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How to add a PDF to a Joomla Article

How to add a PDF to a Joomla Article

Creating links to articles or menu items or files such as a PDF is not so easy using the default editor supplied with Joomla. So in this tutorial I demonstrate how to achieve this easily by replacing the standard editor with JCE.

Click images below to enlarge

1. LOGIN to Administrator

2. NAVIGATE to Content ---> Media Manager

3. Underneath the file listing window, locate the box where you can create a new folder. 

b2ap3_thumbnail_7-02-2013_pdf-1.png

 

4. ENTER a name for the folder e.g. docs and CLICK Create Folder

5. If you haven't already, DOWNLOAD and INSTALL JCE

6. I recommend that you set JCE as the default editor. NAVIGATE to Global Configuration ---> Site and look for Default Editor. Change this to JCE.

b2ap3_thumbnail_7-02-2013_pdf-2.png

 

7. Now you're ready to create or edit an article or module. In this example I will edit an existing article. NAVIGATE to Content ---> Article Manager and find the appropriate article. CLICK the heading to enter edit mode.

8. Note that if you just installed and enabled JCE that the editor looks quite different. HIGHLIGHT the text that will act as the link and CLICK the link icon in the editor. This looks like a chain is is usually found in the bottom row of the editor. This opens a new window.

b2ap3_thumbnail_7-02-2013_pdf-3.png

 

9. CLICK the Browse icon towards the top right of the window. This opens yet another new window.

b2ap3_thumbnail_7-02-2013_pdf-4.png

 

10. In the left column, HIGHLIGHT the name of the folder that was created in Step 4.

b2ap3_thumbnail_7-02-2013_pdf-5.png

 

11. CLICK the Upload icon towards the top right. You will see yet another new window. 

b2ap3_thumbnail_7-02-2013_pdf-6.png

 

12. CLICK the Browse button, LOCATE the file from your local computer and CLICK the UPLOAD button.

b2ap3_thumbnail_7-02-2013_pdf-7.png

 

13. You are returned to the File Browser window and the file you just uploaded is displayed. It should already be selected, but if not, CLICK it so it appears highlighted. CLICK the Insert button.

b2ap3_thumbnail_7-02-2013_pdf-8.png

 

14. You are returned to the Link window. Note that the URL field now contains the path to your file. CLICK Update at the bottom of the window.

b2ap3_thumbnail_7-02-2013_pdf-9.png

 

15. You have now created a location for your file uploads, uploaded a file and linked to it. Remember to save your article or module.

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Comments 12

Guest - Sean Owens on Thursday, 07 February 2013 20:11

You need to make sure your JCE editor is up to date as there is a serious site hack that exploits the JCE editor that you are using in the demonstration above.

0
You need to make sure your JCE editor is up to date as there is a serious site hack that exploits the JCE editor that you are using in the demonstration above.
Richard Pearce on Thursday, 07 February 2013 20:24

I downloaded the latest version specifically for this demonstration.

0
I downloaded the latest version specifically for this demonstration.
Joe Podcast on Sunday, 10 February 2013 03:03

Hi Richard,

Been receiving your emails for some time now. So after the last one
being the 200th one we wrote an article about your endevours on the
blog. Link is http://mozimaxweb.com/free-joomla-basics/ enjoy and
the best of everything for your business. Mozimax

0
Hi Richard, Been receiving your emails for some time now. So after the last one being the 200th one we wrote an article about your endevours on the blog. Link is http://mozimaxweb.com/free-joomla-basics/ enjoy and the best of everything for your business. Mozimax
Giovanni Yarabek on Thursday, 21 February 2013 05:40

Hi Richard:
With this process (described above) - is there a way to make the .PDF also a download for site visitors?

#2. Is there a way to require them to provide name/email to get the download for free?

Or do you recommend another program? I'm after the free download .PDF in excahnge for providing name/email/OPT-IN.

