7 Simple Ways on How to Stop Saved PDF from Opening
PDFs—the most versatile file extension for all. Whether a professional, business worker, or even a student, this document format allows you to store or manage information effortlessly. Now, imagine every time you save a PDF document, it will automatically get opened in Chrome, Edge, or any PDF reader or browser. It certainly leads to frustration or unwanted stress. Follow this exclusive stepwise guide to discover the common reasons and possible ways to revoke the automatic opening of a PDF document in Windows, macOS, or any device. So, let’s dive into it.
Why are My PDF Files Automatically Opening?
Before discovering the methods for how to stop saved PDFs from opening, let’s first understand the common reasons for the automatic opening of PDFs. Various reasons combine to trigger the default opening of PDF documents when saving them. The web browsers are now capable of opening files like PDFs. In other words, it acts like a PDF Reader for accessing the information. Below are the other causes for why PDF automatically opens after saving:
- Web Browser Settings: The popular web browsers, like Microsoft Edge, Chrome, and others, accept the configuration or opening of PDF documents automatically, even after saving. In other words, anyone can easily access or open the PDF files if the document is not secured.
- PDF Viewer or Reader Settings: Many applications or PDF Reader tools like Adobe Reader, Foxit Reader, etc, allow direct opening of a PDF document. To revoke the PDF opening, you need to review the settings of these tools.
- Third-Party Browser Extensions: Some browser extensions or add-ons conflict with the PDF document’s properties. It will also open the PDF files even after saving the document in the system. Hence, turning off the extensions to stop saved PDF from opening is essential.
Overall, these are common behaviours of any web browser or platform when opening the PDF document instantly. Now, let’s discover the benefits of stopping saved PDF files from opening. So, let’s dive into it.
Why Stop Saved PDFs from Opening?
PDFs are among the most versatile and popular document formats across the globe. Moreover, this simple file format is easy to access or open over multiple platforms, raising concerns for data protection. Moreover, it is indispensable to stop the saved PDF from automatically opening to control accessibility. Below are the major reasons why prevent saved PDFs from accessing or opening:
- Secure Data from Unauthorized Misuse: If you’ve sensitive documents like financial records, contracts, and business secrets, there are high chances that they can be opened for misuse and data extraction. Here, imposing protection is crucial for safety.
- Prevent Data Exposure: In diverse or remote environments, anyone has the opportunity to open the saved document leading to accidental data exposure. Therefore, lock saved PDFs from opening on any device, web browser, etc, for data security.
- Meet with Industrial Compliance: Many organizations, like the financial sector, healthcare, legal, etc, need to follow the DRM and data protection regulations. Here, restricting saved documents meets with the privacy protocols.
Overall, saving the PDF with an opening restriction is a crucial yet preventive step. It certainly enhances the document’s authenticity and reduces the risk of data misuse. Now, if you’re wondering how to stop PDF from automatically opening, let’s find the methods in the section below.
How to Stop Saved PDF from Opening – 7 Best Methods
If you’re seeking how to stop PDF from automatically opening after saving, to ensure file integrity and privacy. The default reader or viewer mostly opens PDFs to access the document. Here, you should adjust the settings to revoke the file opening. In others, it lets you make PDF read only to prevent accessibility.
Here are the ways to stop PDFs from automatically opening after saving:
- Turn Off the Auto-Opening in Chrome
- Disable the Default Opening in Edge
- Change the Settings of the Adobe Acrobat Reader Tool
- Stop Saved PDF from Opening in Mac OS
- Online PDF Websites to Revoke PDF File Opening Using Protection
- Try DRM Tools to Stop PDF from Automatic Opening
- Enable the PDF Security to Revoke Opening Using SysTools Solution
So, let’s walk through each method one after another.
#1 How to Stop PDF from Automatically Opening After Saving in Chrome
Google Chrome is commonly considered the default viewer for opening or accessing files like PDF documents. In other words, Chrome works with an auto-PDF Reader. Hence, it lets you open the PDFs even after saving the document. Here, you need to change the Chrome browser settings to turn off the PDF opening. Now, follow the to-do steps:
- Start by opening the Google Chrome browser.
- Go to the bottom near the download bar to locate the PDF file.
- Tab down arrow > see option like “Always Open Files of this Type“.
- If the function is enabled, quickly uncheck the option.
- In this way, users can revoke the automatic opening of PDF after saving.
#2 How to Stop Saved PDF from Opening in Edge
Similar to Chrome, Microsoft Edge is used as a PDF viewer. It has a built-in feature allows you to open PDF documents in the browser. This way, users won’t need to depend on or download other third-party tools to read PDF files. If this browser enables the default access to the PDF document.
Anyone can open it and read the document. Here, many users seek ways to stop saved PDF from opening in Edge. Now, follow the steps to disable the Edge setting for directly opening the PDF document:
- Firstly, open the Edge browser and move to the Menu to open Settings.
- Tab Cookies and Site Permissions > go downwards and choose PDFs.
- If “Always download PDF files” is enabled > instantly disable it.
- Now, it prevents viewers from intentionally or unintentionally opening the PDF.
