What is the "Open in PDF Reader" add-on and how can I use it?

This extension facilitates PDF link opening in your preferred external PDF viewer. External PDF viewers typically offer more advanced features such as form-filling and digital signature integration. After installation, you can initiate the process by right-clicking on a PDF link or directly opening a PDF link within your browser, then clicking the action button to transfer the PDF file to your external viewer. On first use, the extension will prompt you to install a native client, which serves as a bridge between your browser and your operating system. The extension uses this native client to invoke the default PDF viewer on your OS, similar to manually clicking on a PDF file stored locally. If you happen to have multiple PDF viewers, you can opt for one of these custom extensions:

YouTube preview of "Open in PDF Reader" extension:

• Open in PDF reader (Chrome WebStore, Mozilla Add-ons, Microsoft Edge Addons, Opera Add-ons)
• Open in Foxit™ Reader (Chrome WebStore, Mozilla Add-ons)
• Open in PDF-XChange™ Viewer (Mozilla Add-ons)
• Open in Sumatra PDF and DJVU Reader (Mozilla Add-ons)

What's new in this version?

Please check the Logs section.

Why do I need to install a native application to use this extension?

In general, browser extensions are not able to run native commands directly. Instead, they must send a request to a native application, which then executes the command on behalf of the extension. In the case of this particular extension, the native component is based on NodeJS. The extension sends a request to open a PDF file by providing the location of the file to the native component, which then executes the necessary command to open the file. If the path to the native application is not provided, the PDF file will be opened with the default PDF viewer like it is double-clicked.

Can I use this extension with any external PDF viewer?

Some popular PDF readers that can be used with this extension include Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, and Nitro PDF Reader. As a general rule of thumb, if a PDF viewer supports opening files from the command line, it can be used with this extension.

For instance, to open a PDF file from the command line using Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can use the following command:

AcroRd32.exe /p /h [filename]

AcroRd32.exe /p /h %1

What is the meaning of the "Path to a PDF Reader executable" option?

To use this option, specify the path to the executable that the extension will use to open PDF files. If you don't provide a path, the default PDF application will be used. If the path includes any spaces, be sure to enclose it in double quotes (e.g., "C:\Program Files...").

You should only use this path validation tool if you have entered the absolute path to the executable. If you need to use a command or a relative path, this tool will not work correctly.

What is the meaning of the "Capture the left-click on the PDF links" option?

If this option is selected, when a PDF link is clicked, the extension will use your external PDF reader to open the file instead of the built-in PDF reader. You will need to refresh the web pages for the change to take effect.

What is the meaning of the "Download PDF file first, then open with the PDF reader" option?

If this option is checked, the extension downloads the PDF file to the default download directory of your browser first. When the file is ready, the extension opens this local file with the external PDF reader. You must first set the path to the external executable for this option to work. [Important note] If you want to uncheck this option, make sure that your external PDF viewer can handle opening remote links. Most known desktop PDF readers cannot open remote URLs.

I am an administrator of a network. Can I configure this extension on all computers on my network?

In version 0.3.2, the extension allows administrators to set its configuration using Chrome Managed Storage. This feature is commonly used in corporate or educational settings where administrators need to preconfigure users' computers. For example, on macOS, the "path" setting can be configured using managed storage as follows:

• Create a new file on your Desktop or in the TMP directory and name it as follows. Note that "cehi...hoibgo" is the ID of this extension on the Chrome Web Store. The file you create will be temporary, so you can delete it after you are done configuring the extension.

  com.google.Chrome.extensions.cehiomcamjpnfmemkmpjadaclohoibgo.plist

• Insert the following in the file:

  <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
  <!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple/DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
  <plist version="1.0">
  <dict>
  <key>path</key>
  <string>open -a Firefox</string>
  </dict>
  </plist>

• Now we use mcxToProfile.py script to convert the PLIST to "MOBILECONFIG" format where you can install later

  python3 mcxToProfile.py --plist com.google.Chrome.extensions.omlgcadbonokblpkpbdegccgfganjnjp.plist --identifier me

• Double click the "me.mobileconfig" file located next to the original PLIST file and then go to "System Settings" -> "Privacy and Security" -> "Profiles" to install it.

To remove configurations you no longer need, go to the "Profiles" section and delete them. To verify that the installation was successful, visit the "chrome://policy/" page on your Chrome browser. This page will show you all of the policies that are currently in effect for your browser.

Chrome policies are rules that can be set by an administrator to control various aspects of the Google Chrome web browser. These policies can be used to customize the behavior of the browser and to restrict certain features or functions. For example, an administrator may use policies to prevent users from changing certain settings, to block certain websites, or to enforce security protocols.

You can modify the following preferences from managed storage:

• path (string): Path of the external PDF application
• link (boolean): Capture the left-click on the PDF links
• download (boolean): Download the PDF file first, then open it with the PDF reader
• delay (number): Delay in seconds to call the external PDF viewer when the download is finished
• notify (boolean): Display desktop notifications