Stop Firefox from downloading PDFs
Hi,
I looking to get Firefox to open up a PDF in the browser WITHOUT downloading the file. The reason for this is because I want to bookmark the PDF allowing access to an up-to-date version of a document.
I have selected the option to ask where to the save file in the settings. I have also set the application settings for PDF to 'always ask'. So, when I open the link, I get a window prompt asking me to select 1 of 3 options: view in Firefox, view in selected application, or save. I select view in Firefox and it still downloads and opens the file.
I definitely know Firefox used to open up PDFs AS links because I have some bookmarked. Any suggestions on why this is and how to fix would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
All Replies (6)
There are two ways to check a file. The first is to download it. This way you can look at it all you want until you remove it.
The second is to ‘view’ the file. In this case, the file is still downloaded but to temporary storage. Note that sooner or later, all temp files will be removed by the system.
You can, however, save the temp file via the Save option.
https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/98.0/releasenotes/ Firefox has a new optimized download flow . . . .
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/manage-downloads-preferences-using-downloads-menu Changes to how file downloads are handled in Firefox version 98
- Firefox no longer asks what to do for each file by default
- Downloads panel automatically opens
- Downloaded files are saved to disk
- Set a default app to open a file type
- "Always Open Similar Files" option from the Downloads panel
- Frequently asked questions
You can set this pref to false on the about:config page to prevent opening the
download panel on each download.
- browser.download.alwaysOpenPanel = false
You can open the about:config page via the location/address bar. You can accept the warning and click "I accept the risk!" to continue.
If you select Open in Firefox rather than Always ask, evidently the pdf will be saved to your cache folder. The drawback is that it may open in the same tab; a fix for that may happen in version 101. You can bookmark the file from the link.
@FredMcD - The issue however is evening viewing the file still downloads and opens a copy from the downloads folder. Firefox does not even consider putting a copy in the temp folder. Again, no link in the address bar.
@Terry - I have selected Open in Firefox, it still downloads a copy into my downloads folder, of course this time it does not even ask what I want to do with the file.
No, select Open in Firefox in Settings > General > Applications (NOT the dialogue).
@Terry, like this? Still downloads then opens the file.
OK. I have seen reports that it behaves as I mentioned. I'll forget them.