Trouble Opening PDF Files? Here's How to Fix It

Each module comes with one or more PDF files that are conveniently placed either as buttons underneath the lesson viewer or as clickable links toward the bottom of the page. These may include module content, handouts, or certificates. Plus, there are lots of other useful materials throughout your course lessons that may also be saved as PDF files. 

To open these files, you’ll need a PDF reader installed on your device. The most commonly used one is Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is free to download. 

Step 1: Check if You Can Open a PDF 

Most computers already come with a PDF reader. To check: 

• Try opening any PDF file you already have. 
• If it opens without any error, you’re good to go! 
• If not, you’ll need to install one. 

Step 2: Install Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free) 

You can download it safely from Adobe's official site: 👉 Download Adobe Acrobat Reader 

Tip: Be sure to uncheck any optional offers (like McAfee) before installing. 

MacBook Users 

If you're using a Mac, you likely don’t need to install anything. macOS comes with Preview, a built-in app that opens PDFs without issue. 

However, if you’re having trouble: 

• Try opening the file using Preview (right-click > Open With > Preview). 
• Or, download Adobe Reader for Mac via the link above. 

For Mobile Devices: 

Most smartphones and tablets come with a built-in PDF viewer.** If you're having trouble, you can also download the free **Adobe Acrobat app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). 

Still Having Trouble? 

If you’ve installed Adobe Reader but still can’t open a file: 

• Right-click the file, select Open with, and choose Adobe Acrobat Reader (or Preview on Mac). 
• Try opening it on a different device. 

Notes and Tips: 

• PDF not downloading? Make sure your browser isn’t blocking downloads. 
• Printing PDFs: Once opened, you can choose to download or print your file. Printing options may vary depending on your device. 
• Broken Link? If any external links are not working, please let us know and we’ll update the page. 
• You are not required to install any free software (even if Adobe suggests it) – this is entirely your choice. 

Updated on: 08/07/2025