Viewing a PDF or HTML

[vleavell]

Hello,

I am new to Android coming from iPhones. I have a Samsung Note 3 on 4.4.2.

I am trying to actually view a PDF or webpage.

I cannot post a link. I will try this in the reply.

My phone "downloads" the file.
-1. I cannot locate the file
-2. Why cannot I just view this without a download

I bought Pro OfficeSuite hoping this would solve my issue.

Any help is MUCH appreciated!

Thanks,

Vern

 

[vleavell]

Here is an example. When I click on this page: http://nebula.wsimg.com/f82239f4d81...E361CEC4F77096A9C&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

 

[John Bean]

H Vern, welcome to the forum.

I use Chrome on my Android devices so behaviour may differ depending on the browser you use, but you are right that a .pdf link will be downloaded, the browser can't display it "in situ".

Downloads always go to the "Downloads" folder - there's an app in the app drawer to give easy access - and a notification of the download appears on the top left of your screen. Swipe down and tap on it and it will either just open or you'll be asked to choose the app you want to use to open it.

You don't really need paid apps for office stuff like .pdf files though, there are lots of good free Office-type suites and some versions of Android include some in the build, like Quick Office in KitKat. For just .pdf there's also the definitive Adobe Reader available free from the Play Store too.

Hope that helps

 

[vleavell]

Hi John,

Thanks for the reply! That did help on PDF's! They seem to be working.

Now, I am not sure if this is a script or HTML or what, but my phone cannot open this:

http://nebula.wsimg.com/f82239f4d810acf05591c72dcc47cb33?AccessKeyId=D73E3 61CEC4F77096A9C&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

Any idea why or what I can use? Desktops are fine, just not on my Note 3.

Thanks!

Vern

 

[John Bean]

Your URL is broken. I fixed it and clicked on it with my Nexus 4 (Chrome) and it downloaded and opened just fine. Try it (link below)

http://nebula.wsimg.com/f82239f4d810acf05591c72dcc47cb33?AccessKeyId=D73E361CEC4F77096A9C&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

 

[vleavell]

Sorry about that. The link posted on here was broken. When I go to the link (even the one that you posted) it says "Downloading file" and has an icon of a question mark. Then when I swipe down from the top and click on the "File Downloaded Successfully" it does nothing. Almost as if the file does not exist. And there is nothing in the Downloads folder.

When you click on the link, does it download the file, the you go to downloads and open it or does it open in the browser?

Thanks!

Vern

 

[vleavell]

UPDATE: I was using Chrome / Firefox with the same results. I just tried the native browser "Internet" and it downloads the file and I can open it!

So, not sure if there is a workaround for the other browsers or if I just stick with "Internet" for this site.

Thanks!

Vern

 

[EarlyMon]

Web builders do a lousy job. I use a few different browsers on my PC just for the occasions when one doesn't work.

Same with my Android.

On the upside, you're going to be able to open links that you never could with an iPhone, because you aren't stuck with just one way of doing links.

Welcome to the forums!

 

[John Bean]

When you click on the link, does it download the file, the you go to downloads and open it or does it open in the browser?

Chrome on Android downloads, always. It worked fine with that link, the downloaded .pdf opened in QuickOffice when I clicked on the download indicator.

I have no idea why Chrome didn't work for you.

 

[mikedt]

If you got something that can open PDFs installed, like Adobe, QuickOffice, etc, you should be able to view them once they've downloaded.