How to Attach a PDF to Joomla

The latest version of Joomla! -- 1.6 -- does not have an internal feature to attach PDF documents, or other files to an article, other than images. This means you'll need to get creative if you want to add a PDF document to your published Joomla! article. By using basic HTML, you can wrap a PDF download link around an icon, which allows a user to download the attached PDF file.

Instructions

1. Download an icon to use as the download link for your PDF. Consider using a "PDF" icon, or a "Download" button. Make sure the icon is relatively small; it will display in your article at its exact size.

2. Sign in to your Joomla! administration dashboard, click on "Content>Media Manager," then click on "Options."

3. Verify that "PDF" is in the list of accepted file formats. If it's not, type "pdf" into the box, and click on "Save."

4. Click on "Browse File," select your PDF icon or download icon, then click on "Upload." Note the upload path to later insert the image into the article, or copy and paste it in a Notepad file.

5. Click on "Create New Folder." Name the folder "Files" or "PDFs" or something similar.

6. Upload your PDF into the newly created folder. Note the file path, or highlight and copy it.

7. Click on "Content>Article Manager>New." Write out the title and article text. Click your cursor on the spot you want to add the PDF download, then click on the "Image" button.

8. Paste the path to your PDF or download icon. Click "Insert" to insert the image. You should now see the icon within your article's body.

9. Click on "HTML" to view the article source HTML. You should see the following img source tag:

   <img src="http://yoursite.com/images/testimage.jpg" border="0" />

10. Wrap the image tag with a link tag. Link to the PDF document you uploaded. The final result should look like this:

    <a href="http://yoursite.com/files/samplepdf.pdf"><img src="http://yoursite.com/images/testimage.jpg" border="0" /></a>

11. Click on "Save and Close." The PDF is now attached to the download icon. When a user clicks on it, he will be able to download the attached PDF.

References

• CMS Minds; Joomla! File Attachment