Preview/pdf default save location

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Level 1

15 points

Preview/pdf default save location

I used to be able to default a certain file to save pdfs when I open copies in Preview.

Since the 14.2 update, it no longer allows me to do this, and I have to designate a file every time. The file I use is listed in Favorites so it's not too difficult to do this, however if I forget, the file it will save to (printing.84786.1 or something like it, it changes every time) cannot be found and I have to do it all over again.

Is it no longer possible to designate a default save location?

Thanks for whatever help you can provide.

iMac (M1, 2021)

Posted on Dec 28, 2023 12:23 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 6, 2024 1:41 PM in response to leroydouglas

I have the exact same issue when using Open PDF in Preview. It has only started once I recently updated to iOS Sonoma 14.3 (23D56). I would really love to default these back to my Downloads folder.

Previously, prior to the update, when you use the "Open PDF in Preview" option, you could simply click "Save" and the dialogue box would pop up asking you to name the file and where you'd like to save it (I usually prefer to Downloads for easy access).

Now when you do the same and click "Save," it defaults the pdf to some hidden folder named "Printing.7872.3"

If I want to save that file to my computer as a PDF, I have to duplicate it, change the file path, and change the name. It's a huge pain when constantly creating PDF files from say, Word, Excel, or online.

Current File Path Preview is defaulting to: Private > var > folders > 5x > [unknown string] > T > Temporary Items > Printing.7872.3

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Answer 2

leroydouglas

Level 10

199,902 points

Dec 29, 2023 6:54 AM in response to CS5309

CS5309 wrote:

I used to be able to default a certain file to save pdfs when I open copies in Preview.

Since the 14.2 update, it no longer allows me to do this, and I have to designate a file every time. The file I use is listed in Favorites so it's not too difficult to do this, however if I forget, the file it will save to (printing.84786.1 or something like it, it changes every time) cannot be found and I have to do it all over again.

Is it no longer possible to designate a default save location?

Thanks for whatever help you can provide.

?

Can not reproduce your issue in macOS 14.2.1

—try again...

—try something different...(?)

ex. Command P>Save as PDF

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Answer 3

CS5309 Author

Level 1

15 points

Dec 29, 2023 11:30 AM in response to CS5309

My process begins with creating invoices in our ordering system. These are saved in a specific file. I found opening in 'Preview' rather than using Adobe simpler and easier.

I would then name it, and it used to use my default file so I always knew where it was saved.

Now, no matter what I do, it will not use my default file (see: 'where'). It will only create a file showing there as printing.40573.1 which, if I forget to use the pull down menu to chose my usual file, will 'go away' and searching cannot find the document, and the 'printing.' number will change every time. At that point it's easier to just do it all over again.

I did originally try to 'Save as pdf' which does seem to remember the default file I use, but for whatever reason it won't let me 'paste' invoice numbers. Invoice numbers can often be long and complicated so in order to record the invoice number accurately it is much safer to copy and paste rather than typing it in every time and possibly mistyping. So I developed the process using 'open in preview' which does allow pasting.

So your suggestion of 'try something different' was already tried and rejected well over a year ago.

I know it doesn't seem like much, but I'm not sure why this update has made the process less simple.

I simply want to be able to designate a default file for saving documents when I open in Preview.

Is this possible?

Thanks again.

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