Setting Web Browser to Save Instead of Open PDFs

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Issue/Question

How do I change behavior of how PDF files open within web browsers?

Environment

Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Edge
Apple Safari

Cause

Even if a default application has been defined within Windows or MacOS, PDF files will not open within default application until the file has been saved to your device. Specific behavior of PDFs viewed online is controlled within browser settings.

Resolution

Google Chrome

Click Customize and control Google Chrome in top-right.
Click Settings.
Click Privacy and security in left pane.
Click Site settings.
Click Additional content settings.
Click PDF documents.
Select Download PDFs or Open PDFs in Chrome.
Note: If you save a PDF, you will need to open file to view it.
Close the Settings tab.

Mozilla Firefox

Click Open application menu in top-right.
Click Settings.
Locate Applications withinGeneral tab.
Click Action drop down for Portable Document Format (PDF).
Choose desired behavior for PDF files.
Close the Settings tab.

Microsoft Edge

Click Settings and more in top-right.
Click Settings.
Click Cookies and site permissions in left pane.
Click PDF documents.
Toggle Always download PDF files on or off.
Note: If you save a PDF, you will need to open file to view it.
Close Settings tab.

Apple Safari

Navigate to PDF within Safari.
Hover over the PDF document and click Preview button.
PDF will open within default PDF application.

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Setting Web Browser to Save Instead of Open PDFs

Issue/Question

Environment

Cause

Resolution

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