How to Fix PDFs Opening in Illustrator and Set Acrobat as Default
Question details
The user needs to set Adobe Acrobat as the default application for opening PDF files instead of Adobe Illustrator.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- Windows and macOS
- Scenario
- Opening PDF files received via email or exported from InDesign after installing a recent Adobe Creative Cloud update.
- Observed behavior
- PDF files are automatically opening in Adobe Illustrator by default instead of the intended Adobe Acrobat reader.
Ensure that Adobe Acrobat is fully installed and updated on your computer before attempting to modify your system's default file associations.
Set Adobe Acrobat as the Default PDF Viewer on macOS
Use the macOS Finder 'Get Info' properties panel to route all PDF files to Adobe Acrobat.
macOS provides a straightforward properties menu that allows you to change the default application for a specific file type across your entire system.
Locate any PDF file on your Mac using Finder and single-click to select it.
Press 'Command-I' on your keyboard, or right-click the file and choose 'Get Info' from the context menu.
Expand the 'Open with:' section in the Info panel and select 'Adobe Acrobat' from the dropdown list.
Click the 'Change All...' button immediately below the dropdown menu, then click 'Continue' to confirm.
Set Adobe Acrobat as the Default PDF Viewer on Windows
Use the Windows right-click context menu to permanently assign Adobe Acrobat to the .pdf file extension.
Seamlessly View and Edit PDFs with WPS Office
If you are struggling with complex Adobe Creative Cloud app associations, WPS Office provides a reliable, lightweight built-in PDF reader and editor that lets you open and manage PDFs instantly without hassle.
- 1. Download and install: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your Windows or Mac computer.
- 2. Open the PDF tools: Launch WPS Office and navigate to the 'PDF' tab on the main dashboard.
- 3. Open your document: Click 'Open' and select your target PDF file to instantly view it within the application.
- 4. Set as default: If prompted upon opening, click 'Set as Default' to automatically open all future PDF files using WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my default PDF viewer change to Illustrator automatically?
Major software updates, such as an Adobe Creative Cloud update, can occasionally overwrite or reset file association settings in your operating system. Because Illustrator supports PDF imports, the OS may mistakenly assign it as the primary handler for the .pdf extension.
How do I change the default PDF viewer to a web browser like Chrome or Edge?
You can follow the exact same steps provided for Windows or Mac, but instead of selecting Adobe Acrobat from the application list, simply select Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or your preferred web browser.
Will changing the default application alter the contents of my PDF?
No, modifying the default application only instructs your operating system on which software to use to display the file. The original content, formatting, and layout of the PDF remain completely unaffected.
What should I do if the 'Change All' button is greyed out on macOS?
If the 'Change All' option is unavailable, you likely lack sufficient permissions for that specific file. Ensure you are logged into an administrator account, or check the 'Sharing & Permissions' section at the bottom of the Get Info panel to verify you have Read & Write privileges.
