When you add a PDF to your Zoomforth site, it should display in the tile or section's PDF viewer. However, some PDFs may download automatically instead of rendering in the viewer. This behavior can occur in the live site, preview mode, or even within the site editor.
One possible cause is an unusual file header that prevents Zoomforth from recognizing the file as a PDF. This issue has been observed with PDFs converted from Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, or other document-processing applications.
How to Fix the Issue
If your PDF downloads automatically instead of displaying in the viewer, try converting the file using one of the methods below.
Option 1: Re-export the PDF
If the PDF was created from a Word document, PowerPoint presentation, or another source file, try exporting it again using a different method.
Open the original document in the application used to create it.
Export or save the document as a PDF.
If possible, try a different PDF export method or application.
Upload the newly generated PDF to your Zoomforth site.
Preview the site and check whether the PDF displays correctly in the tile.
If the issue persists, try one of the alternative conversion methods below.
Option 2: Convert the PDF Using Adobe Acrobat Pro
You can use Adobe Acrobat Pro to create a reduced version of the PDF, which may resolve the issue.
Open the affected PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Use the available PDF optimization or reduction feature to create a new copy.
Save the converted file.
Upload the new PDF to Zoomforth.
Preview the site to confirm that the PDF renders in the viewer instead of downloading automatically.
The exact menu names may vary depending on your Acrobat version.
Option 3: Convert the PDF Using Mac Preview
If you're using a Mac, you can try converting the PDF through Preview with the PDFX-3 Generic Document Quartz Filter.
Open the PDF in Preview.
Open the Print dialog.
Select the option to save or export the document as a PDF, depending on your macOS version.
If the PDF export workflow provides Quartz Filter settings, select PDFX-3 Generic Document.
Save the converted PDF as a new file.
Upload the new file to Zoomforth and test it in preview mode.
Important: Conversion may change the PDF's appearance, file size, or functionality. Review the converted file before replacing the original.
What If the PDF Is Interactive?
Some PDFs contain interactive elements, such as forms, buttons, embedded layers, or other features that allow visitors to interact with the document.
Converting or reducing an interactive PDF may remove or disable some of these features. If your PDF relies on interactivity, test the converted file carefully before uploading it.
If the interactive elements no longer work after conversion, retain the original file and consider an alternative export method that preserves the required functionality.
Verify the Fix
After uploading the updated PDF:
Open the site in the Zoomforth editor.
Preview the tile or section containing the PDF.
Confirm that the PDF displays in the viewer instead of triggering an automatic download.
If possible, test the published site as well.
Check that the document's content, formatting, and interactive features still work as expected.
If the PDF continues to download automatically, try another conversion method or contact Zoomforth Support for further assistance.
Need Help?
Contact Zoomforth Customer Support through the in-app chat or email support@zoomforth.com.