How to save an online PDF file to a computer

Updated: 05/06/2024 by Computer Hope
Adobe PDF Icon

PDF (Portable Document Format) files may be viewed on a large array of devices and Internet browsers. However, the steps used to save this file type are not always the same. These general guidelines should help you save a downloaded PDF file from most sources.

Note

The first thing you must do is ensure you have a PDF file reader program installed on your computer. Adobe has a free reader available on their website.

Saving a PDF from a web page

  1. Click the link or icon representing the PDF file. Depending on your Internet browser and the settings for the reader program, the file may automatically download and open in your browser. If you receive a prompt for opening or saving the PDF file instead, skip to step 4.
  2. As you move your mouse cursor over the document, a small toolbar should appear; it is often located at the upper-right or lower-right corner of the page.
  3. Once you've located the toolbar, click the icon that looks like a computer diskette or an arrow pointing down to save the PDF file. If the toolbar is not visible, look in your browser's file menu for the Save as or Save page as option. (Press the Alt to make the menu bar visible if it's hidden.) Alternatively, right-click the document and select Save as to save the PDF file.
  4. A window should appear, prompting you to specify the location where you want to save the file. Selecting the Desktop option makes it easy to find the download when you're finished.
Tip

If you'd like, you may rename the file at this point.

  1. Click Save or OK to save the PDF file.
Tip

Try these steps now using our example PDF link.

Note

Some browsers open PDF files without downloading them. If you don't see the Disk icon, look for a Download option instead. Once the file is downloaded, a save option should appear.

Saving a PDF directly from the reader

Adobe Reader save icon

If the PDF file is already open in the reader program or, a form is filled out, save it using that software. For example, in Adobe Reader, a computer diskette icon is available in the top toolbar to save the file.

Print PDF document to create and save new PDF file

If you cannot find a save option, try printing the PDF document using CutePDF, which creates a new PDF file to save to your computer.