Download Any File From URL with Vanilla JavaScript Last Updated : 05 Aug, 2025 Comments Improve Suggest changes Like Article Like Report Downloading files from a URL using vanilla JavaScript involves creating a link element, setting its href attribute to the file URL, and programmatically triggering a click event. This method allows users to download files without relying on external libraries or frameworks. Downloading files from a URL with vanilla JavaScript is done to enable users to easily obtain files directly from a webpage, enhancing user experience without needing additional libraries or complex backend solutions.Preview ImagePrerequisitesHTMLCSSJavaScriptApproachCreate an HTML file with the necessary structure. Include links to external CSS stylesheets, JavaScript files, and external libraries (like Font Awesome and Animate.css).Using the <div> with the class card, the elements like the input field and button are wrapped into the card component. Once the structure is completed, in the CSS styling file, the entire card component along with UI elements is designed by using various styling properties.Implement the JavaScript functions (downFn, extFn) to handle the user input, and file downloading functionality and validate the file extension. Conditional statements are used to handle the errors and display user-friendly error messages. Project StructureExample: In this example, we will see the implementation of the Download Any File From URL Application with Vanilla JavaScript. HTML <!DOCTYPE html> <head> <title>GFG</title> <link rel="stylesheet" href= "https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/animate.css/4.1.1/animate.min.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href= "https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/font-awesome/5.15.1/css/all.min.css"> <link href= "https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Montserrat:wght@400;700&display=swap" rel="stylesheet"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="styles.css"> </head> <body> <div class="card"> <i class="fas fa-download"></i> <h2 style="color: green;"> GeeksforGeeks File Downloader </h2> <p>Enter File URL:</p> <input type="url" id="fileUrl" placeholder="Enter file URL" required> <button onclick="downFn()" id="downloadBtn"> Download </button> <div id="error-message"></div> </div> <script src="app.js"></script> </body> </html> CSS body { font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; margin: 0; padding: 0; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; height: 100vh; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #dbbc34, #8e44ad); } .card { background-color: #fff; padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px; box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); text-align: center; max-width: 400px; width: 100%; animation: fadeInUp 1.5s ease-out; } .card i { font-size: 3em; color: #64f710; } .card p { margin: 10px 0; } input { width: 100%; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; box-sizing: border-box; } button { background-color: #ff0000; color: #fff; padding: 10px 20px; border: none; border-radius: 5px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 16px; transition: background-color 0.3s; } button:hover { background-color: #00fff2; } #error-message { color: #e74c3c; margin-top: 10px; } JavaScript // app.js const userIP = document.getElementById("fileUrl"); const dBtn = document.getElementById("downloadBtn"); const errMsg = document.getElementById("error-message"); dBtn.addEventListener("click", (e) => { e.preventDefault(); dBtn.innerText = "Downloading file..."; downFn(userIP.value); }); function downFn(url) { const pattern = /^(ftp|http|https):\/\/[^ "]+$/; if (!pattern.test(url)) { errMsg.textContent = "Wrong URL Entered"; dBtn.innerText = "Download File"; return; } errMsg.textContent = ""; fetch(url) .then((res) => { if (!res.ok) { throw new Error("Network Problem"); } return res.blob(); }) .then((file) => { const ex = extFn(url); let tUrl = URL.createObjectURL(file); const tmp1 = document.createElement("a"); tmp1.href = tUrl; tmp1.download = `downloaded_file.${ex}`; document.body.appendChild(tmp1); tmp1.click(); dBtn.innerText = "Download File"; URL.revokeObjectURL(tUrl); tmp1.remove(); }) .catch(() => { errMsg.textContent = "Cannot Download Restricted Content!"; dBtn.innerText = "Download File"; }); } function extFn(url) { const match = url.match(/\.