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