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Saving PDFs on iPad

Am I missing something or did Apple forget to make a way to save PDF files on the iPad. On by far the best platform to read the tons of PDF files I receive there is no way on day one to do this. I'm all for developers, but this should be standard on the iPad. Even after downloading pdfHD from iTunes app store NO LUCK !

I need to save PDF files to the iPad to read offline..... Period and we shouldn't have to pay extra for it.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Apr 4, 2010 6:58 AM

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86 replies

Feb 6, 2017 11:11 AM in response to Chuck727

Over the lifetime of the pads, I've tried every free app out there, I believe. Oh, how much time I have wasted over the years ! The following I tripped over just after an iOS & app update.

There's a free workaround that is totally acceptable to me; esp working with websites I want but may never be able to locate again (clear cache & history upon exit via a 3rd party app).

Install Dropbox, select AirDrop, select Save to Dropbox. Since I like to be able to access my files even though I may have no Internet access, I save to Offline files. Open Dropbox anywhere and there's a PDF waiting for you wherever you may be.

Apr 4, 2010 5:50 PM in response to Graham Outterside

With all due respect, that's a lie.
Firstly, you CAN download email attachments and view them offline - in fact it's done automatically when you open the email, at least on the iPhone.
Secondly, if there was a security concern, they would have disable the rendering of PDFs entirely, because that is how PDF exploits are delivered. Whether it's viewed online, as a cached attachment or saved in a separate local folder, if there's a vulnerability in the PDF reader, the exploit code will work. And, as long the application is properly sandboxed (which all apps are), it won't be able to compromise the device in any way.

It's a feature omission, plain and simple, most likely because Apple didn't have time (or couldn't think of a good way) to design a document manager.

Apr 4, 2010 9:32 PM in response to Chuck727

The best solution I've seen for this is GoodReader. I just bought it yesterday at a $0.99 introductory price, and it's by far the best PDF reader I've used (with the ability to import from email, web, and your computer). There's also some free ones floating around out there if you don't want to spend anything, but they're not gonna be as good or feature-ful.

Standard disclaimer: I have no connection to the makers of that app and gain nothing by advertising them.

Apr 5, 2010 10:47 AM in response to Chuck727

I agree with the original poster: There should be a standard print utility, including a Print-to-PDF option, that is standard on the iPad. Obviously, actual hardcopy printing would be via wireless connection, but it should not be something we pay extra for. This is a totally new device that is supposed to be more laptop than smartphone.

And, as part of my move to a paperless system, the Print-to-PDF function is as essential to me as a working WiFi connection (something else the iPad seems to fail at).

Saving PDFs on iPad

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