#3 How to Stop PDF from Opening After Saving via Adobe Acrobat Reader
After the web browser settings, PDF Readers like Adobe Acrobat Reader are designed to access or open the document for any purposes. To disable these permissions, you need to change the auto-settings for opening PDF documents after saving them. Since this tool works with Windows or macOS, you can prevent users from opening the document. Follow the stepwise guide to change the Adobe Acrobat Reader settings to stop anyone from opening PDF after saving:
- Start by opening the PDF document using the Adobe Acrobat Reader tool.
- Select the Edit feature and click on Preferences > go to General.
- Uncheck the option of “Open PDFs from the web in Acrobat“.
- This way, you can prevent the auto-opening of PDF after saving.
#4 How to Stop PDF from Automatically Opening After Saving in Mac Safari
If you’re wondering how to stop saved PDF from opening in macOS, you need to adjust the settings of the default web browser, i.e., Safari. This way, you can easily prevent file accessibility and the opening of PDFs for any purpose. Here are the steps to use for stopping users from opening saved PDFs on a macOS machine:
- Use the Safari browser on your macOS system.
- Look for the General option > turn off “Open Safe Files after downloading“.
- Now, check if it is working or not to prevent users from opening the document.
#5 How to Prevent Saved PDF from Opening With Online Tools
If you’re wondering how to stop saved PDF from opening, free online tools like Smallpdf, PDF2Go, iLovePDF, etc. These web-based tools are handy to use when it comes to downloading documents while imposing the desired restrictions.
Using these online websites, you can apply user and owner-level password security to prevent unauthorized opening or accessing of confidential PDFs. Additionally, there is no need to install any third-party or offline application to use these solutions.
Here is the stepwise guide for stopping the saved PDF from opening using online PDF tools:
- Open the iLovePDF website on any web browser.
- “Select PDF File” feature to browse and add the file.
- After this, set the desired password or restriction security.
- Lastly, press the Lock button to download the secured document.
Online platforms are convenient to use. Here, without any signups, you can safeguard your valuable PDFs from direct opening or viewing. Additionally, these freeware solutions have simple interfaces, reducing the dependency on technical support. However, there are some flaws that you need to know before using the tools.
Cons of Online PDF Websites:
- Provides limited features in the free edition.
- Online platforms raise security issues as they can create copies of your sensitive data, leading to tampering,
- modification, and misuse.
- These tools won’t secure the originality of the document during the process.
#6 How to Stop Saved PDF from Opening With DRM Tools
Saving unprotected PDFs presents the risk of data exposure and modification. If you want to know how to stop PDF from automatically opening, try DRM or Digital Right Management tools like Locklizard PDF DRM-based software, one of the advanced and highly recommended tools for business and professional use. Using this robust software, you can protect PDF from screenshot, screen-grabbing, and unauthorized malicious activities.
Moreover, this tool is capable of imposing the view restriction, preventing the chances of opening saved PDFs. It allows you to enable permission like editing, content copying, printing, and sharing of the document. Additionally, the DRM feature of this software helps you to monitor the activities over the PDF file. Here are the steps for how do I stop PDF from opening automatically using the DRM tool:
- Run Locklizard software on your system.
- Add the sensitive document and choose the desired protection.
- After setting the security, download the PDF on your PC.
To prevent the saved PDF from opening or accessing, DRM tools are a great choice. This software helps to secure your highly confidential document from misuse and direct control. However, there are major limitations that any professional should be aware of, take a look below.
Cons of DRM Tools:
- Locklizard PDF DRM-based software is a highly premium tool that includes different fee structures. Moreover, the monthly license of this tool starts at $500.
- For professional and small businesses, managing the cost of this tool is quite not feasible so, look for cost-effective tools.
- The interface of this software is complicated and certainly frustrates novice and even professional users.
#7 How to Stop Saved PDF from Opening – SysTools PDF Protecting Software
To stop saved documents from opening, use SysTools PDF Lock, one of the most powerful and tested tools for securing your sensitive PDFs against malicious activities. This professional tool deals in open document passwords and owner restrictions, making it an all-in-one solution for businesses. Using this pro software, you can safeguard your PDF from opening, viewing, and tampering at once.
The advanced features of this tool include robust encryption protection, such as AES 128 and 256-bit. In this way, you can secure the saved PDF from direct opening or data breach. Despite this, it leverages users to preserve the PDF elements and properties. Now, let’s move to understand the workings of this pro tool.
Guide to Stop PDF from Opening Automatically
- Run and Install the SysTools PDF Software.
- “Add Files” feature to browse & add sensitive documents.
- “Change” option to set the path for the resultant file > Next.
- Now, enable the owner restriction and password.
- After this, choose the appropriate Encryption type.
- Lastly, pick the Lock button to secure the file.
Concluding Words
In the above guide, we have shared 7 Ways how to stop saved PDF from opening. By implementing these methods, you can protect your document from being automatically accessed or viewed. Compared to all the solutions, SysTools Pro tools are a highly recommended and expert-favored choice for saving confidential information with robust security protection.