How to redirect PDF files in Wordpress without breaking old links

Issue Background
A client needed to update a PDF stored in their WordPress Media Library. The problem? Changing the filename would break every instance where that file had been shared.

For example:
❌ Old PDF URL: /wp-content/uploads/2024/02/old-document.pdf
✅ New PDF URL: /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/updated-document-v2.pdf

Most WordPress hosts would not process redirects for static files like PDFs. Redirects usually work for pages. Not media assets.

Diagnosis
Standard redirect plugins and server redirects couldn’t handle this scenario. The fix required a creative solution at the file structure level—one that works with WordPress and preserves SEO.

Solution

✔️ Step 1: Rename the Old File
Using SFTP or your hosting file manager, locate the original PDF and rename it, like this:
old-document-old.pdf

✔️ Step 2: Create a “Fake” Directory
Inside the same folder, create a directory using the exact same name as the old file (yes—with the .pdf extension):
/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/old-document.pdf/

✔️ Step 3: Add a Redirect File
In that new folder, create an index.php file containing this redirect code:

php

CopyEdit

<?php
header("HTTP/1.1 301 Moved Permanently");
header("Location: /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/updated-document-v2.pdf");
exit();
?>

Now, whenever someone clicks the old PDF link, they’ll land on your new, updated version automatically.

Why It Works
➡️ Browsers try to load /old-document.pdf but find a folder instead.
➡️ That folder serves the index.php, which executes a 301 redirect to your new file.
➡️ No broken links. No SEO losses. Just clean user experience.

Final Outcome
✔ No need to manually update old links on your website—or anywhere else.
✔ Users go directly to your new document.
✔ Search engines respect the 301 redirect, maintaining SEO continuity.

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