SEE a PDF w/o download on Mac

When I click a PDF link, my Mac gives me no options, it just opens a window to download and save the PDF. I just want to see the PDF, either in a preview or in a new tab window. I cannot find a way to achieve that.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Oct 24, 2023 11:40 AM

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5 replies

Oct 24, 2023 6:24 PM in response to genie87

This is a function of website code. If the website is coded to render a PDF directly in the browser that's what it will do. If it is not, then you will be prompted to download it.


I suppose there may be Safari Extensions to force it one way or another, so if you installed something like that uninstall it.


You could always secondary-click the link and choose an option from the dropdown menu.

Oct 24, 2023 12:27 PM in response to genie87

Regardless of how you view the PDF it will be downloaded to the Mac.


There is simply no way to view the PDF without downloading it.


Most PDF viewers you see in website, still download the PDF, they just don't make it clear, or place it in the Downloads folder, but it is still downloaded to the browsers local cache storage.


Whether it opens directly or downloads to the downloads folder is up to the website. You cannot force it one way or the other.

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SEE a PDF w/o download on Mac

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