I would like an option to change the default PDF program

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!

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?  

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?

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?

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. 

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.

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

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.

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?

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.