Guide on How to Disable PDF Auto Open After Download

Have you ever downloaded a PDF only for it to open automatically and avoid workflow interruptions? While some users may find this feature convenient, others prefer more control over when and how their files open. For instance, you download a PDF for later use, but it instantly pops up in your browser or a default PDF viewer. This can frustrate users when they multitask or download multiple files in one go.

You can prevent PDFs from automatically opening after they are downloaded, even if you are using Chrome or software like Adobe Acrobat. This guide will discuss the simple steps to disable the PDF auto-open after download feature across various browsers and software. Keep reading to gain full control over your downloaded files.

Moreover, for an all-in-one PDF solution that offers advanced viewing and editing capabilities without interruptions, consider downloading UPDF. It is an intuitive PDF reader, editor, and viewer that helps you work efficiently. While you do consider downloading it for managing PDFs, check out Part 3 to learn how UPDF can simplify your PDF management.

Part 1. How to Stop PDF Auto Open After Download?

To begin discussing this article, let's jump into the steps we need to take to avoid opening PDF files as soon as they are downloaded. Interestingly, the same settings that enable the feature of "How to auto open PDF after download" can be adjusted to disable it. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll have full control over how your PDFs behave post-download:

Way 1. How to Stop PDF from Auto-Opening in Chrome After Download?

In Chrome, downloaded PDFs often open automatically using the browser's built-in PDF viewer. This can disrupt your entire workflow and slow down the efficiency of multitasking. To stop this, you must adjust Chrome's download settings to ensure the files are saved without opening. With the steps below, you can download PDFs with complete control over the file.

Step 1. Start by navigating to the "Settings" window of your Chrome through the drop-down menu opened by the "Vertical Three-Dots" in the top-right corner.

Step 2. At the "Settings" window, navigate to the "Privacy and security" section. Now, pick the "Site settings" option from the list and move to the next step.

Step 3. Once you are in the "Site settings" interface, scroll down, locate the "Additional content settings" tab, and click to get an extended list. From the further drop-down list, choose the "PDF documents" option to move further.

Step 4. Here, you need to unselect the "Open PDFs in Chrome" and pick the "Download PDFs" option to stop PDF auto open after downloading in Chrome.

Way 2. How to Stop PDF Auto Open in Adobe Acrobat After Download?

In case your PDFs are automatically opening through the software Adobe Acrobat, you need to adjust its settings to prevent the software from opening files. Through the steps below, learn how to stop auto-open PDFs in Adobe Acrobat unless they are manually accessed through the software:

Step 1. Initiate the process by launching your Adobe Acrobat on your desktop. At the main interface, click the "Menu" tab at the top left corner of the screen. Then, from the drop-down menu, pick the "Preferences" option and move to the Preferences setting tab.

Step 2. At the "Preferences" tab, locate the "Open PDFs automatically in Reader when they are downloaded in Chrome browser" from the "General" category and untick the option. Finally, scroll down and hit the "OK" button to save the changes and avoid the auto open of PDF through Adobe.

Part 2. How to Get PDFs to Open Automatically After Downloading?

Apart from the above discussion, some users prefer opening the PDF files automatically once they are downloaded. This is especially useful when you work with PDF documents frequently and need quick access to content without manually searching for the downloaded file. In this section, we will be looking into the steps we need to take to learn how to auto-open PDF after download:

Step 1. Start by clicking the "Vertical Three-Dots" at the top right corner of the screen. Then, from the drop-down menu, select the "Settings" option to shift to the next window.

Step 2. Here, locate the "Downloads" section from the left sidebar and enable the "Show downloads when they are done" option. This will allow users to enable the PDF auto-open after download feature on Chrome.

Part 3. Where To Review Your PDF Files After Downloading: An Overview on UPDF

After exploring ways to stop PDF auto-open after download, if you expect it to open smoothly, using a versatile platform is the key. For this purpose, UPDF is the ultimate solution that facilitates users with viewing, reading, and editing documents in endless ways. Not only this, but it excels in managing PDFs and retaining them in a better way through summarizing and translating in various languages.  

Thus, despite settling for an ordinary PDF reader, consider UPDF, an AI-powered solution for improving your overall working experience. Plus, it lets you upgrade your PDF experience by taking control over all basic tasks like reading, editing, and managing documents. If you wish to download it to your device to make PDF management convenient, use the provided download options.

You can also watch the video below to learn more about UPDF.

Comprehensive Guide to Set UPDF as Default PDF Viewer

Upon exploring the capabilities of UPDF in reading and processing PDFs seamlessly, you might be wondering how to auto-open PDF after download. For doing so, a detailed guide is provided below, which ensures you can instantly open and manage PDFs with UPDF without interruptions:

For Windows

Step 1. Open Settings and Access Default Apps

First, go to the settings of your desktop, and from the left panel, choose the "Apps" options. Now, from the provided options, extend the option for "Default apps" to review the default app settings.

Step 2. Set UPDF as Default PDF Viewer

Next, in the provided search bar, type ".pdf" to reveal the already set as default on your desktop. Afterward, click the already set default app to uncover the suggested apps list and choose UPDF among the given options. Once done, press the "Set default" button to set UPDF as your instant PDF opening tool.

For Mac

Step 1. Access the Get Info Option

To set the default setting on Mac, right-click your desired PDF and select the "Get Info" option from the drop-down menu.

Step 2. Extend Options for Open With  

Afterward, from the information related to the PDF, extend options for "Open With" and, later for the default setting tool in your Mac.

Step 3. Choose UPDF as your PDF Opening Tool

Finally, from the list of options provided, select the "UPDF" platform as your MacBook's PDF-opening and management platform.

For iOS

Instructions. To set UPDF as the default app on iPhone, first access the PDF on your phone. Later, press the "Share" icon available at the bottom right corner. Doing so, further sharing options will be revealed, among which choose the "More" icon and later select "UPDF" from the list of apps.

For Android

Instructions. For Android users, tap on the PDF you just received, and afterward, from the options given under "Open With," choose "UPDF." Next, press the "Remember my choice" option always to open your PDFs with UPDF on your Android.

Conclusion

Managing how PDFs behave after being downloaded can significantly improve your workflow and efficiency. Whether you want to stop PDF auto-open after download or enable it for quick access, the steps in this article will help you take control with different browsers and software.

Moreover, we looked into an even more seamless option, which is UPDF. It is an all-in-one PDF viewer, editor, and reader that combines enhanced tools with its easy-to-use interface. With UPDF, you can manage your PDFs effortlessly without interruptions. Download UPDF today to elevate your PDF management experiences.