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I would like to change the default app for opening PDF files via the Dropbox mobile app.

As a longtime Dropbox user, I am annoyed that the only PDF program that's given as an option to view PDFs is Adobe. I don't use or like Adobe PDF products. I use PDF Expert and would like to be able to make PDF Expert my default program for viewing PDFs. Please respond to let me know if this can be done.

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Jay

Hi @Courtney945, thanks for bringing this to our attention.

What device are you using when previewing PDF files?

Are you able to set a default PDF previewer via your mobile OS?

This will help me to assist further!

Courtney945

The problem exists when using my iPAD and iPhone. On my MacBook Pro I'm able to set a default, system-wide, application-wide selection for the PDF application to use when viewing any PDF. I have selected PDF Expert. All PDFs on my computer open using the PDF Expert application.

I'd like to be able to do the same for PDFs viewed within Dropbox on my iPad and iPhone. What happens now on these devices is when I open a PDF in Dropbox I see a lozenge at the bottom that says "Open In". When I press it, I'm only given the option to open with Adobe Acrobat (since I don't use AA it says "Install Adobe Acrobat Reader"). There is no other PDF program I'm allowed to choose. As I've said, I want to use PDF Expert always for pdfs saved in Dropbox. Today I'm forced to cancel out, then save the PDF to the Home Screen, and then open it using PDF Expert.

Can PDF Expert be my default reader in Dropbox on the iPhone and iPAD?

Megan

Hey @Courtney945, could you send me a screenshot showing all the available options for PDF files, in order for me to have a visual too?

Do you see the "Open with" option for other file types (let's say images, or documents)? And if you do, are your options limited there too?

Courtney945

I can't figure out how to attach a screenshot. I keep getting a message "PNG not allowed" and "PDF not allowed". What can I try?

Megan

Hey @Courtney945!

If you're trying to send over a screenshot using your mobile, could you maybe try using a computer, or see if you can switch to a .jpg file?

If not, then it's totally okay. I'd just like to have a visual.

Courtney945

My screenshots automatically are saved as PDFs. I exported to .jpeg and I still get a "FILE NOT ALLOWED" error message. Not sure how to show you what I'm seeing.

Hannah

Can you please add the screenshot to your Dropbox account and then send us a shared link, @Courtney945?

Pencilcaseman

I have had the same issue with Dropbox and came across this thread. I know it's a bit late, but I have pasted screenshots from the iOS app below. Tapping the 'Open in' button only allows you to open in Acrobat, as previously mentioned. If Acrobat is not installed, Dropbox prompts you to install it.

Having the option to open PDFs in other apps, such as PDF Expert, would be very helpful.

Hannah

Hi there, @Pencilcaseman, thanks for your nudge here.

If you access your Dropbox files through the Files app or if you download the files to your device, are you able to open them with your preferred 3rd party app?

Pencilcaseman

Hey,

On iOS, at least, it’s possible to set a default PDF application. Opening the file from Files will then open it as expected.

This is how I’ve been working around this issue, but I find the Dropbox app to be far more convenient for many reasons (faster and better search, recently edited files from other devices, to name a few).

I believe editing a PDF opened from the Dropbox folder in Files will save any changes you make, but downloading it to your device and then editing obviously won’t.

Jay

Hi @Pencilcaseman, we appreciate the feedback on this matter, and we do take all comments into consideration when improving the Dropbox mobile app and services.

Pencilcaseman

Hi,

Are there any updates on this issue?

Jay

Hi @Pencilcaseman, as of yet, there are no updates to any changes in relation to the default PDF app on mobile devices.

Pencilcaseman

Alright thank you. If it is not possible to provide alternative PDF editor options, would it at least be possible to have a button to show a file in the iOS file explorer app? That way you can get all the benefits of the Dropbox app without having use the current approach of “Share > Export Copy > Export > [app of choice]”.

The other issue with the current approach is that, given it’s a copy of the original file, it will not sync back to Dropbox, which defeats the whole purpose of it.

Nancy

Hi from me too, @Pencilcaseman! When referring to the iOS file explorer app, you mean your iOS File manager, where all of your local files are saved and accessed on your mobile device, correct?

In general, the purpose of the mobile app is to sync files you’ve uploaded to it with your Dropbox account online and the Dropbox apps on the rest of your devices. So, there’s no direct communication between the Dropbox mobile app and your local device.

I’ve also passed this as feedback to our team though, in case they'd consider adding this feature in the future.

Roga41

Hi @Courtney945,

You may have likely found a way already in regards to this issue, though I thought this information may be of help somehow:

To save files to Dropbox within PDF Expert, you need to connect your Dropbox account to the app and then either sync a folder or manually move files to it. This allows for two-way syncing, meaning changes in PDF Expert are reflected in Dropbox and vice versa.

Here's how to do it:

Connect Dropbox to PDF Expert:

Ensure your Dropbox account is set up on your iPad.
Open PDF Expert and go to the left menu, then select "Network".
Tap "Add Account" and choose Dropbox.
Authorize PDF Expert to access your Dropbox account.
You'll see your Dropbox folders. Select the folder you want to sync with PDF Expert.
Tap "Sync" at the top to start syncing.

Thank you.

Pencilcaseman

Yeah the Files app on iOS/iPadOS — you can link it to Dropbox and see all your files from there and opening them opens in the default app (e.g. a PDF would open in PDF Expert). Editing files opened this way will sync the changes back to Dropbox.

Thanks for the response and for passing this on.

Best,

Toby