Pdf

To download or view

[Indented]

Hi,

On my site I have 100 or so PDF's. At the moment I'm using PHP to send them with "application/pdf" in the header so that the user downloads them. In your opinion(s) do you think this is better than linking directly to them so that they appear in the browser?

Thanks.

[john_k]

Welcome to Webmaster World!

If the context allows it, I would say the best option is to give the user a choice with two links:

view download

Personally, if I know a link is to a PDF file, I either download it or right-click and open it in a new window.

I really hate it when PDF links are comingled with links to other web pages and not identified as PDF. It is even more irritating when they open in the same window.

[diggle]

I too hate it when a pdf downloads unexpectedly. I would sooner read stuff online and copy what I want to copy. Adobe used to slow my comp up and take ages to open - then I discovered Foxit Reader which IMHO is absolutely brilliant.

[Indented]

Thanks for the welcome!

The reason I used the "application/pdf" was because I personally can't stand it when a PDF opens in a browser (especially unexpectedly).

If I had the space I think I would go with the view or download links. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't commiting a major crime by not allowing people to automatically view the files in their browser.

The files are mostly product manuals and brochures.

Thanks again!