logo
search
Other PDF Issues

How to Download PDF Books in Safari and Google Chrome

Chanuka GeekiyanageChanuka Geekiyanage Oct 18, 2026 869 views

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.

How to Download PDF Books in Safari and Google Chrome
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.
Before you start

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.

Solution 1Recommended

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.

1
Open the PDF Link

Navigate to the webpage hosting the PDF book and click the link. Safari will load the document in its built-in PDF viewer.

2
Access the Save Options

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'.

3
Save the Document

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 Safari's Built-in Tools
Mobile Safari Instructions: If you are using Safari on an iPhone or iPad, tap the 'Share' icon at the bottom of the screen and select 'Save to Files' to download the PDF book.
Comprehensive PDF Reader & Editor

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. 1. Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office from the official website and install the application on your computer or mobile device.
  2. 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. 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.
Seamlessly open and organize PDF books downloaded from any web browserAdvanced reading features including dark mode, text reflow, and bookmarksFree annotation tools to highlight text and add notes to your e-booksFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and standard PDF files
microsoft office alternative - wps office

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.