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HTTP Header
Content-Disposition
ResponseSpecifies whether content should be displayed inline or downloaded as an attachment.
HTTP header reference, syntax, examples, and developer usage.
What is the Content-Disposition header?
The Content-Disposition HTTP header is used to transmit metadata between a client and server as part of HTTP requests or responses.
HTTP headers define how content should be interpreted, cached, authenticated, secured, or processed by browsers and APIs.
Direction
This is a response header sent by the server to the client.
Syntax
Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="file.pdf"
Example
Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="report.pdf"
Common use cases
- File downloads
- Inline vs attachment handling
- Custom download filenames
Common mistakes
- Using the header in the wrong request or response context
- Sending invalid header values
- Incorrect header syntax
- Assuming the header automatically changes server behaviour