In this article I will explain with an example, how to use INPUT "type=file" to accept PDF file in HTML.
The accept attribute is a new attribute available in HTML5.
Note: Accept Attribute does not restrict user from uploading invalid file.
 
 
HTML Markup
The following HTML Markup consists of:
FileUpload – for selecting file.
The HTML5 INPUT FileUpload has been set with the following attribute.
accept – This attribute allows user to select only specified type of files from the Choose File dialog box.
Note: Accepting all files is default behavior, hence even if the accept attribute is not specified, by default, it will accept all files.
 
For example, in the following code, the HTML5 INPUT FileUpload will only allow user to select PDF file i.e. file with extension pdf.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <meta charset="utf-8" />
    <title></title>
</head>
<body>
    <input type="file" accept=".pdf" />
</body>
</html>
 
 
DO NOT use the accept attribute for validation
The accept attribute does not restrict user from uploading invalid files.
INPUT 'type=file' accept PDF file in HTML
 
And hence, if you want to restrict user and perform validation then please refer the following articles
JavaScript: Validate File in INPUT Type File (FileUpload) using JavaScript in HTML
jQuery: Validate File in INPUT Type File (FileUpload) using jQuery in HTML
 
 
Screenshot
INPUT 'type=file' accept PDF file in HTML
 
 
Browser Compatibility
The above code has been tested in the following browsers only in versions that support HTML5.
Microsoft Edge  FireFox  Chrome  Safari  Opera
* All browser logos displayed above are property of their respective owners.
 
 
Demo
View Demo
 
 
Downloads
Download Code