Difference Between PDF Link Window Options in Adobe Acrobat DC
Question details
The user wants to understand the behavioral differences between various window display settings when linking to another PDF file.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a hyperlink within a PDF document that directs the reader to another PDF file.
- Observed behavior
- The user encounters two options ('window with user-defined parameters' and 'existing window') and needs clarity on how each affects the display of the linked document.
Before configuring link window options, ensure that both the source and target PDF files are saved in their final directory locations so that the hyperlinks do not break when the documents are shared.
Understanding Acrobat DC Link Window Options
This breakdown explains the functional differences between opening a link with user-defined parameters versus an existing window.
When setting up interactive links in Adobe Acrobat DC, the application provides different options to control how the destination PDF is presented to the reader. These settings determine whether the new document interrupts the current reading experience or opens alongside it.
This option forces the linked PDF to open in a completely new, separate application window. It allows you to specify exact display settings, such as the window's size, its position on the screen, and whether interface elements like menu bars and toolbars should be hidden or visible.
This setting instructs Acrobat to replace the currently open document with the linked PDF, reusing the exact same window. This is highly useful for keeping the desktop uncluttered and ensuring the reader stays focused on a single viewing area.
Be aware that if your Adobe Acrobat is globally configured to open all documents as new tabs within the same window (Tabbed Reading), both of these link options may visually result in the linked PDF opening in a new tab, making their behaviors appear identical.
Easily Manage PDF Links with WPS Office
WPS Office features a robust, intuitive PDF editor that simplifies the process of adding, modifying, and viewing PDF hyperlinks. With its built-in tabbed interface, you can seamlessly navigate between linked documents without dealing with complex window parameters.
- 1. Open WPS PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your source PDF document using the WPS PDF Editor.
- 2. Access the Link Tool: Navigate to the 'Edit' tab on the top ribbon menu and click on the 'Link' button.
- 3. Insert the Hyperlink: Draw a selection box over the text or image you want to make clickable, then configure it to link to a specific file or webpage.
- 4. Save Your Document: Click 'OK' to confirm the link settings, then save your PDF document to ensure the interactive links are preserved for your readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do both link options look the same when I test them?
If Adobe Acrobat is configured to 'Open documents as new tabs in the same window', it overrides specific window parameters. Both options will simply open the linked PDF in a new tab, masking the difference between them.
Can I hide the toolbar when a user clicks my PDF link?
Yes. By selecting 'Window with user-defined parameters' when creating the link, you can check options to hide the menu bar, toolbars, and window controls for the destination document.
How do PDF links behave when viewed in web browsers?
When a PDF is viewed in a web browser, the browser's own PDF rendering engine usually controls link behavior, often ignoring Adobe-specific window parameters and opening the link in the same or a new browser tab.
