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How to Stop PDFs From Opening in Chrome?

So, you’re tired of Chrome hijacking your PDFs, are you? You just want to download the darn file and open it in your preferred reader, not have it spring open in a new tab every single time. I understand the frustration. Consider me your guide in wrestling back control of your PDF destiny. The straightforward answer is this: you need to change the default PDF handling settings within either Chrome itself or within your operating system. We’ll explore both avenues, ensuring you regain command over your PDF viewing experience. Let’s dive in!

Chrome’s Grip: Releasing the Kraken

Chrome’s built-in PDF viewer is convenient, sure, but it’s not always what you want. The key is understanding that Chrome is claiming PDFs for itself. We need to gently, but firmly, tell it to back off. There are a couple of ways to do this within Chrome.

Method 1: Disabling Chrome’s Built-In PDF Viewer

This is the most direct approach. By disabling the integrated viewer, you force Chrome to treat PDFs as standard downloadable files.

Open Chrome’s Settings: Click the three vertical dots (the “ellipsis”) in the upper-right corner of your Chrome window. This will open a dropdown menu; select “Settings.”
Navigate to Privacy and Security: In the Settings menu, find and click on “Privacy and security” on the left sidebar.
Site Settings: Look for and select “Site settings.”
PDF Documents: Scroll down (it’s often near the bottom) and find “PDF documents”. Click on it.
Change the Behavior: You’ll see an option labeled “Download PDFs.” Select this option. It will tell Chrome to automatically download the file instead of opening it in the browser.

That’s it! Now, whenever you click on a PDF link, Chrome will download the file instead of trying to display it in a new tab.

Method 2: Using the Chrome Extensions Route (Less Common)

While the above method is preferred, if you’ve fiddled with extensions, one might be overriding your PDF settings.

Check Your Extensions: In Chrome, type chrome://extensions in the address bar and press Enter. This will bring up your extensions page.
Identify Potential Culprits: Look for any extensions that might be related to PDF viewing or editing. These could be the source of your woes.
Disable or Remove: Try disabling the extension first. If that solves the problem, you know that extension was the culprit. You can then choose to keep it disabled or remove it entirely.

Operating System Override: Declaring Independence

Sometimes, Chrome’s internal settings aren’t enough, especially if your operating system is fighting you. You need to assert your operating system’s authority and define which application really owns the PDF domain.

On Windows

Windows gives you granular control over file associations. Here’s how to seize the reins:

Open Settings: Click the Start button and then the gear icon to open the Settings app.
Apps: Click on “Apps”.
Default Apps: Select “Default apps” from the left-hand menu.
Choose default apps by file type: Scroll down and click on “Choose default apps by file type”.
Find .pdf: Scroll through the list (it’s alphabetical) until you find the “.pdf” file extension.
Change the Default: Click on the application currently associated with .pdf files (likely Chrome). A list of available applications will appear. Choose your preferred PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, SumatraPDF).

On macOS

macOS also allows you to specify the default application for each file type:

Find a PDF: Locate any PDF file on your Mac.
Get Info: Right-click (or Control-click) on the PDF file and select “Get Info”.
Open With: In the “Get Info” window, find the “Open with” section.
Choose Your Application: Select your preferred PDF reader from the dropdown menu.
Change All: Click the “Change All…” button. A dialog box will appear asking if you want to apply this change to all similar documents. Click “Continue”.

Troubleshooting Common PDF Problems

Even after implementing the above solutions, you might encounter lingering issues. Here are a few common scenarios and how to address them:

Cache Issues: Sometimes, Chrome’s cache can interfere with PDF handling. Try clearing your browsing data (specifically cached images and files).
Corrupted PDF: The PDF itself might be corrupted. Try downloading it again or opening it in a different application to see if the problem persists.
Extension Conflicts: As mentioned earlier, extension conflicts can be a major source of problems. Experiment with disabling different extensions to identify the culprit.
Outdated Software: Ensure that both Chrome and your preferred PDF reader are up to date. Outdated software can sometimes lead to compatibility issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions surrounding PDF handling in Chrome, alongside concise answers to equip you with a deeper understanding.

1. Why does Chrome automatically open PDFs in the first place?

Chrome has a built-in PDF viewer that’s enabled by default. This feature allows you to view PDFs directly within the browser without needing an external application. It’s a convenience feature, but not always desirable.

2. Will disabling Chrome’s PDF viewer affect my ability to view PDFs online?

Yes, it will. Instead of automatically displaying in Chrome, the PDF will be downloaded to your computer. You’ll then need to open it manually with your chosen PDF reader.

3. I disabled Chrome’s PDF viewer, but PDFs are still opening in Chrome! What’s going on?

Double-check your operating system’s default application settings for PDF files (as described in the “Operating System Override” section). Windows or macOS might still be configured to open PDFs with Chrome, overriding Chrome’s internal settings.

4. How can I re-enable Chrome’s built-in PDF viewer if I change my mind?

Follow the same steps as disabling it, but instead of selecting “Download PDFs,” select the other option, which allows Chrome to open the PDF automatically.

5. Can I choose a different default PDF reader for each website?

Unfortunately, no. Chrome and operating systems typically only allow you to set a single default PDF reader for all PDF files.

6. Is it possible to prevent PDFs from downloading automatically and force them to open in the browser?

This is generally the default behavior of Chrome, and the opposite of what this article is about. If you’ve somehow configured Chrome to always download PDFs, follow the instructions above to ensure that “Download PDFs” is not selected in Chrome’s settings.

7. I’m using a Chrome extension for PDF editing. Will these changes affect that?

Potentially. Disabling Chrome’s built-in PDF viewer might affect how the extension interacts with PDFs. You might need to configure the extension’s settings to work with your chosen PDF reader.

8. Will these changes affect PDF forms that I need to fill out online?

Generally, no. Most online PDF forms will still function correctly, regardless of whether Chrome’s built-in viewer is enabled or not. However, if you encounter issues, try using a dedicated PDF reader to fill out the form.

9. What are the benefits of using a dedicated PDF reader over Chrome’s built-in viewer?

Dedicated PDF readers often offer more advanced features, such as annotation tools, digital signature support, and better accessibility options. They may also be more performant for large or complex PDF documents.

10. Can I set a different default PDF reader for different user accounts on the same computer?

Yes, this is possible. Each user account on Windows or macOS has its own set of default application settings. You can configure a different PDF reader for each user account independently.

11. I’m using Chrome on a Chromebook. How do I change the PDF handling settings?

The process is similar to the standard Chrome instructions. Navigate to Chrome’s settings, then Privacy and security > Site settings > PDF documents, and choose “Download PDFs”.

12. I tried everything, and PDFs are still opening in Chrome! What’s the nuclear option?

If you’ve exhausted all other troubleshooting steps, try resetting Chrome to its default settings. This will clear all your customized settings, including those related to PDF handling. Be aware that this will also reset your other Chrome settings, so back up any important data before proceeding. To reset Chrome, go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up > Restore settings to their original defaults.

Hopefully, with these steps, you will be able to manage how you view PDFs from now on. Good luck!