Browser Extension - Sometimes Doesn't Work

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mCHSNUg5Pz8cPap
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Browser Extension - Sometimes Doesn't Work

Post by mCHSNUg5Pz8cPap »

Sometimes when I open pdf files in MS Edge (the latest beta version), the browser extension button to open the pdf file in PDF-XChange does not appear. For example, it does not appear on this pdf: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/advs.201800360
Features I really want:
1. Fully customizable toolbars: https://forum.tracker-software.com/viewtopic.php?p=167585
2. Ability to draw curved lines: https://forum.pdf-xchange.com/viewtopic.php?p=178335
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Paul - PDF-XChange
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Re: Browser Extension - Sometimes Doesn't Work

Post by Paul - PDF-XChange »

Hi mCHSNUg5Pz8cPap,

thanks for the report.

I expect this is because that URL is not to a PDF but a page that itself can deliver a PDF when a button is clicked. For the option to work it needs to be a YRL to the PDF itself, not just a page that can deliver the actual PDF. This URL for example: https://downloads.pdf-xchange.com/testfile.pdf

You should see that available because we can "see" there is a PDF involved, the URL you posted is not the actual PDF.

I hope that helps.
Best regards

Paul O'Rorke
PDF-XChange Support
http://www.pdf-xchange.com
mCHSNUg5Pz8cPap
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Posts: 235
Joined: Wed Aug 04, 2021 6:36 pm

Re: Browser Extension - Sometimes Doesn't Work

Post by mCHSNUg5Pz8cPap »

If what you are saying is true, then why does it work fine on this page: https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/docs2/pct/WO2021143543/pdf/POpDjg6yAnRwF_Yd_DetBcGjd9y3W4KMZFWSuBId834ui6EwbJUOxvg9LtCkGnA5o2L4VWsEzDkO68k55FzcMPNZcsvJn65f7NiIgIP6viAjMjkEpzwUExAKsJc3_pNP?docId=id00000061162810

I cannot see any discernible difference between the two, yet the extension works on one and not the other.
Features I really want:
1. Fully customizable toolbars: https://forum.tracker-software.com/viewtopic.php?p=167585
2. Ability to draw curved lines: https://forum.pdf-xchange.com/viewtopic.php?p=178335
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Daniel - PDF-XChange
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Re: Browser Extension - Sometimes Doesn't Work

Post by Daniel - PDF-XChange »

Hello, mCHSNUg5Pz8cPap

The online library page seems to be using a website container which calls the web browser PDF viewing app opening the document inside of that frame. You can identify this by the unique cookies options shown on the bottom left corner of that page (that is not to say every page like this will show an option of this ilk, but in this case, you are looking at a "website" which is just a fullscreen container loading something else. You can imagine it as a youtube video or anything else of the like, we cannot detect the content within the container, we can only render the webpage and convert that directly.
The patentscope link you send directly tells the browser to open and view the PDF document itself, instead of being part of a website container object, so it does not have this issue.

Kind regards,
Dan McIntyre - Support Technician
PDF-XChange Co. LTD

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Our Web site domain and email address has changed as of 26/10/2023.
https://www.pdf-xchange.com
Support@pdf-xchange.com
mCHSNUg5Pz8cPap
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Posts: 235
Joined: Wed Aug 04, 2021 6:36 pm

Re: Browser Extension - Sometimes Doesn't Work

Post by mCHSNUg5Pz8cPap »

Ah, I understand now. Thanks for the explanation.

Inspecting the source code shows the online library page has something weird going on (some kind of react pdf interface design). I guess that also explains why when I download the "pdf" file it includes an extra cover page that is not shown in the browser view.

Thanks for your help with this.
Features I really want:
1. Fully customizable toolbars: https://forum.tracker-software.com/viewtopic.php?p=167585
2. Ability to draw curved lines: https://forum.pdf-xchange.com/viewtopic.php?p=178335
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Daniel - PDF-XChange
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Posts: 11586
Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2018 6:52 pm

Re: Browser Extension - Sometimes Doesn't Work

Post by Daniel - PDF-XChange »

Hello, mCHSNUg5Pz8cPap

Glad to be of assistance, I have to admit, it is a very strange way to handle it, to say the least, and bound to cause endless confusion for many people.

Kind regards,
Dan McIntyre - Support Technician
PDF-XChange Co. LTD

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Our Web site domain and email address has changed as of 26/10/2023.
https://www.pdf-xchange.com
Support@pdf-xchange.com