pdf not displaying properly in safari

I am running Safari 6.1 on OS X 10.8.5. Since the last update of Safari, I have had trouble downloading pdf files. Sometimes it works, but usually, Safari opens up a new window and displays the raw text of the pdf file, which is of course gibberish. I have not changed any Preferences. I've tried things such as deleting the Preference file, and deleting the adobe pdf internet plugin but have not been able to fix this problem.

iMac (27-inch Mid 2011), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Dec 13, 2013 8:06 AM

Reply
8 replies

Dec 13, 2013 4:04 PM in response to wllmst

Back up all data.

Triple-click anywhere in the line below on this page to select it:

defaults delete -app Safari WebKitOmitPDFSupport

Copy the selected text to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination command-C. Quit Safari.


Launch the Terminal application in any of the following ways:


☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.)


☞ In the Finder, select Go Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens.


☞ Open LaunchPad. Click Utilities, then Terminal in the icon grid.


Paste into the Terminal window by pressing the key combination command-V. I've tested these instructions only with the Safari web browser. If you use another browser, you may have to press the return key after pasting.

Wait for a new line ending in a dollar sign (“$”) to appear. You can then quit Terminal. Test.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

pdf not displaying properly in safari

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.