# Link to a local media file (PDF)

**URL:** <https://forum.getodk.org/t/link-to-a-local-media-file-pdf/54128>\
**Category:** Support\
**Tags:** odk-xlsform\
**Created:** [March 13, 2025, 10:35pm UTC](https://forum.getodk.org/t/link-to-a-local-media-file-pdf/54128 "2025-03-13T22:35:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Guillaume\_Costes](https://getodk.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.getodk.org/guillaume_costes/32/29369_2.png) [@Guillaume\_Costes](https://forum.getodk.org/u/Guillaume_Costes)\
**Post date:** [March 13, 2025, 10:35pm UTC](https://forum.getodk.org/t/link-to-a-local-media-file-pdf/54128/1 "2025-03-13T22:35:55Z")

</div>

Hello,

I am creating a form for which I would like the user to be able to download a PDF which will be stored locally as a media file in odk central. In the same way as image, for example.

I tried the following but without success...

```auto
| type | name | label | hint |
| note | amphibian_identification_key | Clé d'appui à l'identification des amphibiens | [Cliquez pour télécharger le fichier](//media/identification-key-amphibian.pdf) |

```

Do you have a better idea?

Thanks for your help 😀

Guillaume

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ahblake](https://getodk.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.getodk.org/ahblake/32/22392_2.png) [@ahblake](https://forum.getodk.org/u/ahblake)\
**Post date:** [March 13, 2025, 10:48pm UTC](https://forum.getodk.org/t/link-to-a-local-media-file-pdf/54128/2 "2025-03-13T22:48:08Z")

</div>

Hi @Guillaume_Costes,  
This is one way to do it. But you will have to reset the default image viewer to a PDF viewer (that can also view images). It is a bit of a hack, but one that I rely on to be able to dynamically deliver PDFs to my users for reference.

> [@Attach PDFs as form media and open on tablet while offline](https://forum.getodk.org/t/attach-pdfs-as-form-media-and-open-on-tablet-while-offline/45922):
>
> (Maybe this isn't really a showcase but just an ugly hack, admins please move as needed!) Short version; To attach PDFs to a form in Central and be able to view them on device in Collect (not Enketo): put the PDF filename(s) in the big-image column in the survey or choices sheets put a small JPG/PNG of the PDF, or just a generic pdf\_icon.jpg in the image column upload form then the required files to Central on device, go to Settings, Apps, select whichever app is currently opening images as …