How to Force Google Chrome to Download a PDF File (Rather Than Open It)

How to Force Google Chrome to Download a PDF File (Rather Than Open It)

As with many things, Google Chrome tends to hide options that can be very useful to you on a daily basis. For example, did you know that it was possible to force Google to download PDF files by default rather than just opening them in a new tab?




You might be fed up with Google Chrome always opening a new tab when you click on a PDF file link. Sure, this allows you to preview the document, read it and see its usefulness, but sometimes you just want to rush through and download the file you already know is important. It is therefore possible to define on Google Chrome… if you know where to look.

Download a default PDF

1. Open Google Chrome and click on the three small dots at the top right of the window and select Parameters.

How to Force Google Chrome to Download a PDF File (Rather Than Open It)



2. Select Security and Confidentiality then click Site settings and pull down the option Additional content settings


How to Force Google Chrome to Download a PDF File (Rather Than Open It)

3. Select PDF documents and check the box Download PDFs in Default behavior

How to Force Google Chrome to Download a PDF File (Rather Than Open It)

4. You can check and change the location of downloads by drop down menu advanced settings left and click Downloads.

How to Force Google Chrome to Download a PDF File (Rather Than Open It)

Lo and behold, your PDF files will now download directly when you click on the links. All you have to do is go to your favorite editing software or extension to modify them.



Find our page dedicated to the configuration of Google Chrome:
How to properly configure Google Chrome?

How to Force Google Chrome to Download a PDF File (Rather Than Open It) Download Read Review 8 Google Chrome
  • Very good performance
  • Simple and pleasant to use
  • A well secured browser

Google Chrome no longer has to prove its qualities as a stable, fluid, fast, secure, ergonomic and multifunctional browser. Its interface and its mode of use are suitable for all audiences, inexperienced as informed. Criteria that still allow it today to dominate the market on a global scale, and to pursue development that inspires new web standards. But Chrome is not immune to a much less formidable aspect: the collection and commercialization of personal data by the browser which makes it a serious threat to the privacy of Internet users, all the more so when used in conjunction with other Google services. If respect for confidentiality must, for you, take precedence over the rest, we advise you to turn to Brave or Firefox, more reliable alternatives with satisfactory performance.




Google Chrome no longer has to prove its qualities as a stable, fluid, fast, secure, ergonomic and multifunctional browser. Its interface and its mode of use are suitable for all audiences, inexperienced as informed. Criteria that still allow it today to dominate the market on a global scale, and to pursue development that inspires new web standards. But Chrome is not immune to a much less formidable aspect: the collection and commercialization of personal data by the browser which makes it a serious threat to the privacy of Internet users, all the more so when used in conjunction with other Google services. If respect for confidentiality must, for you, take precedence over the rest, we advise you to turn to Brave or Firefox, more reliable alternatives with satisfactory performance.


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