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How to disable PDF viewer default navigation pane?

  • 5 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by cor-el

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When any PDF contains bookmarks, the built-in PDF viewer defaults the navigation pane open to the bookmarks tab. It also flows the navigation pane OVER the PDF content when launched. If I maximize the window, the nav pane will dock to the side and allow the full document to be viewed, but not when it is first launched. Is there a way for me to change the behavior and only expose the nav pane if I choose to open it?

Thanks!

When any PDF contains bookmarks, the built-in PDF viewer defaults the navigation pane open to the bookmarks tab. It also flows the navigation pane OVER the PDF content when launched. If I maximize the window, the nav pane will dock to the side and allow the full document to be viewed, but not when it is first launched. Is there a way for me to change the behavior and only expose the nav pane if I choose to open it? Thanks!

Chosen solution

You can set this pref to true on the about:config page.

  • pdfjs.disablePageMode = true

You can open the about:config page via the location/address bar. You can accept the warning and click "I accept the risk!" to continue.

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (5)

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Chosen Solution

You can set this pref to true on the about:config page.

  • pdfjs.disablePageMode = true

You can open the about:config page via the location/address bar. You can accept the warning and click "I accept the risk!" to continue.

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Works perfectly, thanks a bunch!

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You're welcome.

Note that Firefox adds a green dot to the toggle sidebar button in the PDF Viewer when there are multiple pages.

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Since Firefox updated to 67.0, the above solution does not work. I do have pdfjs.disablePageMode = true but I have to always toggle the sidebar off. Is there any way that by default the sidebar (on the left side) does NOT appear when I open a PDF in Firefox?

Thanks, Steve

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The pref to set the sidebar behavior has been changed in Firefox 67.

  • pdfjs.sidebarViewOnLoad = 0