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Error: Unable to download the file - The URL returned a 404 (Not Found) error

Updated over a month ago

This means the file in your url: parameter couldn’t be accessed—PDF.co got a 404 Not Found response.

Why this happens

  • Link expired – Most S3/Firebase/Dropbox links expire quickly

  • Private or restricted link – Requires login or is blocked

  • Localhost or intranet file – We can’t reach internal servers

  • Wrong or incomplete URL – Typo or missing query parameters

How to fix it

  1. Paste the link in incognito mode: If it doesn’t download there, it won’t work with us

  2. Make sure it’s a direct file link: Avoid viewer or preview pages—must go straight to the file

  3. Try uploading instead: Use our Upload API and use the returned file URL

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