Tips to open PDF file
Can't open the PDF file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open PDF files as well as a list of programs that support PDF files.
PDF file extension
| File Name |
Portable Document Format |
| File Developer |
Adobe Systems |
| File Category |
Layout Files |
The PDF file is supported on 6 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the PDF files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the PDF file on each system platform.
What is PDF file?
A .PDF file is a document with a defined view. Usually it is a text document, but other uses are known as well (eg plans or drawings). The main advantage of the .PDF format is its universality. It is available for all platforms and looks the same regardless of the software. As a rule, the format cannot be edited, however, electronic signature data may be added to the file. Additionally, the format enables the creation of interactive forms that can save information to a file.
How to open PDF file?
An often recurring problem with Portable Document Format is that PDF is not associated with the correct program file. Thus, when you open PDF, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. How to solve such a problem?
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the PDF file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install Apple Preview
An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Apple Preview is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Apple Preview into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support PDF files.
Programs to open PDF file
Remember to download programs supporting PDF files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Apple Preview with PDF files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the PDF file to open in the Apple Preview application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the PDF file with the Apple Preview application.
Step 3. Update Apple Preview to the latest version
The fault may also lie with the Apple Preview program, it is possible that Portable Document Format requires a newer version of the program.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the PDF file
Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. The most common file problems are:
Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the PDF file. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the PDF file that we want to open. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover PDF files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the PDF file. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair PDF file corruption.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted PDF files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the PDF file to another location will fix the problem.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the PDF file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the PDF file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the PDF file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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