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How can I open pdf's automatically?

My pdf's no longer open automatically since the last update to Big Sur and now I have to go to downloads to open them. The box is checked in preferences to open them automatically but this does not happen. Please help.


iMac Pro

Posted on Feb 3, 2021 10:42 AM

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6 replies

Feb 19, 2021 1:30 PM in response to debyt

Boot into Safe Mode by booting with the Shift key held down and check there to see if the problem persists.  Reboot normally and test again.


NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 10 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


Feb 19, 2021 12:03 PM in response to debyt

I'm using Big Sur on a 2019 iMac and the PDFs open just fine for most websites. Some websites will actually download the file instead of presenting it; I assume that this is a decision they make, not something we can change.


Can you tell us more about the Preferences setting you are referring to? Is it in Safari?

How can I open pdf's automatically?

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