[0-9a-z]+$/i); return match ? match[0].slice(1) : ""; } Output:ConclusionIn conclusion, downloading any file from a URL using vanilla JavaScript offers a straightforward, efficient solution for enabling file downloads directly from a webpage. This approach improves user experience by eliminating the need for additional libraries and simplifying the download process. Download Any File From URL with Vanilla JavaScript Comment More infoAdvertise with us G gauravggeeksforgeeks Follow Improve Article Tags : Project JavaScript Web Technologies Dev Scripter JavaScript-Projects Dev Scripter 2024 +2 More Similar Reads JavaScript Tutorial JavaScript is a programming language used to create dynamic content for websites. It is a lightweight, cross-platform, and single-threaded programming language. It's an interpreted language that executes code line by line, providing more flexibility.Client Side: On the client side, JavaScript works 8 min read JavaScript BasicsIntroduction to JavaScriptJavaScript is a versatile, dynamically typed programming language that brings life to web pages by making them interactive. It is used for building interactive web applications, supports both client-side and server-side development, and integrates seamlessly with HTML, CSS, and a rich standard libra 4 min read JavaScript VersionsJavaScript is a popular programming language used by developers all over the world. It’s a lightweight and easy-to-learn language that can run on both the client-side (in your browser) and the server-side (on the server). JavaScript was created in 1995 by Brendan Eich.In 1997, JavaScript became a st 2 min read How to Add JavaScript in HTML Document?To add JavaScript in HTML document, several methods can be used. These methods include embedding JavaScript directly within the HTML file or linking an external JavaScript file.Inline JavaScriptYou can write JavaScript code directly inside the HTML element using the onclick, onmouseover, or other ev 3 min read JavaScript SyntaxJavaScript syntax refers to the rules and conventions dictating how code is structured and arranged within the JavaScript programming language. This includes statements, expressions, variables, functions, operators, and control flow constructs.Syntaxconsole.log("Basic Print method in JavaScript");Ja 6 min read JavaScript OutputJavaScript provides different methods to display output, such as console.log(), alert(), document.write(), and manipulating HTML elements directly. Each method has its specific use cases, whether for debugging, user notifications, or dynamically updating web content. Here we will explore various Jav 4 min read JavaScript CommentsComments help explain code (they are not executed and hence do not have any logic implementation). We can also use them to temporarily disable parts of your code.1. Single Line CommentsA single-line comment in JavaScript is denoted by two forward slashes (//), JavaScript// A single line comment cons 2 min read JS Variables & DatatypesVariables and Datatypes in JavaScriptVariables and data types are foundational concepts in programming, serving as the building blocks for storing and manipulating information within a program. In JavaScript, getting a good grasp of these concepts is important for writing code that works well and is easy to understand.Data TypesVariabl 6 min read Global and Local variables in JavaScriptIn JavaScript, understanding the difference between global and local variables is important for writing clean, maintainable, and error-free code. Variables can be declared with different scopes, affecting where and how they can be accessed. Global VariablesGlobal variables in JavaScript are those de 4 min read JavaScript LetThe let keyword is a modern way to declare variables in JavaScript and was introduced in ECMAScript 6 (ES6). Unlike var, let provides block-level scoping. This behaviour helps developers avoid unintended issues caused by variable hoisting and scope leakage that are common with var.Syntaxlet variable 6 min read JavaScript constThe const keyword in JavaScript is a modern way to declare variables, introduced in (ES6). It is used to declare variables whose values need to remain constant throughout the lifetime of the application.const is block-scoped, similar to let, and is useful for ensuring immutability in your code. Unli 5 min read JavaScript Var StatementThe var keyword is used to declare variables in JavaScript. It has been part of the language since its inception. When a variable is declared using var, it is function-scoped or globally-scoped, depending on where it is declared.Syntaxvar variable = value;It declares a variable using var, assigns it 7 min read JS OperatorsJavaScript OperatorsJavaScript operators are symbols or keywords used to perform operations on values and variables. They are the building blocks of JavaScript expressions and can manipulate data in various ways.There are various operators supported by JavaScript:1. JavaScript Arithmetic OperatorsArithmetic Operators p 5 min read Operator precedence in JavaScriptOperator precedence refers to the priority given to operators while parsing a statement that has more than one operator performing operations in it. Operators with higher priorities are resolved first. But as one goes down the list, the priority decreases and hence their resolution. ( * ) and ( / ) 2 min read JavaScript