Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

How to Restrict Download of PDFs on WordPress

If you use WordPress to share PDF files with your website visitors, you may want to restrict downloads to control the distribution of your content. Fortunately, WordPress provides built-in options and plugins that can help you prevent unauthorized access to PDF files on your site.

Built-in Options

WordPress has a built-in Media Library that you can use to manage your PDF files. By default, the Media Library allows anyone to download files that you upload to your site. However, you can change this setting to restrict downloads to registered users.

To restrict PDF downloads to registered users, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Go to Settings > Media.
3. Scroll down to the "Media Library" section.
4. Check the "Only registered users" box next to "Download button for logged-in users."
5. Click the "Save Changes" button.

Now, only registered users can download PDF files from your site.

Plugins

In addition to WordPress' built-in options, there are several plugins you can use to further restrict PDF downloads.

PDF Viewer for WordPress

PDF Viewer for WordPress is a plugin that allows you to embed PDF files directly on your site. The plugin includes a built-in viewer that lets visitors view the PDF without having to download it.

To restrict PDF downloads with PDF Viewer for WordPress, follow these steps:

1. Install and activate the PDF Viewer for WordPress plugin.
2. Upload your PDF file to the Media Library.
3. Click the "Add Media" button on the post or page where you want to embed the PDF.
4. Select the PDF file from the Media Library.
5. Click the "Insert into post" button.
6. In the "Embed Options" section, check the "Disable Download" box.
7. Click the "Insert" button.

Now, visitors to your site can only view – not download – the embedded PDF file.

Password Protected

Password Protected is a plugin that lets you password-protect pages, posts, and PDF files on your site. By requiring a password to access the content, you can prevent unauthorized downloads.

To restrict PDF downloads with Password Protected, follow these steps:

1. Install and activate the Password Protected plugin.
2. Upload your PDF file to the Media Library.
3. Go to Pages or Posts and create a new page or post.
4. In the "Password Protection" section, check the "Protect this page" box.
5. Enter a password in the "Password" field.
6. Click the "Publish" button.
7. In the visual editor, click the "Add Media" button and select the PDF file.
8. Click the "Insert into post" button.
9. Visitors to the page must enter the password to access or download the PDF file.

Final Thoughts

With the methods outlined above, you can easily restrict PDF downloads on WordPress. Whether you use built-in options or plugins, you can control the distribution of your content and prevent unauthorized downloads.