Enable Firefox PDF Reader - Simple Guide
Firefox 15: Integrated PDF Viewing
The release of Firefox 15 introduces a completely redesigned, native PDF reader directly within the browser itself.
This new functionality allows users to, if desired, deactivate and subsequently remove the Adobe PDF plugin from their systems.
Understanding the New Feature
It’s important to recognize that while the integrated reader covers the majority of typical PDF viewing needs, the Adobe plugin remains necessary for accessing more complex or specialized PDF features.
Users who require these advanced capabilities should retain the plugin.
Alternative PDF Usage
For those who prefer, PDF files can still be downloaded and opened using the standalone Adobe Reader application for offline viewing.
This provides a flexible approach to managing and interacting with PDF documents.
The built-in viewer offers a convenient solution for everyday PDF consumption.
Activating the Integrated PDF Viewer in Firefox
To begin, launch Firefox and then navigate to the address about:config in the address bar.
A warning message will appear, playfully suggesting potential warranty implications. Simply acknowledge this by clicking the “I’ll be careful, I promise!” button to proceed.
The next step involves locating a specific preference. You must search for the following:
browser.preferences.inContent
Once found, a right-click on this preference will reveal a context menu. Select “Toggle” from this menu to change its status.
Following this, the PDF Reader functionality itself needs to be enabled. This is achieved by searching for:
pdfjs.disabled
With these adjustments complete, the built-in PDF viewer is now active. PDF files located on your computer can be conveniently opened by dragging them directly onto the Firefox window.
It’s important to note, as highlighted in user feedback, that the Adobe add-on should be disabled after this process is finished.