Can not read PDF files on Mac

Solution to not reading PDF files on Mac

This article provides you with 8 solutions to problem that you can't read PDF files on Mac.

What is PDF files?

The PDF (Portable Document Format) file format is a common Internet file format.

PDF files let you view and print a document as the author designed it, without needing to have the same application or fonts on your computer.

Moreover, PDF files are particularly useful when you want to show information in a particular format, as with registration forms and printed publications.

Can not reader PDF files on Mac?

Even so, difficulties may occur in downloading and viewing them. There are many possible causes. An Adobe Reader product (such as Acrobat, Acrobat Reader, or Adobe Reader) may be unable to display a PDF file inside a compatible Web browser window.

The Acrobat product can't read the PDF file.

The Web browser isn't configured correctly with the Adobe PDF Browser plug-in.

The Web server on which the PDF file is stored can't serve the PDF file.

Solutions

Work through this document to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Solution 1

PDF files need specific PDF viewer to read them and Adobe Reader for Mac is very good. Check whether you've install Adobe Reader for Mac on your computer. If not, you can visit the Adobe web site to download and install this software.

Solution 2

Clear your temporary Internet files and try again. PDF files that show up as blank or corrupt, or that freeze your browser, were likely damaged during the download process. In order to fix this, clear your browser's cache, close the browser and make another attempt. If you do not do this, any additional attempts may force your browser to view the cached (and, therefore, damaged) version of the PDF file instead of downloading again from the web server.

Solution 3

Configure Acrobat Reader to NOT open PDF files in browser. Open Acrobat Reader, and select Edit/Preferences. In the window that opens, click on the Options link in the left menu, and uncheck the option that says "Open PDF in Browser". Now, return to your browser and clear your temporary internet files again. Refresh the page, and click on the link to the PDF file. Follow any options to allow the PDF file to display in Acrobat Reader instead of Internet Explorer.

Solution 4

Try saving the file instead of opening it directly.

1. Left-click on the link to the PDF file (this may appear under Attachment).
2. A dialog box should appear. Choose the option to save the file.
3. Choose a location for the file on your hard disk, such as your Desktop, and save it.
4. Wait for the download to finish.
5. Go to the location that you chose in step 3 and open the file.

Solution 5

Upgrade the Acrobat Reader. The latest version of the free Adobe Reader is available from the Adobe web site.

If you are already running the latest version, remove and reinstall the application.

Solution 6

Try to open a local copy of a PDF file in the Acrobat product. Determine if the Acrobat product can open the PDF file from the local hard drive rather than from the Web:

1. In Internet Explorer, right-click the link to the PDF file, and then choose Save Target As from the pop-up menu (Windows), or click and hold the link to the PDF file and choose Download Link to Disk from the pop-up menu (Mac OS).
2. Specify a name and location for the PDF file, and then click Save.
3. Open the Acrobat product, choose File > Open, and try to open the PDF file that you saved in step 2:
   • If the PDF file opens, complete Solution 6.
   • If the Acrobat product displays a blank screen or returns an error when you try to open the PDF file, clear your temporary internet files and refresh your browser window, and attempt again.

Solution 7

If you are using the Safari web browser, download and install an alternative web browser such as Mozilla. Try downloading the PDF file again, using the alternative web browser.

Solution 8

Optimize large PDF files. If the PDF file is 4 MB or larger, ask the provider to optimize the PDF file.

All in all, I hope solutions above can help you. And you can find your problems and look for a proper solution.