Arithmetic OperatorsJavaScript Arithmetic Operators are the operator that operate upon the numerical values and return a numerical value. Addition (+) OperatorThe addition operator takes two numerical operands and gives their numerical sum. It also concatenates two strings or numbers.JavaScript// Number + Number => 5 min read JavaScript Assignment OperatorsAssignment operators are used to assign values to variables in JavaScript.JavaScript// Lets take some variables x = 10 y = 20 x = y ; console.log(x); console.log(y); Output20 20 More Assignment OperatorsThere are so many assignment operators as shown in the table with the description.OPERATOR NAMESH 5 min read JavaScript Comparison OperatorsJavaScript comparison operators are essential tools for checking conditions and making decisions in your code. 1. Equality Operator (==) The Equality operator is used to compare the equality of two operands. JavaScript// Illustration of (==) operator let x = 5; let y = '5'; // Checking of operands c 5 min read JavaScript Logical OperatorsLogical operators in JavaScript are used to perform logical operations on values and return either true or false. These operators are commonly used in decision-making statements like if or while loops to control the flow of execution based on conditions.In JavaScript, there are basically three types 5 min read JavaScript Bitwise OperatorsIn JavaScript, a number is stored as a 64-bit floating-point number but bitwise operations are performed on a 32-bit binary number. To perform a bit-operation, JavaScript converts the number into a 32-bit binary number (signed) and performs the operation and converts back the result to a 64-bit numb 5 min read JavaScript Ternary OperatorThe Ternary Operator in JavaScript is a conditional operator that evaluates a condition and returns one of two values based on whether the condition is true or false. It simplifies decision-making in code, making it more concise and readable. Syntaxcondition ? trueExpression : falseExpressionConditi 4 min read JavaScript Comma OperatorJavaScript Comma Operator mainly evaluates its operands from left to right sequentially and returns the value of the rightmost operand. JavaScriptlet x = (1, 2, 3); console.log(x); Output3 Here is another example to show that all expressions are actually executed.JavaScriptlet a = 1, b = 2, c = 3; l 2 min read JavaScript Unary OperatorsJavaScript Unary Operators work on a single operand and perform various operations, like incrementing/decrementing, evaluating data type, negation of a value, etc.Unary Plus (+) OperatorThe unary plus (+) converts an operand into a number, if possible. It is commonly used to ensure numerical operati 4 min read JavaScript in and instanceof operatorsJavaScript Relational Operators are used to compare their operands and determine the relationship between them. They return a Boolean value (true or false) based on the comparison result.JavaScript in OperatorThe in-operator in JavaScript checks if a specified property exists in an object or if an e 3 min read JavaScript String OperatorsJavaScript String Operators are used to manipulate and perform operations on strings. There are two operators which are used to modify strings in JavaScript. These operators help us to join one string to another string.1. Concatenate OperatorConcatenate Operator in JavaScript combines strings using 3 min read JS StatementsJavaScript StatementsJavaScript statements are programming instructions that a computer executes. A computer program is essentially a list of these "instructions" designed to perform tasks. In a programming language, such instructions are called statements.Types of Statements1. Variable Declarations (var, let, const)In 4 min read JavaScript if-elseJavaScript conditional statements allow programs to make decisions based on specific conditions. They control the flow of execution, enabling different actions for different scenarios.JavaScript if-statementIt is a conditional statement that determines whether a specific action or block of code will 3 min read JavaScript switch StatementThe switch statement evaluates an expression and executes code based on matching cases. It’s an efficient alternative to multiple if-else statements, improving readability when handling many conditions.Syntaxswitch (expression) { case value1: // Code block 1 break; case value2: // Code block 2 break 4 min read JavaScript Break StatementJavaScript break statement is used to terminate the execution of the loop or the switch statement when the condition is true.In Switch Block (To come out of the block)JavaScriptconst fruit = "Mango"; switch (fruit) { case "Apple": console.log("Apple is healthy."); break; case "Mango": console.log("M 2 min read JavaScript Continue StatementThe continue statement in JavaScript is used to break the iteration of the loop and follow with the next iteration. Example of