Main points
- This will set Adobe Acrobat as the default program for opening PDFs, but you may need to repeat this process for different PDF files depending on your macOS version.
- If you don’t want to change the default program permanently, you can use the “Open With” option each time you open a PDF.
- This will force Chrome to always download PDFs instead of opening them in its built-in viewer, allowing you to open them in Adobe Acrobat.
Are you tired of PDFs opening in Chrome, even when you have Adobe Acrobat installed? It’s a common frustration, but luckily, there are several ways to regain control and open your PDFs in Adobe. This guide will walk you through the process, explaining various methods and offering helpful tips.
Understanding the Default Program Dilemma
When you click on a PDF file, your computer automatically launches a program to open it. This “default program” is usually set by your operating system, often defaulting to Chrome. This happens because Chrome has a built-in PDF viewer, and it’s often the most convenient option for quick viewing. However, if you prefer the advanced features and customization options of Adobe Acrobat, you’ll need to override this default setting.
Method 1: Changing the Default Program in Windows
For Windows users, here’s how to change the default program for PDFs:
1. Right-click on a PDF file.
2. Select “Open with”.
3. Choose “Choose another app”.
4. Scroll down and select “Adobe Acrobat” from the list.
5. Tick the box next to “Always use this app to open .pdf files“.
6. Click “OK”.
This will permanently set Adobe Acrobat as the default program for all PDF files.
Method 2: Changing the Default Program in macOS
On macOS, the process is slightly different:
1. Right-click on a PDF file.
2. Select “Open With”.
3. Choose “Other…”.
4. Select “Adobe Acrobat” from the list.
5. Tick the box next to “Always Open With”.
6. Click “Open”.
This will set Adobe Acrobat as the default program for opening PDFs, but you may need to repeat this process for different PDF files depending on your macOS version.
Method 3: Using the “Open With” Option
If you don’t want to change the default program permanently, you can use the “Open With” option each time you open a PDF:
1. Right-click on the PDF file.
2. Select “Open with”.
3. Choose “Adobe Acrobat” from the list.
This will open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat without changing the default program for future PDFs.
Method 4: Manually Opening PDFs in Adobe Acrobat
If you’re still having trouble opening PDFs in Adobe, you can manually open them by dragging and dropping the file into the Adobe Acrobat window.
1. Open Adobe Acrobat.
2. Drag and drop the PDF file from your file explorer into the Adobe Acrobat window.
This method bypasses the default program setting and ensures the PDF opens in Adobe Acrobat.
Method 5: Using Adobe Acrobat’s “Open File” Feature
Adobe Acrobat also has a built-in “Open File” feature:
1. Open Adobe Acrobat.
2. Go to “File” > “**Open**”.
3. Browse to the location of your PDF file and select it.
4. Click “Open”.
This method allows you to directly open a PDF file from within Adobe Acrobat.
Method 6: Checking Your Adobe Acrobat Installation
If you’re still facing issues, ensure that Adobe Acrobat is properly installed and activated. Here’s how to check:
1. Open the “Control Panel” (Windows) or “**System Preferences**” (macOS).
2. Search for “Programs and Features” (Windows) or “**Applications**” (macOS).
3. Look for “Adobe Acrobat” in the list.
4. If Adobe Acrobat is listed, ensure it’s up to date. If not, you may need to reinstall it.
Method 7: Disabling Chrome’s PDF Viewer
If you’re certain you want to completely prevent Chrome from opening PDFs, you can disable its built-in PDF viewer:
1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Go to “Settings”.
3. Click on “Privacy and security”.
4. Under “Site settings“, click on “**PDF documents**”.
5. Disable the “**Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in Chrome**” option.
This will force Chrome to always download PDFs instead of opening them in its built-in viewer, allowing you to open them in Adobe Acrobat.
Time to Say Goodbye to Chrome’s PDF Viewer
By following these methods, you can successfully break free from Chrome’s PDF grip and enjoy the full capabilities of Adobe Acrobat. Whether you change your default program, manually open PDFs, or disable Chrome’s PDF viewer, you’ll now have the power to open PDFs the way you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use both Adobe Acrobat and Chrome’s PDF viewer?
A: Absolutely! You can still use Chrome’s PDF viewer for quick viewing and Adobe Acrobat for more advanced features. You can choose to open specific PDFs in Chrome while setting Adobe Acrobat as your default program.
Q: What if I don’t have Adobe Acrobat installed?
A: If you don’t have Adobe Acrobat, you can download and install it from Adobe’s website. You can also explore free PDF viewers like Foxit Reader or Sumatra PDF.
Q: Why does Chrome keep opening PDFs even after I changed the default program?
A: Chrome might still open PDFs if it’s set as the default program for specific types of files, such as “Adobe Acrobat Document”. Check your default program settings and ensure Adobe Acrobat is set as the default for all PDF files.
Q: Can I open PDFs in Adobe without installing it on my computer?
A: Yes, you can use Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, a free version of Adobe Acrobat available on their website. This allows you to view and interact with PDFs without needing a full Adobe Acrobat installation.