How can I download a file using JavaScript?

Question

There's this Excel file I want users to be able to download from my server. There must be an easy way to initiate the download of the file after a click on the "Download" button... but I have no clue how to make that happen.

I have this so far: (VBscript and ASP)

<head> <script type="text/javascript" src="overzicht.js"></script> </head> Set fs=Server.CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject") if (fs.FileExists("c:\file.xls"))=true then 'fake filename D: response.write("<input type='button' value='Download Masterfile' class='button' onclick='exportmasterfile();' /><br />") else response.write("Masterfile not found. <br />") end if set fs=nothing

The JavaScript function is empty.

Write your comments using "add comment" link, not writing new answers... 1) The users will be notified; 2) You won't mix remarks and real solutions. — PhiLho
– PhiLho, Commented Dec 8, 2008 at 13:40
We get notifications for these? I "accidentally"ran into your comment after I checked my profile, no offence. Thanks :) — Kablam
– Kablam, Commented Dec 9, 2008 at 12:03

Andreas Grech · Accepted Answer · 2025-06-03 07:25:19Z

Actually, if you want a 'more-efficient' (and sexier) way, use:

location.href = your_url;

That way, you will save the compiler some time in going up to the location's prototype chain up to the window object.

Nimantha · Accepted Answer · 2025-06-01 21:10:09Z

19

Found it:

function exportmasterfile() { var url='../documenten/Master-File.xls'; window.open(url,'Download'); }

edited Jun 1 at 21:10

Nimantha

6,5276 gold badges32 silver badges78 bronze badges

answered Dec 8, 2008 at 10:19

Kablam

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Comments

Nick Retallack · Accepted Answer · 2008-12-08 10:21:37Z

If your server is configured to trigger a download for files of that mime type, it's as simple as this:

window.location = your_url

Stephen Quan · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-24 02:58:18Z

Here's a VBScript function to download a binary file.

Function SaveUrlToFile(url, path) Dim xmlhttp, stream, fso ' Request the file from the internet. Set xmlhttp = CreateObject("MSXML2.XMLHTTP") xmlhttp.open "GET", url, false xmlhttp.send If xmlhttp.status <> 200 Then SaveUrlToFile = false Exit Function End If ' Download the file into memory. Set stream = CreateObject("ADODB.Stream") stream.Open stream.Type = 1 ' adTypeBinary stream.Write xmlhttp.responseBody stream.Position = 0 ' rewind stream ' Save from memory to physical file. Set fso = Createobject("Scripting.FileSystemObject") If fso.Fileexists(path) Then fso.DeleteFile path End If stream.SaveToFile path SaveUrlToFile = true End Function

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