Many thanks.
-G

0
Hi Richard: With this process (described above) - is there a way to make the .PDF also a download for site visitors? #2. Is there a way to require them to provide name/email to get the download for free? Or do you recommend another program? I'm after the free download .PDF in excahnge for providing name/email/OPT-IN. Many thanks. -G
Richard Pearce on Thursday, 21 February 2013 14:22

Not sure what you mean by download. Do you mean when the link is clicked it saves instead of opens in a new window? If so, check this post from a couple of weeks ago: http://www.buildajoomlawebsite.com/blog/review/forcing-files-to-download-with-skyline-simple-download

You can get an email first by using most form components. Just create a "thank you" page that contains a link to the download. Do not publish this page in a menu. Form components often have an option to redirect to a particular URL on successful completion of the form. So enter your URL there. Then when someone completes the form, they go to your page containing the download.

There are also several document management extensions, the best known of which is DOCman: http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/directory-a-documentation/downloads

0
Not sure what you mean by download. Do you mean when the link is clicked it saves instead of opens in a new window? If so, check this post from a couple of weeks ago: http://www.buildajoomlawebsite.com/blog/review/forcing-files-to-download-with-skyline-simple-download You can get an email first by using most form components. Just create a "thank you" page that contains a link to the download. Do not publish this page in a menu. Form components often have an option to redirect to a particular URL on successful completion of the form. So enter your URL there. Then when someone completes the form, they go to your page containing the download. There are also several document management extensions, the best known of which is DOCman: http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/directory-a-documentation/downloads
hn1255 on Tuesday, 05 March 2013 14:27

Good idea.But my i can't install jce in my host.oo:(
I can intall jce in my localhost.
Yumen

0
Good idea.But my i can't install jce in my host.oo:( I can intall jce in my localhost. Yumen
Richard Pearce on Wednesday, 06 March 2013 09:17

Just JCE or every extension? If it is just JCE then ask them why. If it is every extension, then you have an issue with your hosting. Some hosts are more "Joomla-friendly" than others. However enabling the FTP settings in Global Configuration often gets around these issues.

0
Just JCE or every extension? If it is just JCE then ask them why. If it is every extension, then you have an issue with your hosting. Some hosts are more "Joomla-friendly" than others. However enabling the FTP settings in Global Configuration often gets around these issues.
Tristan Montano on Friday, 08 March 2013 07:44

Is there a way to keep outsiders from getting to the pdf file? Example I have a registered user on my site I then post several pdf files to required login side of my site. However once the link is posted you can just give out the direct web link to the file. Can we hide this? Secondly I am also worried that Google Bots will find and publish direct links to the files. The files are not top secrete but I would prefer them not being to easy to get to.

0
Is there a way to keep outsiders from getting to the pdf file? Example I have a registered user on my site I then post several pdf files to required login side of my site. However once the link is posted you can just give out the direct web link to the file. Can we hide this? Secondly I am also worried that Google Bots will find and publish direct links to the files. The files are not top secrete but I would prefer them not being to easy to get to.
Richard Pearce on Monday, 11 March 2013 13:11

You're best to use a download management extension. Some have the ability to hide the URL. Docman is popular. See http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/directory-a-documentation/downloads

In regards to stopping files from getting indexed, place them in a particular directory and specify that this directory not get indexed in your robots.txt file.

0
You're best to use a download management extension. Some have the ability to hide the URL. Docman is popular. See http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/directory-a-documentation/downloads In regards to stopping files from getting indexed, place them in a particular directory and specify that this directory not get indexed in your robots.txt file.
johnab on Tuesday, 09 July 2013 16:26

Am also have the same problem, now its clear. thanks for this valuable information.

0
Am also have the same problem, now its clear. thanks for this valuable information.
Ibukun on Friday, 21 November 2014 19:59

it worked perfectly, but what if i have a pdf file of 10mb, how can i do it? because i think the maximum file size is 1024kb

0
it worked perfectly, but what if i have a pdf file of 10mb, how can i do it? because i think the maximum file size is 1024kb
Richard Pearce on Monday, 24 November 2014 16:28

The maximum file upload size is determined by a setting at your host. You should ask your host if this can be increased.

0
The maximum file upload size is determined by a setting at your host. You should ask your host if this can be increased.

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