PDFs are just a digital form of documents that are currently in the trend. Numerous businesses and enterprises are celebrating PDFs because of the numerous benefits that they come with. Also, learn about Modifying Text in PDF Documents by reading this article.

They have made accessing documents quick, easy, and accessible at a significant level. However, with numerous advantages, there are still some difficulties like, you can’t access the files without downloading them.

However, what if there are some ways, for instance accessing PDF files on the web or PDF editor tools, that let you access these files without actually downloading them? So, refer to this article till the end.

View PDFs From Any Web Browser

The most common way to open a PDF without downloading it is through a web browser. 

PDF versus other document

If you want to access a PDF file from the search results, it is even simpler. Be it any web browser, all the steps followed are generally the same. So, refer to the list of steps given below:

  • Search for the file you want to see.
  • From the search results, click on the link.
    PDF Object
  • Now, you can read the file that is opened on your web browser.
  • You can also download it with the help of the download button in the top-right corner of the screen.
    Download button

This is how simply a PDF file can be accessed on the web. Also, note that these steps can be followed on any web browser. Be it Firefox, Chrome, or Microsoft Edge, the only thing that differs is the ability to edit or make changes.

Go for Free Online Tools

Thanks to various tools available online, reading PDFs without downloading them has become as smooth as butter. Luckily, a majority of these tools work for free, but some extravagant service providers charge for their operations. 

For instance, Lumin offers an all-inclusive service to all those who regularly work with PDFs. Following are the steps on how you can do so:

  1. Visit their official website.
  2. Log in or sign up to your account if you want.
  3. Hit the “Upload your PDF” button.
  4. Select an option whether it is on Google Drive, or in Dropbox.
  5. Finally, select the file and hit “OK”.

Once you have uploaded the document, you now have a free hand to make any edit you want to the PDF file.

These edits include features like compressing, splitting, reducing pages, merging documents, signing them, and many more. 

Access Files Through Online Sharing Methods

If you work on collaborative workspaces like Google Workspace, there is no need to download the files. 

For instance, if you are working on Google Sheets, the whole record or data can be shared via a single link. This means, there is no need to download the file and then share it with the team.

The following are the steps given: 

  1. Go to the “Share button” in the top-right corner of the window.
  2. Enter the email of the person you want to share with.
    email of the person
  3. If you want to distribute via link, click on the “Anyone with the link” button.
    Anyone with the link
  4. Give permissions according to your requirement (Viewer, Commentator, or Editor).
    Give permissions
  5. Finally, press the “Copy link” button.
    press the Copy link button

Share PDF Documents Through Gmail

Gmail has an amazing feature that not only lets you oversee a glimpse of the document but also lets you open the file through Google Docs. Opening the file through Google Docs means there is no need to download it, and it automatically gets saved on your account. 

Just simply click on the file you received in your inbox, and you will be able to read it without opening it. Further, if you want to make some edits or changes, you may hit the button “Open With …” to access it with Docs, Sheets, etc. 

Open with google docs

Why Open a PDF File Without Downloading Them?

It is not a compulsion to access these PDF files online without downloading them. But, there are some advantages of its own that you can enjoy. Some of them are pretty common, whereas, some might bring a huge change to your experience:

  • Save Storage: There is no doubt that PDF files are extremely light in weight. With a few KBs or MBs, they can store a plethora of information. But, all these data collectively result in a huge size overall. It may lead to hundreds of GBs, especially for businesses. So, online PDF is a much better option to save on storage.

Did You Know?
75% of data breaches related to document sharing occurred due to poor PDF data management practices.

  • Editing Options: Online tools that help in providing you with a range of editing options are the best. Here, you can add your signatures, crop images, or make any other possible changes. 

Final Words

There are several ways through which you may access online PDFs without actually downloading them. This way, you may save a lot of space from your disk and also enjoy numerous editing benefits. This article covered all those solutions. If you find it helpful, consider sharing it with others.




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