secure, direct-download HTML links for your eBooks, PDFs, and ZIP files instantly.
| Attribute | Functionality | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
download | Instructs the browser to download the URL instead of navigating to it, prompting the user to save it locally. | Only works for same-origin URLs, or if the server sends the correct CORS headers. |
download="filename.ext" | Suggests a custom file name to the user's operating system when saving the file. | Browser security settings may override this to prevent malicious file spoofing. |
target="_blank" | Opens the link in a new tab. Good fallback if the browser decides to view the PDF instead of downloading. | Should always be paired with rel="noopener" for security (handled automatically). |
Use this free download link generator to create a ready-to-paste HTML link that downloads your PDF, eBook, ZIP or other digital product.
Quick answer
An HTML download link is an <a> tag with the download attribute, which tells the browser to save the file instead of opening it: <a href="/files/guide.pdf" download="Guide.pdf">Download</a>. Enter your file URL and link text, optionally rename the file, choose Force Download, Open in New Tab and Nofollow, and copy the generated code. The download attribute only works reliably when the file is on the same domain as the page.
Table of Contents
Creators selling or giving away eBooks, templates, checklists and ZIP bundles need a clean download button on a thank-you page or blog post. Hand-writing the HTML means remembering the right attributes and the security rel values that should go with target="_blank".
This download link generator builds the code for you, shows a live button preview and lets you copy the HTML into WordPress, Elementor, Shopify, an email builder or any page editor.
Example Output
With the file https://example.com/files/seo-checklist-2026.pdf, the anchor “Download the Free SEO Checklist”, the name SEO-Checklist-2026.pdf and all three options ticked, the generator returns:
<a href="https://example.com/files/seo-checklist-2026.pdf" download="SEO-Checklist-2026.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Download the Free SEO Checklist</a>Untick Force Download and the download attribute is removed, so the browser opens the file instead, which suits PDFs you want people to read online.
What Each Attribute Does
| Attribute | Effect | Note |
|---|---|---|
| download | Saves the file instead of opening it | Works for same-origin files |
| download="name.pdf" | Suggests a file name for the saved copy | Browsers may ignore it for security |
| target="_blank" | Opens the link in a new tab | Useful fallback when a browser previews the file |
| rel="noopener noreferrer" | Stops the new tab controlling your page | Added automatically with a new tab |
| rel="nofollow" | Asks search engines not to follow the link | Optional |
How to Use the Download Link Generator
Step 1: Enter the File Details
Paste the full File URL; a green “Valid URL” tick appears when it is accepted. Type the Link Text (Anchor) people will click and, if you like, a new name in Rename File On Download, such as SEO-Checklist-2026.pdf.
Step 2: Choose the Link Behaviours
Tick Force Download (HTML5) to add the download attribute, Open in New Tab to add target="_blank" with rel="noopener noreferrer", and Add Nofollow Tag if you do not want search engines to follow the link.
Step 3: Copy the HTML Code
The Generated HTML Code box updates instantly and the Live Frontend Preview shows the button. Click Copy HTML and paste the code into a Custom HTML block or your page editor. Click Reset to create another link.
Why the Download Attribute Sometimes Does Not Work
- Different domain: if the file is on another domain or a CDN, most browsers ignore the download attribute and open the file. Host the file on the same domain as the page, or have the file server send a Content-Disposition: attachment header.
- Cloud storage links: Google Drive or Dropbox share links point to a viewer page, not the file. Use their direct-download link format instead.
- File name ignored: browsers can keep the original name to prevent file-type spoofing.
- Browser settings: some browsers always preview PDFs unless the user changes their settings.
Where to Use Download Links
- Thank-you pages after a lead magnet or email sign-up.
- Product delivery pages for eBooks, templates, presets and fonts.
- Blog posts that offer a printable checklist or worksheet.
- Client portals with reports, invoices or brand assets.
- Media kits and press pages.
Protecting Paid Files
A plain download link can be shared by anyone who has it. For paid products, use your store or membership plugin’s expiring or login-protected download links, and use this tool for free resources and public files.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a download link generator?
It creates the HTML code for a link that downloads a file, such as a PDF or ZIP, when clicked, with options for file name, new tab and nofollow.
How do I make a link download a file instead of opening it?
Add the download attribute to the link: <a href="file.pdf" download>. Tick Force Download in the generator to add it automatically.
Why does my PDF open instead of downloading?
The file is probably on a different domain, or the browser is set to preview PDFs. Host the file on the same domain or set a Content-Disposition: attachment header on the server.
Can I rename the downloaded file?
Yes. Enter a name in Rename File On Download. It works for same-origin files, though some browsers may keep the original name.
Should download links be nofollow?
It is optional. Many sites add nofollow to download links so search engines focus on regular pages.
Is the download link generator free?
Yes. It is free, runs in your browser and needs no sign-up.