How to Close Only the Current PDF Instead of All Open PDFs in Acrobat
Question details
The user needs to close a single PDF document without accidentally shutting down all other open PDF tabs in the application.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing multiple open PDF documents simultaneously within a single application window.
- Observed behavior
- Closing the main application window closes all open PDF tabs at once, rather than just the currently viewed document.
Ensure you have saved any unsaved changes in all your currently open PDF documents before adjusting the application preferences and restarting the software.
Change Preferences to Open PDFs in Separate Windows
Disabling the tabbed viewing feature forces each PDF to open in its own independent window, allowing you to close them individually without affecting others.
By default, newer versions of Adobe Acrobat open multiple documents as tabs within a single application window. Modifying the general preferences allows you to revert to the classic multi-window behavior.
Launch Adobe Acrobat, click on the 'Edit' menu at the top, and select 'Preferences'. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+K (Windows) or Cmd+K (Mac).
In the left-hand category pane of the Preferences window, click on 'General'.
Locate the 'Basic Tools' section and uncheck the box labeled 'Open documents as new tabs in the same window'.
Click 'OK' to save your changes. Close and restart the application. Your PDFs will now open in separate instances, allowing you to close one without closing the rest.
Manage Multiple PDFs Effortlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office features an intuitive tabbed interface for PDFs, allowing you to seamlessly manage multiple documents and close them individually with a single click without losing your entire workspace.
- 1. Open Multiple PDFs in WPS: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF files. They will neatly organize into individual tabs at the top of the interface.
- 2. Close the Current Tab: To close only the current PDF, hover over its tab and click the 'X' icon that appears right on the tab itself.
- 3. Use Right-Click Options: Alternatively, right-click the specific document tab and select 'Close Document' to safely close it while keeping all other PDFs open.
- 4. Use Keyboard Shortcuts: You can also press Ctrl + W to quickly close the currently active PDF tab without closing the entire WPS Office application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep the tabbed interface but still close just one PDF?
Yes. Instead of clicking the main window's red 'X' in the top corner (which closes the entire program), click the small 'X' located directly on the specific document tab you want to close.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to close only the active PDF tab?
Yes, in most PDF readers including Adobe Acrobat and WPS Office, you can press Ctrl + W (Windows) or Cmd + W (Mac) to close only the currently viewed tab.
Why did my PDFs start opening in tabs automatically?
Recent software updates often change default settings to use a tabbed interface, as it saves screen space. You can always revert this by unchecking 'Open documents as new tabs in the same window' in the General Preferences.
