Are you tired of Google Chrome automatically opening your PDF files? Do you prefer to use a dedicated PDF viewer for a better reading experience? You’re not alone. Many users find Chrome’s built-in PDF viewer lacking in features and functionality. In this article, we’ll show you how to set a different default PDF viewer on your computer, so you can open PDFs outside of Chrome.
Why You Might Want to Open PDFs Outside of Chrome
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s explore some reasons why you might want to open PDFs outside of Chrome:
- Better annotation and markup tools: Dedicated PDF viewers often offer more advanced annotation and markup tools, making it easier to highlight, underline, and comment on text.
- Improved reading experience: PDF viewers can provide a more immersive reading experience, with features like night mode, font size adjustment, and page layout options.
- Enhanced security: Some PDF viewers offer better security features, such as encryption and password protection, to safeguard sensitive information.
- Increased compatibility: Certain PDF viewers may be more compatible with specific types of PDF files, such as those with complex layouts or multimedia content.
Changing the Default PDF Viewer on Windows
If you’re using a Windows computer, follow these steps to change the default PDF viewer:
Step 1: Open the Settings App
- Click on the Start button and select the Settings app.
- Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app directly.
Step 2: Go to the Default Apps Section
- In the Settings app, click on the Apps option.
- Then, select Default apps from the left-hand menu.
Step 3: Choose a New Default PDF Viewer
- Scroll down to the Choose default apps by file type section.
- Click on the .pdf file type.
- Select your preferred PDF viewer from the list of available options.
- If your desired PDF viewer is not listed, click on the Look for an app in the Microsoft Store option to search for and install a new PDF viewer.
Alternative Method: Using the Control Panel
If you’re using an older version of Windows or prefer to use the Control Panel, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
- Click on the Start button and select the Control Panel option.
- Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + X and select Control Panel from the context menu.
Step 2: Go to the Default Programs Section
- In the Control Panel, click on the Programs option.
- Then, select Default Programs from the submenu.
Step 3: Associate PDF Files with a New Viewer
- Click on the Associate a file type or protocol with a program option.
- Scroll down to the .pdf file type and click on it.
- Click on the Change program button.
- Select your preferred PDF viewer from the list of available options.
Changing the Default PDF Viewer on macOS
If you’re using a Mac, follow these steps to change the default PDF viewer:
Step 1: Open the Finder App
- Click on the Finder icon in the Dock.
- Alternatively, you can press Command + Shift + F to open the Finder app directly.
Step 2: Go to the Applications Folder
- In the Finder app, click on the Applications folder in the sidebar.
- Alternatively, you can press Command + Shift + A to open the Applications folder directly.
Step 3: Find Your Preferred PDF Viewer
- Locate your preferred PDF viewer in the Applications folder.
- Right-click (or Control-click) on the PDF viewer icon.
- Select Get Info from the context menu.
Step 4: Set the PDF Viewer as the Default
- In the Get Info window, click on the Open with dropdown menu.
- Select your preferred PDF viewer from the list of available options.
- Click on the Change All button to set the PDF viewer as the default for all PDF files.
Alternative Method: Using the Preview App
If you prefer to use the Preview app as your default PDF viewer, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Preview App
- Click on the Preview icon in the Dock.
- Alternatively, you can press Command + Shift + P to open the Preview app directly.
Step 2: Go to the Preferences Menu
- In the Preview app, click on the Preview menu in the top-left corner.
- Select Preferences from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Set the Preview App as the Default
- In the Preferences window, click on the Files tab.
- Select the Open groups of files in the same window option.
- Click on the OK button to save your changes.
Changing the Default PDF Viewer on Linux
If you’re using a Linux distribution, the steps to change the default PDF viewer may vary depending on your desktop environment. Here are some general steps for popular Linux desktop environments:
GNOME Desktop Environment
- Open the Settings app.
- Click on the Applications option.
- Select Default Applications from the left-hand menu.
- Click on the PDF file type.
- Select your preferred PDF viewer from the list of available options.
KDE Plasma Desktop Environment
- Open the System Settings app.
- Click on the Applications option.
- Select File Associations from the left-hand menu.
- Click on the PDF file type.
- Select your preferred PDF viewer from the list of available options.
XFCE Desktop Environment
- Open the Settings app.
- Click on the Preferred Applications option.
- Select PDF from the list of available options.
- Choose your preferred PDF viewer from the dropdown menu.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re experiencing issues with changing the default PDF viewer, here are some common troubleshooting steps:
- Check if the PDF viewer is installed correctly: Ensure that your preferred PDF viewer is installed correctly and functioning properly.
- Check if the PDF viewer is compatible with your operating system: Ensure that your preferred PDF viewer is compatible with your operating system and version.
- Check if the PDF viewer is set as the default: Ensure that your preferred PDF viewer is set as the default for PDF files.
- Check if there are any conflicts with other applications: Ensure that there are no conflicts with other applications that may be interfering with the default PDF viewer setting.
Conclusion
Changing the default PDF viewer on your computer is a straightforward process that can enhance your PDF viewing experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set a different default PDF viewer on your Windows, macOS, or Linux computer. Remember to troubleshoot common issues and ensure that your preferred PDF viewer is installed correctly and compatible with your operating system.
