How to force download of pdf

So here’s a simple snippet for when you want to force a download of a file (such as a PDF, .doc etc), when a link is clicked.

The default action will open the document in the either the same browser window, or in a new tab/window by using the usual target methods:

Open file in same window:

Open file in new window:

However, if you want to force the file to download, by prompting a download pop-up box (to open or save), then all you need to do is add ‘download’ to the <a> link as seen below:

Force file download window:

EDIT: There appears to be a new method now which may work more consistenly across all browsers:

Voila! Hope this helps.