I really, really dislike the Dropbox PDF preview functionality. It served my needs much better to have the PDF I click on in Dropbox open directly in Acrobat Reader. Is there a way to switch the PDF preview off? If not, I strongly request that become a future option. PDF preview in dropbox may be great for some users, but for me, it's terrible. Thanks.

I do so totally agree with this. It doesn't only do this for pdfs, but also for office and other files. Wanting to preview the file when clicking it is actually the exception, not the rule. Typically I want to open the file and do something. Dropbox should not want to offer an alternative to dedicated apps; it's the wrong battle for them to pick.

And another request for an option to disable this feature. It drives me nuts that clicking on the file I want to edit (usually word or excel) then won't just open for me to edit. It's doubly annoying for me since the dcoument editor I use also opens the file in 'protected; mode, so it takes me about five steps to get to the place I need to be. Allow me to decide what clicking on a file does, or I'll start using OneDrive....

Oh yes, this is an absolute pain. How dare Dropbox foist this on us without an option to switch it off. On my smartphone I want to view these documents in Adobe Reader, Spreadsheet etc. because they have full functionality (edit, bookmark etc.), the Dropbox viewer has not. So, what happens. Find the file I want to work with, tap on it. Oh no! Forgot it opens in Dropbox viewer. Close it again. Long hold, open with, and at last I have what I want. What a waste of time and productivity. Dropbox PLEASE give us the option to switch it off. I'm far too old to remember to long hold every time!!!

This feature makes it impossible for me to use Dropbox for PDF-download links. I don't want it previewed. I want it downloaded. And if I do have to put up with the preview, don't break up my spreads. I didn't save it in single pages. I saved it as spreads on purpose. That's how it's meant to be viewed, and being forced into single pages screws it up. I know you're trying to help, but please ask first.

yes, this is so annoying that i'm looking for an alternative service. otherwise is love love dropbox!

PDF Preview functionality - how to disable?

Nigel G.6
New member | Level 1
9 years ago
I agree this is a completely useless feature. I have apps I use for business and dropbox makes it almost impossible to use. I may end up dropping Dropbox all together and use strictly my Google or one drive.. Oh btw I am currently using dropbox for 1 TB of data.
Simon H.18
New member | Level 1
9 years ago
Incredible that, after over a year of us moaning about this and doing nothing to help, Dropbox have made things even worse by opening in "Recent" mode (which usually just whirls around with no results).

I really don't want Dropbox telling me where I should be going for my files - I KNOW where they are!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Dropbox, when you decide to foist new 'features' on us, allow us to switch them off.

Disgruntled and looking hard at OneDrive
Giangi H.
Collaborator | Level 9
9 years ago
Sofia, do you understand the difference between a single tap action and the suggestion you wrote? :-(
Simon H.18
New member | Level 1
9 years ago
I really have no idea what the contribution from Sofia was meant to achieve. Our complaints are about the Dropbox App telling us how we can view our files, not about shared links.

Can somebody from Dropbox explain why they have decided to turn an excellent, easy to use piece of software into an un-navigable nightmare?
William S.14
9 years ago
There is serious miscommunication between dropbox and it's customer base.

Dropbox is really not listening and is playing down complaints. I would not be suprised if some moderators here are paid to help out dropbox with that.

First real proof that dropbox is listening would be they acknowledge a list of silly design mistakes they commit to fix asap.
Keith S.15
New member | Level 2
10 years ago
And it doesn't even work right. The PDF I just Dropboxed to a client has elements in it that don't show up in the preview, thought they're right there if you download it and view it in Acrobat.

Dropbox: Seriously. Please. THIS DOES NOT WORK. Please get rid of it. Please. You can have my dessert. I'll be your best friend.
William S.14
9 years ago
Totally agree with this.

It is apauling that Dropbox adds all these hurdles to prevent easy access to your files.

Since Feb 2016 dropbox has:

- Horror menu: Starts with history instead of folder view. No way to reverse this.

- Horror viewers: When tapping a file cheap viewers instead of far better apps, some of which you may have paid for.

I am a grown up. Can I please decide for myself how I want to work????
Nigel G.6
New member | Level 1
9 years ago
Sofia not a suitable solution. I liked Dropbox because it was simple and did the job well. Now I am forced to use their viewer which is horrible and interferes with the apps I use. If this is not resolved I'll be cancelling my 1tb subscription and use One Drive and Google Drive. But hey who am I just one consumer....
William S.14
9 years ago
There are several imposed changes nobody wants.

Default recent files screen on mobile.

Default viewers for files in a world full of free viewers already.

Sharing a file turns out to be sharing a link to the file and changing rights.

Just make it optional:

You have the working code from before.

You know what a check box is.

You may understand how to code if then statements.

JUST DO IT!!!
Gary E.7
New member | Level 1
10 years ago
I really like the pdf preview functionality. Please dont get rid of this option