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PDF Files

Where can I get a reader for PDF files?

The official free Adobe Reader can be downloaded from Adobe's website for a wide variety of computer platforms. Note: Older versions of Adobe Reader were called "Acrobat Reader" or "Adobe Acrobat Reader". If you have one of these older versions, you may not be able to open some newer PDF files. In that case, just download and install the newest Adobe Reader.

How can I make PDF files appear in their own windows?

If you prefer not to have PDF files open within your browser window, you can set the Adobe Reader to open files in Adobe Reader.

  1. First, open Adobe Reader. In Windows, Adobe Reader is usually located under Start Menu | Programs. On a Mac, the Reader is usually in the Applications folder.
  2. Go to Edit | Preferences | Internet. Uncheck the "Display PDF in browser" option.
  3. Close Adobe Reader and all of your browser windows, and then reopen your browser and click a PDF link.

Some websites use javascript and/or cookies to control the display of PDF files. Check that javascript and cookies are both enabled in your browser. However, there may be some sites that cannot be made to display PDF files in the Adobe Reader instead of in the browser.