Unable to open PDF in Zotero Mackbook Pro

vidyasagar.r · 2025-07-24T01:15:54+00:00

I have stored all the PDFs in Zotero, but when I open a PDF, it shows like this. See the attachment.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u6759832/ja9mwufxmjztuv3pzs4x.png

dstillman · 2025-07-24T01:18:16+00:00

You're saying you get that dialog when you double-click on the PDF attachment in the items list?

Can you provide a Debug ID for that?

vidyasagar.r · 2025-07-24T14:06:47+00:00

D2128304657

dstillman · 2025-07-24T14:09:58+00:00

(3)(+0000001): Custom handler is /Applications/Zotero.app

Did you manually set the Zotero app in Applications as the handler for PDFs in the General pane of the Zotero settings? That would cause it to try to import the PDF as a metadata file (e.g., RIS). To use the built-in reader, you want to just choose Zotero from the top of the list.

You should also update to the latest version of Zotero via Help → Check for Updates. You're still on 7.0.15, which suggests you're not receiving automatic updates for some reason. It's possible there was some bug here in that version.

vidyasagar.r · 2025-07-24T14:41:20+00:00

Yes, I did change the setting for the PDF file for Zotero. I am using the updated version. I can open a PDF on iPad and other office laptops. This only happens when I open it on my MacBook. Please help me.

AbeJellinek · 2025-07-24T14:43:49+00:00

Go to Zotero Settings -> General, click the "Open PDFs using" menu, and select the topmost option that says Zotero.