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Courtney945's avatar
Courtney945
Explorer | Level 4
10 months ago

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 abl...
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Courtney945's avatar
Courtney945
Explorer | Level 4
10 months ago

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?  

Roga41's avatar
Roga41
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
5 months ago

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:

  1. 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.

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