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trebit's avatar
trebit
Explorer | Level 3
3 years ago

Any link to a pdf file shows invalid format when trying to open it in smartphone

Hello, when i open any pdf link on smartphone (Android or iOS) it shows the "invalid format" error One of the various links: [removed] Opening it instead in a browser (both from PC and smartphone) ...
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Hannah's avatar
Hannah
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
Hey trebit, thanks for bringing this to our attention.

I removed your link, to keep it from generating a large amount of traffic, which would result in your links being temporarily banned. 

Are you opening the link through the Dropbox app?

And can you also send me a screenshot of the error message you're getting?

Thanks.
trebit's avatar
trebit
Explorer | Level 3
3 years ago

Thanks for the answer.

If i have open that link in a smartphone with Dropbox app installed, it works, problem is when a user does not have it.

We don't want forcing users to install Dropbox....

Cannot take a screenshot, the only this that appears on video is a short message "cannot open PDF, invalid format"

  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    3 years ago
    Hi trebit, do those users have an app that can preview PDF files on their mobile device?
    • trebit's avatar
      trebit
      Explorer | Level 3
      3 years ago

      Yes... in my device i have various apps to open pdf, i also have dropbox installed.

      I tried to force the download of the file by adding dl=1 but as always it works in any browser and it fails in mobile.

      • Jay's avatar
        Jay
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
        3 years ago
        Are these PDF files created using the same app? Does it apply to PDFs created by different apps or services?

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