How to Download PDF Books in Safari and Google Chrome
Question details
The user wants to download PDF books via Safari or Google Chrome and needs to know why the option to download and read via the Adobe app is no longer available.

- Product
- Safari and Google Chrome
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Downloading, saving, and reading online PDF books from internet browsers.
- Observed behavior
- Browsers automatically open the PDF files in their built-in viewers, bypassing the previously available prompt to download or open the file using the Adobe app.
Ensure your browser is updated to its latest version, as modern updates provide the most secure and efficient built-in tools for handling PDF files directly.
Download PDF Books Using Safari's Built-in Tools
Use Safari's native viewer to read and save PDF books directly to your device storage.
Safari handles PDF files natively to provide a faster reading experience without relying on third-party plugins. You can easily save the file for offline reading.
Navigate to the webpage hosting the PDF book and click the link. Safari will load the document in its built-in PDF viewer.
Hover your cursor near the bottom center of the browser window to reveal a floating toolbar, or go to the top menu bar and click 'File'.
Click the 'Download' icon (an arrow pointing down) on the floating toolbar, or select 'Export as PDF' from the 'File' menu to save the book to your local Drive or Mac.

Download PDF Books Using Google Chrome
Quickly view and download PDF books using Google Chrome's integrated PDF reader.
Why the Adobe App Option is No Longer Available
Understand the shift in browser technology that prevents third-party apps like Adobe from handling downloads automatically.
Read and Annotate Your Downloaded PDF Books with WPS Office
Once you have downloaded your PDF books from Safari or Chrome, WPS Office provides an exceptional offline reading experience. It offers eye-protection mode, easy bookmarking, and powerful annotation tools to enhance your reading.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office from the official website and install the application on your computer or mobile device.
- 2. Open Your Downloaded Book: Launch WPS Office, click on 'Open' in the left-hand menu, and navigate to your 'Downloads' folder to select your newly downloaded PDF book.
- 3. Start Reading and Annotating: Use the 'View' tab to adjust your reading layout to fit your screen, and utilize the 'Comment' tab to highlight important passages or add notes as you read.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where do my downloaded PDF books go on my device?
On Windows, they are usually saved in the 'Downloads' folder. On macOS, check the 'Downloads' stack in your Dock or Finder. On iOS and Android, they are typically found in the 'Files' or 'My Files' app under the 'Downloads' directory.
Can I force Google Chrome to download PDFs instead of opening them?
Yes. In Chrome, click the three dots in the top right, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site Settings > Additional content settings > PDF documents, and select 'Download PDFs' instead of opening them in Chrome.
How do I read the downloaded PDF book in a different app instead of the browser?
Once the PDF is saved to your local storage, locate the file, right-click (or long-press on mobile) on the file name, select 'Open with', and choose your preferred PDF reader from the list.
Why does Safari open a blank page when I click a PDF link?
This can happen if the website restricts direct downloads, if the file is corrupted, or if your browser cache is full. Try right-clicking the link and selecting 'Download Linked File', or clear your Safari history and website data.