What are the benefits of opening PDFs outside of Google Chrome?
Opening PDFs outside of Google Chrome can provide several benefits, including improved performance, increased security, and enhanced functionality. By using a dedicated PDF viewer, you can avoid consuming Chrome’s resources, which can slow down your browsing experience. Additionally, some PDF viewers offer advanced features, such as annotation tools, form filling, and digital signatures, which may not be available in Chrome’s built-in PDF viewer.
Furthermore, using a separate PDF viewer can also help to reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities associated with Chrome’s PDF viewer. By keeping your PDF viewing separate from your browsing activities, you can minimize the attack surface and protect your system from potential threats. Overall, opening PDFs outside of Chrome can provide a more efficient, secure, and feature-rich experience.
How do I set a default PDF viewer on my computer?
To set a default PDF viewer on your computer, you’ll need to access your system’s settings or control panel. On Windows, you can do this by going to the “Settings” app, clicking on “Apps,” and then selecting “Default apps.” On macOS, you can go to the “Apple menu,” select “System Preferences,” and then click on “Associations.” From there, you can select the PDF viewer you want to use as your default and set it as the default application for PDF files.
Alternatively, you can also set the default PDF viewer from within the PDF viewer application itself. Many popular PDF viewers, such as Adobe Acrobat or Foxit Reader, offer an option to set themselves as the default PDF viewer during installation or from within their settings menu. By setting a default PDF viewer, you can ensure that PDFs open in your preferred application every time you click on one.
What are some popular PDF viewers that I can use outside of Google Chrome?
There are many popular PDF viewers that you can use outside of Google Chrome, depending on your operating system and personal preferences. Some popular options include Adobe Acrobat, Foxit Reader, and Nitro Pro. Adobe Acrobat is a powerful PDF viewer that offers advanced features, such as annotation tools, form filling, and digital signatures. Foxit Reader is a lightweight and feature-rich PDF viewer that offers many of the same features as Adobe Acrobat at a lower cost.
Nitro Pro is another popular PDF viewer that offers advanced features, such as PDF editing and conversion tools. Other popular PDF viewers include SumatraPDF, PDF-XChange Viewer, and Skim. When choosing a PDF viewer, consider the features you need and the level of compatibility you require with your operating system and other applications.
How do I open a PDF in a separate application from Google Chrome?
To open a PDF in a separate application from Google Chrome, you can right-click on the PDF link and select “Save link as” or “Save target as.” This will download the PDF file to your computer, which you can then open in your preferred PDF viewer. Alternatively, you can also click on the PDF link and then click on the “Open in system viewer” button, which appears in the top-right corner of the Chrome window.
If you want to open a PDF in a separate application every time you click on a PDF link, you can also disable Chrome’s built-in PDF viewer. To do this, go to Chrome’s settings, click on “Advanced,” and then select “Content settings.” From there, you can toggle off the “PDF documents” switch, which will force Chrome to download PDFs instead of opening them in the browser.
Can I still view PDFs in Google Chrome if I set a default PDF viewer?
Yes, you can still view PDFs in Google Chrome even if you set a default PDF viewer on your computer. When you click on a PDF link, Chrome will still offer to open the PDF in its built-in viewer. However, if you want to open the PDF in your default viewer, you can right-click on the link and select “Save link as” or “Save target as,” and then open the PDF file in your preferred viewer.
Alternatively, you can also drag and drop the PDF file from your file system into Chrome, which will open the PDF in Chrome’s built-in viewer. However, if you want to open PDFs in your default viewer every time, you can disable Chrome’s built-in PDF viewer, as described earlier. This will force Chrome to download PDFs instead of opening them in the browser.
Will opening PDFs outside of Google Chrome affect my browsing experience?
Opening PDFs outside of Google Chrome should not significantly affect your browsing experience. In fact, by using a dedicated PDF viewer, you can improve your browsing performance by avoiding the resource consumption associated with Chrome’s built-in PDF viewer. Additionally, using a separate PDF viewer can also help to reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities associated with Chrome’s PDF viewer.
However, if you rely heavily on Chrome’s built-in PDF viewer for features such as annotation tools or form filling, you may need to adjust to using a different application for these tasks. Nevertheless, many popular PDF viewers offer similar features and functionality, so you may find that your browsing experience is not significantly impacted by opening PDFs outside of Chrome.
Can I set different default PDF viewers for different types of PDFs?
Yes, you can set different default PDF viewers for different types of PDFs, depending on your operating system and the PDF viewers you have installed. For example, you can set Adobe Acrobat as your default PDF viewer for PDFs that require advanced features, such as annotation tools or digital signatures. At the same time, you can set a lightweight PDF viewer, such as SumatraPDF, as your default viewer for simpler PDFs that don’t require advanced features.
To set different default PDF viewers for different types of PDFs, you can use the “Associations” settings on your computer. On Windows, you can go to the “Settings” app, click on “Apps,” and then select “Default apps.” On macOS, you can go to the “Apple menu,” select “System Preferences,” and then click on “Associations.” From there, you can select the PDF viewer you want to use for each type of PDF file.