Downloading a document

If you use online banking, you may need to download a copy of your bank statement or an insurance policy that has been emailed to you. If a document appears as a PDF file, you can download it with this step-by-step guide.

The image below shows a PDF file that is available online. If you want to save the open PDF onto your computer, you need to download it onto your device.

Maximise

Show description|Hide description

A screenshot of a ‘Coronavirus’ PDF file on the Scottish government website. The download icon in the top right corner is circled in red.

To download a file, look for the download icon. It is usually an arrow pointing down to a horizontal line and is circled in red (top right corner) in the image above.

Once you click on the download icon, the ‘Save As’ dialogue box will open.

Maximise

Show description|Hide description

A screenshot of the ‘Save As’ dialogue box. In a panel to the left, PC locations are listed as follows: ‘3D Objects’, ‘Desktop’, ‘Documents’ and ‘Downloads’. A ‘File name’ bar contains the document name with ‘Adobe Acrobat Document’ selected in the ‘Save as type’ bar below it. In the bottom right of the window are ‘Save’ and ‘Cancel’ buttons. The ‘Save’ button is outlined in blue.

This allows you to change the file name of the document if you wish, and to choose where on your computer to save it. Save the file somewhere that will be easy for you to remember: the ‘Documents’ folder is usually a good place to save your files. To save your file, click on the ‘Save’ button (bottom right corner). If you change your mind, click on ‘Cancel’ instead.

The left side of the ‘Save As’ dialog box shows a list of the folders held on the computer – these are possible locations to save your files. The list below ‘This PC’ includes ‘3D Objects’, ‘Desktop’, ‘Documents’, ‘Downloads’, ‘Music’, ‘Pictures’ and ‘Videos’. These folders may also appear as icons on the desktop screen. You can also create a new folder and give it a name related to the content, for example ‘Benefits’.