How to Open a Linked PDF Without the Acrobat Information Panel
Question details
The user wants to hide or remove the right-side information panel when opening a PDF shared via an anonymous Acrobat link.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Web Viewer
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing a shared PDF through an Acrobat.com anonymous link in a standard web browser.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF automatically opens in a split-screen web viewer showing the document on the left and a mandatory file information and download panel on the right.
Ensure you have a reliable local PDF reader installed on your computer, as bypassing the web viewer's interface restrictions requires downloading the file locally.
Download the PDF to View It in a Desktop Reader
Because the Acrobat web viewer does not allow you to hide the information panel on shared links, downloading the file is the only way to view it in full screen without distractions.
The information panel is natively integrated into the web viewer layout for shared and anonymous links. Adobe does not provide an option to disable this interface from the browser.
In the Acrobat.com web viewer, look at the information panel on the right side of the screen and click the Download option.
Choose a secure location on your computer's local storage to save the downloaded PDF document.
Navigate to the saved file on your device and double-click it to open it in your default desktop PDF reader, completely free from the web page interface.
Use WPS Office for a Distraction-Free PDF Experience
After downloading your PDF, use WPS Office to enjoy a clean, full-screen reading experience without mandatory side panels or a cluttered interface.
- 1. Download and Install WPS: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install the lightweight package on your computer.
- 2. Open Your Downloaded PDF: Launch WPS Office, click on the 'Open' button on the homepage, and select the PDF file you downloaded.
- 3. Enter Reading Mode: Navigate to the 'View' tab on the upper ribbon and click 'Read Mode' to hide all menus and view your document entirely distraction-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I force the Acrobat link to open without the panel for my recipients?
No. If you share an anonymous link via Acrobat.com, the web viewer's default layout, which includes the information panel, is standard and cannot be altered by the sender.
Is it possible to hide the right pane in the desktop version of Acrobat?
Yes. In the Adobe Acrobat desktop application, you can hide the right-hand tool pane by clicking the small arrow on the divider between the document and the pane, or by pressing Shift+F4. However, this shortcut does not apply to the web viewer.
Why does my shared PDF open in a web browser instead of my desktop PDF app?
When you click a shared link, it automatically opens in your default web browser because the link points to a cloud-hosted document viewer. You must manually download the file using the provided options to open it in a dedicated desktop PDF application.
