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How to Open a SharePoint PDF in Browser with Adobe Acrobat
Question details
The user needs to open a PDF file hosted on SharePoint directly in the web browser instead of having it download automatically.
- Product
- SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Clicking a direct link to a PDF file hosted on SharePoint.
- Observed behavior
- Direct SharePoint PDF links trigger a file download to the local machine instead of opening the document in the web browser for online viewing.
Ensure you have permission to view the file on SharePoint and can access the PDF's 'Details' pane to copy the correct file path.
Modify the SharePoint URL to Force Web View
By appending a specific web-view parameter to the direct file path, you can force the PDF to open in the browser instead of downloading.
SharePoint defaults to downloading direct links for certain file types. Modifying the URL tells the server to render the document online, allowing you to then pass it to Adobe Document Cloud.
Navigate to your SharePoint document library and select the PDF file you want to share or open.
Open the 'Details' pane on the right side of the screen. Scroll down to locate the direct file path URL and copy it.
Paste the URL and add '?web=1' to the very end of the link (e.g., https://example.sharepoint.com/.../file.pdf?web=1).
Open the newly modified link in your web browser. Once the PDF renders online, click the 'Open' dropdown menu at the top and select 'Adobe Document Cloud' or 'Adobe Acrobat'.
View, Edit, and Manage Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you frequently struggle with online document rendering and complicated SharePoint links, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, featuring a robust built-in PDF reader and editor that handles files natively without complex browser configurations.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your computer or mobile device.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Launch WPS Office and drag your downloaded PDF file into the workspace to view it instantly.
- 3. Edit and Save: Use the comprehensive PDF tools to highlight text, add annotations, edit content, and save your changes locally or to the cloud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my SharePoint PDF download instead of opening in the browser?
By default, SharePoint may treat direct file path links for PDFs as a download request. To bypass this, you need to append the '?web=1' parameter to the end of the URL, which forces the browser to use the online web viewer.
Can I use an eTag link to open my PDF in SharePoint?
No, using an eTag-based Doc.aspx link is not recommended for PDF files. It is an unreliable method that will typically redirect you to the parent folder instead of opening the document.
How do I switch to Adobe Acrobat after opening the PDF in SharePoint?
Once you have successfully opened the PDF in the SharePoint browser viewer using the '?web=1' link, look for the 'Open' dropdown menu at the top of the screen and select 'Adobe Document Cloud' or 'Adobe Acrobat' to switch applications.
