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Open .pdf rather than save

  • 2 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 6 views
  • Last reply by Terry

gonzo128
gonzo128
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Hello, Ever since a few updates ago, whenever I click on a .pdf, Firefox automatically saves a copy in my Downloads folder. I have changed the settings for opening a .pdf to "Always Ask," and when the pop-up opens that asks if I want to save or open with Adobe, I click "open with Adobe." This has the desired effect of opening the file in Adobe BUT ALSO the undesired effect of still downloading the file. I DO NOT want the file to download. I just want it to open in Adobe.

Cheers

Hello, Ever since a few updates ago, whenever I click on a .pdf, Firefox automatically saves a copy in my Downloads folder. I have changed the settings for opening a .pdf to "Always Ask," and when the pop-up opens that asks if I want to save or open with Adobe, I click "open with Adobe." This has the desired effect of opening the file in Adobe BUT ALSO the undesired effect of still downloading the file. I DO NOT want the file to download. I just want it to open in Adobe. Cheers

All Replies (2)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
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As you noticed, Firefox 98 change from saving downloads in the Windows Temp folder for "Open with [relevant application]" to saving them in your default downloads folder. It's not possible to pass a file to an application without saving it somewhere.

This change addressed problems with data loss for users who could not re-download files they forgot to save after they were removed from the Temp folder. However, now users who preferred those files to be "out of sight, out of mind" are faced with the task of cleaning them up manually.

Firefox 98 has a "Delete" item on the right-click context menu for items on the Downloads list. That deletes the file from disk and leaves a notation on the history that the file is missing/removed. You can use that to remove files you do not want to keep. But yes, it's an extra step.

Many users have expressed the view that they preferred Firefox using the Temp folder for "Open with [relevant application]". I don't know whether a new option will be added for that in a later version.

Terry
Terry
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A temporary workaround was posted in the thread linked below.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1370494