Are you tired of Chrome automatically opening PDF files instead of downloading them? You're not alone. While Chrome's built-in PDF viewer is convenient, it can be frustrating when you just want to save the file. Here's how you can stop PDFs from opening in Chrome and start downloading them instead.
Before we dive into the solutions, let's understand why this might be happening. Chrome's default behavior is to open PDF files in its built-in viewer to save data usage and improve loading times. However, this can be changed to suit your preferences.
Changing Default PDF Handling in Chrome
Chrome provides a simple way to change how it handles PDF files. Here's how:
1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots (vertical ellipsis) in the top-right corner to open the menu.
Using the Download PDF Files Instead of Opening Them in Chrome Option
Chrome offers a direct setting to change this behavior:
1. In the menu, click on "Settings".
2. Scroll down and click on "Advanced".
3. Under the "Privacy and security" section, click on "Site settings".
4. Click on "PDF documents".
5. Toggle off the switch for "Open PDF files in the Chrome PDF viewer".
Now, Chrome will download PDF files instead of opening them.
Changing the Default PDF Handler
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If the above method doesn't work, you can change the default PDF handler:
1. Follow the same steps as above to reach the "Site settings" page.
2. Click on "Downloads".
3. Under "Ask where to save each file before downloading", toggle off the switch.
4. Under "Location", change the setting to "Ask where to save each file before downloading".
Now, Chrome will always ask where to save PDF files, effectively downloading them instead of opening them.
Using Browser Extensions
If you're still having trouble, consider using a browser extension to help manage your PDF downloads:
PDF Download
The PDF Download extension automatically downloads PDF files instead of opening them in the browser. It's simple, effective, and doesn't require any configuration.
1. Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store.
2. Once installed, it will automatically download PDF files instead of opening them.
Save as PDF
The Save as PDF extension provides more control over your PDF downloads. It allows you to choose whether to open or save a PDF file on a case-by-case basis.
1. Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store.
2. When you click on a PDF link, a pop-up will appear asking if you want to open or save the file.
Remember, changing these settings will affect all PDF files you open in Chrome. If you only want to change the behavior for specific websites, you can use the "Site settings" option under "Privacy and security" in the Chrome settings.
In the end, it's all about customizing your browsing experience to suit your needs. Whether you prefer to open PDFs in the browser or download them, Chrome provides the tools to make it happen. Happy browsing!