How do I make sure my PDF file opens with the correct application?

PDF files can open in your browser window with installed plug-ins or with a default application. If filling out a PDF form, you should download the file BEFORE you fill it out and save it. (See KB Article #377 for downloading a file from the internet)

Once the form is properly saved, you can follow the steps below to ensure that the PDF file opens with Adobe Reader.

For Windows Users:

1. You should make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Reader. This program must be installed and used for the Learning Management System (Blackboard, Moodle, etc.) to recognize your files!

   Go here to download and install the latest version of Adobe Reader for your operating system: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
   (Note: You will want to uncheck the box for installing McAfee Security Scan Plus if you do not want to install that on your machine.)

2. Right-click the saved file you would like to open.
3. On the menu that appears select "Open With", then select "Adobe Reader".

For Mac Users:

1. You should make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Reader. This program must be installed and used for the Learning Management System (Blackboard, Moodle, etc.) to recognize your files!

   Go here to download and install the latest version of Adobe Reader for your operating system: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
   (Note: You will want to uncheck the box for installing McAfee Security Scan Plus if you do not want to install that on your machine.)

2. Press the "Control" key while simultaneously clicking the saved file you would like to open.
3. On the menu that appears select "Open With", then select "Adobe Reader".

If this is not the default program for viewing PDFs, a dialogue box will appear asking if you would like to set this as the default program for opening PDFs, you should select "Yes".

If you would prefer to open the file in Adobe Reader but keep the PDF Previewer as your default program, you will need to choose Adobe Reader each time you access a PDF and want to open with Adobe Reader; you will need to make sure to CTRL+Click the saved file then select "Open with" and Adobe Reader.

(Note: In Firefox, click the link to the document as normal. If you are prompted to open the file, you can specify the application in which to open it using the "Open with" drop down menu. You can also set Adobe Reader as the default application from this window by checking the 3rd box before clicking OK. These settings can also be changed in Firefox preferences.)

Updating Firefox Preferences

Go to Firefox and click "Firefox" in the main menu at the top of your screen.

1. Hover the mouse pointer over the "Options" link and then Click "Options" in the window that opens.
2. Select the "Applications" panel.
3. Find "Adobe Acrobat Document" in the list and click on it to select it.
4. Click on the drop-down arrow in the "Action" column for the above entry and select "Use Adobe Reader (default)."
5. Click OK to close the Options window