How to download .pdf files

Hi,
I got a newer version of Safari when I got Mac OS X.4, and now whenever I click on a link to a pdf file, the file opens in the browser window. I would prefer to download the file to disk. How can I revert to Safari's previous behavior, where the file is downloaded to the desktop? Thanks.

Posted on Sep 1, 2005 3:13 PM

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9 replies

Sep 2, 2005 7:07 AM in response to iBod

The issue is a little bit complex. I have to download documents from document servers, like archives of scientific papers. On these pages, the link on the website opens a new window, which is then redirected to the actual .pdf file, so I never actually see a link to the real .pdf file. If I right-click on the original link, my only options are to "copy link to clipboard" since Safari has no idea that the link is redirected to a .pdf file.

Additionally, I would like to change this behavior permanently if possible, so that I don't have to right-click and choose "save" for every document.

Sep 2, 2005 3:41 PM in response to parameter_poem

Adrian,
When you see a file link on a page, look in Safari's >> Window menu >> Activity, where there is a list of every file on that page (images, sounds, html, and the pdf, for example). Option + Double click the pdf file, and it should download, rather than open. You can do the same for other files listed, as well.

I mention this in case you prefer not to disable Safari pdf support (via Terminal).

Sep 3, 2005 5:07 PM in response to parameter_poem

Hello Adrian,
before I installed Tiger, whenever I downloaded a PDF file it opened Automatically within my Adobe PDF program. Now it opens in the browser, same as you mention.
Out of curiosity I decided to see if they would open differently when down loaded from a different browser ( I usually use Safari). I tried using Netscape instead of Safari. When I clicked to down load the PDF file I got a msg box asking me if I would like to preview using Adobe.

I know this is not the solution you wanted, as you are asking how to view them with Safari, but thought it was worth mentioning. I would prefer them to open up as before to.

I am pretty new to using Mac and dare I say that the PC seemed more straight forward.

Helen 🙂

Sep 7, 2005 5:00 PM in response to iBod

I was having exactly the same problem as Adrian with very similar complications that prevent me right/option clicking the links. iBod's suggestion works perfectly and I am back to downloading all PDFs to my nominated folder and opening them with Acrobat 7 Pro.

By the way, I still select "open safe files" in Safari Preferences, but since I have selected Acrobat Pro as my default for PDF files, that's what I get (and not Preview).

Oct 4, 2005 12:21 PM in response to parameter_poem

I prefer to download PDF files as well. What seems like new behavior in Safari had me perplexed and annoyed- there's no place to set a preference. The easiest solution is to open to Library/Internet-Plugins and remove PDF Viewer. Trash it. The next time you open Acrobat, it will tell you that the plug-in is missing and ask if you want to replace it. Say no, and you may want to select the box that says "Don't ask again..."

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How to download .pdf files

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