How to modify browser download settings for PDF files

Updated: 06/30/2020 by Computer Hope

Adobe PDF logo

By default, most downloaded PDF files open in the Internet browser currently in apply, usually in a new window or tab. This page volition outline how to make the browser download PDF files automatically, rather than open up them in a new tab. To proceed, select your browser from the list below and follow the instructions.

Tip

To change the name of a PDF file you lot want to download, right-click the download link and select Save Every bit.

Microsoft Edge Legacy

Microsoft Edge logo

Microsoft Edge Legacy does non download PDF files by default and this setting cannot exist inverse. However, Edge Legacy does give y'all the option to save a PDF afterwards it opens in the browser.

  1. Open the Microsoft Border Legacy browser.
  2. Browse to the PDF file you'd similar to view or download and click it.
  3. The file should automatically open in the browser window.
  4. To save (download) the PDF, click the Icon used to save a PDF in Microsoft Edge. icon, located near the top-right corner of the browser window.

Save PDF file in Microsoft Edge

Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer logo

Similar to Microsoft Border Legacy, Cyberspace Explorer displays PDF files by default, instead of offer to download them for yous. However, downloading a PDF is all the same possible. Follow these steps to view or download a PDF with Internet Explorer.

  1. Open up the Cyberspace Explorer browser.
  2. Browse to the PDF you'd similar to view or download and click it.
  3. The file should automatically open in the browser window.
  4. To save (download) the PDF, click the Icon used to save a PDF in Internet Explorer. icon, located almost the bottom of the browser window. If you do not see the save icon, move your mouse towards the lesser of the browser window, and a black bar should announced, where the relieve icon is located.

Save PDF file in Internet Explorer

Google Chrome

Google Chrome logo

By default, Google Chrome opens a PDF file in the browser window instead of saving it to the downloads folder. To change how Google Chrome treats PDF files in the browser, follow the steps beneath.

  1. Open the Google Chrome browser.
  2. Click the Menu icon in Google Chrome. icon in the summit-right corner of the browser window.
  3. Select Settings from the drop-downwards card that appears.
  4. On the Settings window, nether Privacy and security, click the Site Settings option.
  5. Curlicue down the Site Settings screen to find and click the PDF documents option.
  6. Next to Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in Chrome, click the toggle switch to set to the On Toggle on switch in Chrome. or Off Toggle off switch in Chrome. position. Chrome downloads a PDF when the toggle switch is gear up to On and displays a PDF in the browser when set to Off.

Toggle switch for Chrome PDF document settings

  1. Close the Settings tab.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox logo

If you lot're using Firefox, follow these steps.

  1. Open the Mozilla Firefox browser.
  2. Click the Firefox Menu button icon in the upper-right corner of the browser window.
  3. Select Options selector in Firefox. from the drop-down bill of fare that appears.
  4. On the left side of the screen, make sure the General option is selected.

General settings selector in Firefox.

  1. In the Applications section (under the Files and Applications heading), select the Portable Certificate File (PDF) entry in the Content Type cavalcade, and click the down arrow Down arrow icon in Firefox. icon to the correct.
  2. To make Firefox automatically download PDF files, select Save File from the drop-downwardly menu.

Save File option in Firefox.

Tip

To take PDF files open in the browser again, repeat these steps and select the Preview in Firefox pick or Apply other option to choose another programme.

Opera

Opera logo

By default, Opera opens a PDF file in the browser window instead of saving information technology to the downloads folder. To change how Opera treats PDF files in the browser, follow the steps below.

  1. Open the Opera Cyberspace browser.
  2. Click the Opera menu Menu button in Opera. push button in the upper-left corner.
  3. Select Settings from the drop-down menu that appears.
  4. In the Settings window, under Privacy and security, click the Site Settings choice.

Site settings selector in Chrome.

  1. Scroll downward to the Site Settings screen to find and click the PDF documents option.
  2. Adjacent to Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in Opera, click the toggle switch to set to the On Toggle on switch in Opera. or Off Toggle off switch in Opera. position. Opera downloads a PDF when the toggle switch is set to On and displays a PDF in the browser when set to Off.

Toggle switch for Opera PDF document settings

  1. Shut the Settings tab.