continue to print only odd Numbers smaller than 10JavaScriptfor (let i = 0; i < 10; i++) { if (i % 2 == 0) continue; console.log(i); }Output1 3 5 7 9 How Does Continue Wo 1 min read JavaScript Return StatementThe return statement in JavaScript is used to end the execution of a function and return a value to the caller. It is used to control function behaviour and optimise code execution.Syntaxreturn [expression]Expression Evaluation: The expression inside the brackets is evaluated and returned to the cal 4 min read JS LoopsJavaScript LoopsLoops in JavaScript are used to reduce repetitive tasks by repeatedly executing a block of code as long as a specified condition is true. This makes code more concise and efficient.Suppose we want to print 'Hello World' five times. Instead of manually writing the print statement repeatedly, we can u 3 min read JavaScript For LoopJavaScript for loop is a control flow statement that allows code to be executed repeatedly based on a condition. It consists of three parts: initialization, condition, and increment/decrement. Syntaxfor (statement 1 ; statement 2 ; statement 3){ code here...}Statement 1: It is the initialization of 4 min read JavaScript While LoopThe while loop executes a block of code as long as a specified condition is true. In JavaScript, this loop evaluates the condition before each iteration and continues running as long as the condition remains true.Syntaxwhile (condition) { Code block to be executed}Here's an example that prints from 3 min read JavaScript For In LoopThe JavaScript for...in loop iterates over the properties of an object. It allows you to access each key or property name of an object.JavaScriptconst car = { make: "Toyota", model: "Corolla", year: 2020 }; for (let key in car) { console.log(`${key}: ${car[key]}`); }Outputmake: Toyota model: Corolla 3 min read JavaScript for...of LoopThe JavaScript for...of loop is a modern, iteration statement introduced in ECMAScript 2015 (ES6). Works for iterable objects such as arrays, strings, maps, sets, and more. It is better choice for traversing items of iterables compared to traditional for and for in loops, especially when we have bre 3 min read JavaScript do...while LoopA do...while loop in JavaScript is a control structure where the code executes repeatedly based on a given boolean condition. It's similar to a repeating if statement. One key difference is that a do...while loop guarantees that the code block will execute at least once, regardless of whether the co 4 min read JS Perfomance & DebuggingJavaScript | PerformanceJavaScript is a fundamental part of nearly every web application and web-based software. JavaScript’s client-side scripting capabilities can make applications more dynamic and interactive, but it also increases the chance of inefficiencies in code. Poorly written JavaScript can degrade user experien 4 min read Debugging in JavaScriptDebugging is the process of testing, finding, and reducing bugs (errors) in computer programs. It involves:Identifying errors (syntax, runtime, or logical errors).Using debugging tools to analyze code execution.Implementing fixes and verifying correctness.Types of Errors in JavaScriptSyntax Errors: 4 min read JavaScript Errors Throw and Try to CatchJavaScript uses throw to create custom errors and try...catch to handle them, preventing the program from crashing. The finally block ensures that code runs after error handling, regardless of success or failure.throw: Creates custom errors and stops code execution.try...catch: Catches and handles e 2 min read JS ObjectObjects in JavascriptAn object in JavaScript is a data structure used to store related data collections. It stores data as key-value pairs, where each key is a unique identifier for the associated value. Objects are dynamic, which means the properties can be added, modified, or deleted at runtime.There are two primary w 4 min read Object Oriented Programming in JavaScriptObject Oriented Programming (OOP) is a style of programming that uses classes and objects to model real-world things like data and behavior. A class is a blueprint that defines the properties and methods an object can have, while an object is a specific instance created from that class. Why OOP is N 3 min read JavaScript ObjectsIn our previous article on Introduction to Object Oriented Programming in JavaScript we have seen all the common OOP terminology and got to know how they do or don't exist in JavaScript. In this article, objects are discussed in detail.Creating Objects:In JavaScript, Objects can be created using two 6 min read Creating objects in JavaScriptAn object in JavaScript is a collection of key-value pairs, where keys are strings (properties) and values can be any data type. Objects can be created using object literals, constructors, or classes. Properties are defined with key-value pairs, and methods are functions defined within the object, e 5 min read JavaScript JSON ObjectsJSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a handy way to share data. It's easy for both people and computers to understand. In JavaScript, JSON helps organize data into simple objects. Let's explore how JSON works and why it's so useful for exchanging information.const jsonData = { "key1" : "value1", ... 