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Level 1

30 points

How do I prevent automatic downloading of .pdf files?

Hi:

I've noticed previous queries (from 2008 and 2009) asking how to prevent Safari or perhaps Adobe Reader from automatically downloading .pdf files when they open them.

I haven't had this problem recently until today. Previously, I would click a link and the .pdf file would open in a separate window. If I wanted to download the file I would have to select the download icon from the pop-up icons at the bottom of the page.

Today when I click a link to a .pdf file, the file automatically downloads to my Download folder. Adobe Reader is opening the file. In its Internet Preferences, I deselected "Display PDF in browser using. . ." and "Allow speculative downloading. . ." to no effect.

How can I get automatic downloading to stop?

I also selected a .pdf file, pressed Command-I, and in the Open With section of the pane, tried changing from Adobe Reader to Preview and then Safari to get the automatic downloading to stop, but neither choice produced the desired effect.

Posted on Aug 10, 2011 11:48 AM

18 replies

pjmetz Author

Level 1

30 points

Oct 12, 2011 4:17 PM in response to maxintaft

Hi Max:

I have also found an answer.

First, I discovered that my downloading problem was inconsistent; whether the .pdf file downloaded automatically depended on the website. Sometimes a .pdf link, when clicked, resulted in an immediate downloading of the file and sometimes it didn't. Unfortunately, the Fidelity website, which I always use, always downloaded the file. A call to their technical support reps was no help. They were clueless.

I don't know whether using Firefox or another browser solves this problem because I found a solution for Safari 5.1 on the Adobe Community webpage:

http://forums.adobe.com/message/3906441#3906441

Simply download the Schubert|it PDF Browser plug-in. It is free for personal use.

http://www.schubert-it.com/pluginpdf/

After installing it, the first time you click on a .pdf link, the plug-in displays a dialog box asking you to request a license.

Simply click the Personal Use radio button below and then the OK or Continue button (can't remember the exact name).

Your .pdf file appears in a Schubert|it window where you can read it by scrolling or select another reader from the diamond symbol in the Toolbar (the leftmost button) to read the file.

Hopes this helps you.

Regards,

Paula

Note that this plug-in applies to all browsers you use, not just Safari

pjmetz Author

Level 1

30 points

Oct 12, 2011 4:31 PM in response to Lexiepex

Hi Lex:

Just to reiterate: The "Open safe files. . ." option does NOT force safe files to be downloaded. It simply opens a file after it HAS downloaded. Unchecking this option results in downloaded files not opening, which is a drag because you then have to find the files and open them manually. I know; I unchecked the option and that was the result.

See my latest post to Max which describes the solution to my problem.

Regards.

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,102 points

Oct 12, 2011 11:56 PM in response to pjmetz

No Paula. But surely you can set the download folder in the Browser Prefrences: you don't have to search for downloaded files ! Uncheck "open safe files after..."

Lex

How do I prevent automatic downloading of .pdf files?