This extension prevents webservers from forcing pdfs to download rather than open in browser

Latest Version

Version
0.3
Update
August 11, 2013
Size
2.99KiB
Developer
Category
Users
2,000+
Rating
3.17073 ★
Manifest Version
2
Web Store Status
Languages Support
English
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Permissions
WebRequest
WebRequestBlocking
*://*/*
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PDF Forcedownload Blocker Extension

Many websites will attempt to force you to download linked PDF files, rather than handle them as per your preferences. (By default, your preferences are set to open them in-browser with Chrome's PDF plugin).

This extension blocks two common ways of forcing your browser to download PDF files, allowing you to handle them consistently and as you choose.

WARNING, USE AT OWN RISK:
Some websites load pdfs into invisible elements for download, causing them not to be seen at all when this extension is enabled. Unfortunately I can't find a good solution for this :(
Most commonly where this is encountered (eg on google docs), the pdf is linked with a name not corresponding to it's filename. To this end the extension now ignores links that don't have \".pdf\" in them.

I wrote this app for myself and my friends at uni, to combat university pdfs being linked with forced download. I don't really know much Javascript/HTTP, so no guarantees :)
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Source Manifest.json

{ "update_url": "https://clients2.google.com/service/update2/crx", "description": "This extension prevents webservers from forcing pdfs to download rather than open in browser", "background": { "scripts": ["eventPage.js"], "persistent": true }, "name": "PDF Forcedownload Blocker", "permissions": [ "webRequest", "webRequestBlocking", "*://*/*" ], "manifest_version": 2, "version": "0.3"}
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How to download and manually install PDF Forcedownload Blocker extension for Chrome

Looking for a way to install PDF Forcedownload Blocker extensions for Chrome, you can search for them in the Chrome Web Store, clicking the "Add to Chrome" button, and following the straightforward process.

However, you may need to install PDF Forcedownload Blocker extensions manually, this article outlines two simple methods to effortlessly install PDF Forcedownload Blocker extensions, whether they come as unpacked folders in compressed formats like .zip or as .crx files.

Method 1: Download PDF Forcedownload Blocker extension and manually install through Drag &Drop

If you ever need to manually install a PDF Forcedownload Blocker extension for Chrome, don't worry, it's a simple process. Just follow these easy steps, and you will have your extension ready to use in no time.

Step 1: Download the PDF Forcedownload Blocker Extension by clicking the "Download CRX" button on the website.

Look for the PDF Forcedownload Blocker extension you wish to install. Go to the website and download the PDF Forcedownload Blocker extension package, which is usually a .CRX file and comes in a zipped file. Here ".crx" file is the format for PDF Forcedownload Blocker extension that contains all the data.

Step 2: Extract &Arrange Files

Once the file is downloaded, extract that file into its own folder. Similarly, give that extension files a permanent home. In other words, keep it in a folder that you don't accidentally delete it because these files will be needed to make that extension work.

Step 3: Go to the Chrome Extensions Page

Open Google Chrome and in the address bar, type chrome://extensions; it will open the Google Chrome extensions page. Make sure that "My extensions" is selected in the sidebar.

Step 4: Drag and Drop the Extension

Now, go to the folder where you extracted the PDF Forcedownload Blocker extension and drag &drop the extension file from there anywhere onto the extension page within Google Chrome.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

Once you drag and drop the extension file, follow the steps that Google Chrome takes you through. Similarly, if the extension file is of .crx file format, you will be required to review the permissions and then add the extension.

Now, you can manage that added extension as you would like to with any other Chrome extension that you added through Chrome Webstore. Its icon will also appear in the Google Chrome Menu on the right side of the address bar once you activate it.

Method 2: Download PDF Forcedownload Blocker extension for Chrome and install in Developer Mode

This is another method to install PDF Forcedownload Blocker extension manually, but the twist is that here, you install by enabling the developer mode option provided in Google Chrome. This mode is commonly used for testing extensions or running unpublished tools.

Step 1: Download the PDF Forcedownload Blocker extension file

Select and download the PDF Forcedownload Blocker extension by clicking the 'Download CRX' button on the website.

Step 2: Extract the downloaded contents

Convert the file to a ZIP file if it is in CRX format then extract the PDF Forcedownload Blocker extension zip file or folder that you downloaded. Make sure you extract it using the same folder name and keep it safely in another folder, so you don't delete it by mistake. The extracted folder will be needed to keep your PDF Forcedownload Blocker extension running.

Step 3: Open Chrome Extension Setting Page

In the address bar of Google Chrome, type chrome://extensions and open the Chrome Extension Page.

Step 4: Enable Developer Mode

After opening the Chrome Extension page, look at the top right side, and you will find the toggle option of "Developer mode."Simply enable that developer mode option.

Step 5: Load the Unpacked Extension

Once you enable the developer mode option, you will see the menu of Load Unpacked, Pack Extensions and Update. From that, select the option "Load unpacked."

Step 6: Select the Extension Folder

Once the pop-up opens upon clicking Load unpacked, select the PDF Forcedownload Blocker extension directory and click on the "Select Folder "button.

Step 7: Confirm and Install

After you select an extension folder of a Google Chrome extension you're installing manually, confirm its installation for the final time and let the installation complete.

Conclusion

Here we've made a step-by-step guide on How to manually install PDF Forcedownload Blocker extension in 2 ways. We hope this guide proves helpful.

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User reviews

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Forever Thatter (ID: 0000006cd61dbf01) Voted 1 ★ - Updated 09/14/2022 It sucks.

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Christoph Thiede (ID: 0000002a93fc4255) Voted 3 ★ - Updated 03/30/2022 This sounds very promising, but it doesn't seem to work for GitHub releases such as this one: https://github.com/LinqLover/sonyx/releases/download/v0.2/sonyx-study-final.pdf

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Luc Y. (ID: 000000f8e4664af9) Voted 5 ★ - Updated 03/07/2022 Works as described! For those who say it doesn't: Make sure your default browser behaviour is also set to open PDFs instead of downloading them as this blocker only sets forcedownload=0. (For Chrome: Settings > Security and privacy > Site settings > Additional content settings > PDF documents)

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Jay Bingham (ID: 0000000e05241b0d) Voted 2 ★ - Updated 12/07/2021 It did not work for me on the web page where I tried it; the link still forces a download. The URL that I clicked does not contain PDF in it instead it has this string at the end: AttachmentViewer.ashx?AttachmentID=57723&ItemID=35671, which may mean that the extension will not detect that a PDF is is being forced to download, I don't know. I do know that if it does not work or only works in limited cases it is of little use to me.

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Yue Shi (ID: 00000025d1c38f2d) Voted 5 ★ - Updated 05/23/2021 挺好用的