3 min read JavaScript Object ReferenceJavaScript Objects are the most important data type and form the building blocks for modern JavaScript. The "Object" class represents the JavaScript data types. Objects are quite different from JavaScript’s primitive data types (Number, String, Boolean, null, undefined, and symbol). It is used to st 4 min read JS FunctionFunctions in JavaScriptFunctions in JavaScript are reusable blocks of code designed to perform specific tasks. They allow you to organize, reuse, and modularize code. It can take inputs, perform actions, and return outputs.JavaScriptfunction sum(x, y) { return x + y; } console.log(sum(6, 9)); // output: 15Function Syntax 4 min read How to write a function in JavaScript ?JavaScript functions serve as reusable blocks of code that can be called from anywhere within your application. They eliminate the need to repeat the same code, promoting code reusability and modularity. By breaking down a large program into smaller, manageable functions, programmers can enhance cod 4 min read JavaScript Function CallThe call() method is a predefined JavaScript method. It can be used to invoke (call) a method with an owner object as an argument (parameter). This allows borrowing methods from other objects, executing them within a different context, overriding the default value, and passing arguments. Syntax: cal 2 min read Different ways of writing functions in JavaScriptA JavaScript function is a block of code designed to perform a specific task. Functions are only executed when they are called (or "invoked"). JavaScript provides different ways to define functions, each with its own syntax and use case.Below are the ways of writing functions in JavaScript:Table of 3 min read Difference between Methods and Functions in JavaScriptGrasping the difference between methods and functions in JavaScript is essential for developers at all levels. While both are fundamental to writing effective code, they serve different purposes and are used in various contexts. This article breaks down the key distinctions between methods and funct 3 min read Explain the Different Function States in JavaScriptIn JavaScript, we can create functions in many different ways according to the need for the specific operation. For example, sometimes we need asynchronous functions or synchronous functions.  In this article, we will discuss the difference between the function Person( ) { }, let person = Person ( ) 3 min read JavaScript Function Complete ReferenceA JavaScript function is a set of statements that takes inputs, performs specific computations, and produces outputs. Essentially, a function performs tasks or computations and then returns the result to the user.Syntax:function functionName(Parameter1, Parameter2, ..) { // Function body}Example: Be 3 min read JS ArrayJavaScript ArraysIn JavaScript, an array is an ordered list of values. Each value, known as an element, is assigned a numeric position in the array called its index. The indexing starts at 0, so the first element is at position 0, the second at position 1, and so on. Arrays can hold any type of data—such as numbers, 7 min read JavaScript Array MethodsTo help you perform common tasks efficiently, JavaScript provides a wide variety of array methods. These methods allow you to add, remove, find, and transform array elements with ease.Javascript Arrays Methods1. JavaScript Array length The length property of an array returns the number of elements i 7 min read Best-Known JavaScript Array MethodsAn array is a special variable in all programming languages used to store multiple elements. JavaScript array come with built-in methods that every developer should know how to use. These methods help in adding, removing, iterating, or manipulating data as per requirements.There are some Basic JavaS 6 min read Important Array Methods of JavaScriptJavaScript arrays are powerful tools for managing collections of data. They come with a wide range of built-in methods that allow developers to manipulate, transform, and interact with array elements.Some of the most important array methods in JavaScript areTable of Content1. JavaScript push() Metho 7 min read JavaScript Array ReferenceJavaScript Array is used to store multiple elements in a single variable. It can hold various data types, including numbers, strings, objects, and even other arrays. It is often used when we want to store a list of elements and access them by a single variable.Syntax:const arr = ["Item1", "Item2", " 4 min read Like