Opening a FDF file opens in browser and redownloads fdf file.

[Cory24253013j0s9]

Ok I have a fdf file that has a pdf template that should be pulled from the pdf file hosted on our website. Problem I am having is when I open the fdf file it opens adobe then opens microsoft edge then just redownloads another copy of the fdf file that Iam trying to open. Here is the top portion of the fdf code. I have removed the website url for the pdf and the actual form data because of work sensitive data but just know its all their and works. 

%FDF-1.2
%Õ×ÙÏ
1 0 obj
<<
/FDF << /Fields 2 0 R /F (http://websiteused.com/.pdf)>>
>>
endobj
2 0 obj

[

Form data is here

[Cory24253013j0s9]

Also if I change the web hosted pdf file to a local pdf file and change the routing to the local file the fdf will work as intended. Example below

%FDF-1.2
%Õ×ÙÏ
1 0 obj
<<
/FDF << /Fields 2 0 R /F (C:/template.pdf)>>
>>
endobj
2 0 obj

[

Form data is here

[cags_5348]

Did you ever arrive at a solution to this?  We have the same exact problem.  

[Meenakshi Negi]

Hi cags_5348,

Thank you for reaching out.

Please share more information about the issue you are experiencing. It would be helpful if you could share the screen recording of what happens. It does not seem to be an Adobe issue, though. More information will give us more clarity on this. 

Thanks,

Meenakshi

[ls_rbls]

Hi @Cory24253013j0s9 ,

Is this happening on Windows 11 with Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome web browser with the Acrobat extension enabled on those browsers?

[cags_5348]

Windows 10 22H2 with Edge and Google Chrome with Acrobat Reader installed  

[AnandSri]

Hello!

I hope you are doing well, and thanks for sharing additional details.

Please ensure you have the latest version of Acrobat installed on the machine: 25.001.20474 (Win) |, Apr 28, 2025. Check for any pending updates from the Menu > help > check for updates, install the updates, restart the app and the machine, and try again.

FDF files are meant to open in Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader and pull data into a linked PDF only if Adobe is handling the file directly. If the FDF is opened via a browser, the browser intercepts the call and cannot properly render the data-PDF connection, leading to unexpected behavior (like reopening or re-downloading the file).

Force FDF to Open in Acrobat Reader (Not Browser):

• Right-click the .fdf file.

• Select Open with > Choose another app.

• Choose Adobe Acrobat Reader and check Always use this app.

• Do not open .fdf files directly from the browser (e.g., Edge or Chrome downloads bar).

Confirm File Association (Windows):

• Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Choose defaults by file type.

• Scroll to .fdf and set Adobe Acrobat Reader as the default app.

Ensure the Web PDF is Accessible:

• Confirm that the PDF URL is publicly accessible and not behind authentication or redirection. Acrobat cannot fetch a file requiring login.

You may also refer to these articles and try the suggestions: https://adobe.ly/4iYrv8F

https://adobe.ly/4dhOfPS

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.

[cags_5348]

None of these settings have worked.  It previously used to work in IE compatibility mode.  It no longer functions - the web app button should open and download a .pdf file with the fdf data integrated.   It only downloads an .fdf file and opens Acrobat Reader but no file opens, no error messages.

[AnandSri]

Hello!

The issue stems from recent browser and OS security changes:

• Internet Explorer Mode in Edge no longer fully supports FDF-based workflows the way legacy IE did. https://adobe.ly/4k8P0N9

• Browsers now sandbox file handling, so the automatic fetching of a remote PDF linked inside the FDF (via /F (http://...)) fails silently, leaving only the FDF downloaded.

• When launched via browser, Acrobat Reader no longer has access to open remote-linked PDFs from an FDF file due to security restrictions and protocol handling changes. See this article for more info: https://adobe.ly/44rTOJ7

Recommended Solutions

1. Download the FDF file and open it locally

If you're using a web app to generate and serve the FDF:

• Right-click the FDF download link → Save link as

• Save the file to your desktop, then manually open it using Acrobat Reader (not browser).
  This allows Acrobat Reader to follow the embedded /F (URL) and pull the PDF if the source server allows it.

2. Ensure the PDF URL is reachable and publicly accessible

Check the FDF file content to confirm the /F (http://...) link points to:

• A public-facing URL, not behind authentication or intranet walls.

• A server that supports range requests and correct MIME type (application/pdf).

Test the PDF URL directly in a browser — if it doesn’t open normally, Reader can’t fetch it.

3. Use local PDF templates instead

If you control the environment, modify the FDF to reference a local path: /F (C:/path/to/template.pdf)

If the workaround doesn't work, there isn't much that can be done with the freeware Acrobat Reader.

I hope this helps.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.