I really, really dislike the Dropbox PDF preview functionality. It served my needs much better to have the PDF I click on in Dropbox open directly in Acrobat Reader. Is there a way to switch the PDF preview off? If not, I strongly request that become a future option. PDF preview in dropbox may be great for some users, but for me, it's terrible. Thanks.

I do so totally agree with this. It doesn't only do this for pdfs, but also for office and other files. Wanting to preview the file when clicking it is actually the exception, not the rule. Typically I want to open the file and do something. Dropbox should not want to offer an alternative to dedicated apps; it's the wrong battle for them to pick.

And another request for an option to disable this feature. It drives me nuts that clicking on the file I want to edit (usually word or excel) then won't just open for me to edit. It's doubly annoying for me since the dcoument editor I use also opens the file in 'protected; mode, so it takes me about five steps to get to the place I need to be. Allow me to decide what clicking on a file does, or I'll start using OneDrive....

Oh yes, this is an absolute pain. How dare Dropbox foist this on us without an option to switch it off. On my smartphone I want to view these documents in Adobe Reader, Spreadsheet etc. because they have full functionality (edit, bookmark etc.), the Dropbox viewer has not. So, what happens. Find the file I want to work with, tap on it. Oh no! Forgot it opens in Dropbox viewer. Close it again. Long hold, open with, and at last I have what I want. What a waste of time and productivity. Dropbox PLEASE give us the option to switch it off. I'm far too old to remember to long hold every time!!!

This feature makes it impossible for me to use Dropbox for PDF-download links. I don't want it previewed. I want it downloaded. And if I do have to put up with the preview, don't break up my spreads. I didn't save it in single pages. I saved it as spreads on purpose. That's how it's meant to be viewed, and being forced into single pages screws it up. I know you're trying to help, but please ask first.

yes, this is so annoying that i'm looking for an alternative service. otherwise is love love dropbox!

PDF Preview functionality - how to disable?

310EI
Star | Level 17
10 years ago
Hello, Mike...

You didn't mention if you're trying to view the PDF on a: PC, Mac, iPhone or Smartphone or what your default browser is so my answers may not help you. I use Firefox and Chrome on a PC and in either, the PDF files preview nicely.

Only way that I know to look at a PDF file in the viewer of your choice would be to download it to your computer. When you click on that PDF, then it should open with Adobe Reader.

Below are a few articles you can read that may help you if you haven't seen them already.

RENDER A FILE IN YOUR BROWSER:
https://www.dropbox.com/help/201

WHAT TYPES OF FILES CAN BE STORED/VIEWED ON DROPBOX:
https://www.dropbox.com/help/6

Out of curiosity... how does below PDF render on your device?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ml2xxb142vdbu1f/DBx_GettingStarted.pdf?raw=1
[above link will expire]

NOTE:
You may have to copy/paste above PDF link into a new browser tab to make sure it's rendering as intended vs clicking on it within the forum.

Let me know when you have time.
Stefanie
Dropbox Staff
9 years ago
Hi Megan and others,

Did you know that in a shared link you can force a file to download instead of previewing?

Please see here for instructions:

https://www.dropbox.com/en/help/201

Thanks,

Sofia
John B.8
New member | Level 1
9 years ago
I actually found something that worked for me (so far!):

1) Uninstall Dropbox app
2) Open a local PDF file (using ES File Explorer, etc.)
3) System will prompt for default program to open
4) Pick the program you WANT to use :-)
5) Reinstall Dropbox
6) Open another local PDF file (ES File Explorer)
7) System will AGAIN prompt to choose default program
8) Make your selection

My phone now opens most PDF by default in Adobe Acrobat (local and URL). Dropbox PDF still open in the viewer, but once open, the viewer provides the option to switch to Acrobat.

I'm running Dropbox 7.2.8, Android 6.0.1 on Nexus 6P, and the Dropbox app is running with full permissions.
John B.8
New member | Level 1
9 years ago
I actually found something that worked for me (so far!):

1) Uninstall Dropbox app
2) Open a local PDF file (using ES File Explorer, etc.)
3) System will prompt for default program to open
4) Pick the program you WANT to use :-)
5) Reinstall Dropbox
6) Open another local PDF file (ES File Explorer)
7) System will AGAIN prompt to choose default program
8) Make your selection

My phone now opens most PDF by default in Adobe Acrobat (local and URL). Dropbox PDF still open in the viewer, but once open, the viewer provides the option to switch to Acrobat.

I'm running Dropbox 7.2.8, Android 6.0.1 on Nexus 6P, and the Dropbox app is running with full permissions.

NB: This only fixed MY phone. I doubt that you'll want to get your customers to go through this process! So I absolutely agree that Dropbox should correct this oversight in their app.
Govert V.
New member | Level 1
9 years ago
Dear John,

I appreciate your contribution, and no offense, but this is not the solution - this is the problem. "Dropbox PDF still open in the viewer, but once open, the viewer provides the option to switch to Acrobat." --> That is what we want to get rid of...

Thanks anyway.
John B.8
New member | Level 1
9 years ago
My apologies for misunderstanding. I was having a somewhat different problem.

Regarding your issue, aside from opening it from the preview, I've gotten the Android app to "Open with..." Adobe, but as indicated in this thread, that's not the requested (one-click) solution.
FMPLASTICSINC
New member | Level 1
9 years ago
Please fix!
Mark
Super User II
9 years ago
It is so sad to see how many people are annoyed about changes nobody wants, likes or needs and dropbox staff not acknowledging, listening and fixing.

Sadly, as annoyed as people are there are still 500 million users of Dropbox who are quite happy with it. Very, very, few posts saying otherwise.

I cant see it changing, but, if you know others who dont like it why not ask them to come along and up vote the first post?
Mark
Super User II
9 years ago
No. Its fact. Regardless of how many people dont know this exists its still a good indication of feeling within the product.

"Recents" for example had hundreds of posts on it within days of roll out. Therefore its clear to see 'its an issue'. This has had 37 in 17 months (including many double posts).
William S.14
9 years ago
I dont trust this anymore. How much do super users get paid here?