Unable to Open PDF in AGOL only Download- New as of Feb 29, 2024

[CaseyWilson1]

At the City of Springfield, we share authoritative pdf maps, like regulatory zoning, with the pubic via our ArcGIS online Hub.  Previous to today, February 29, 2024, the pdf behavior when in AGOL and the Hub, is that you have the choice to Open and then download a pdf document.  Today, the pdf we uploaded can only be downloaded from the Hub and when in AGOL.

We would like people to be able to view the pdf and not have to download the pdf.  Did something change with the February 2024 AGOL update?  Is there a setting I need to consider? 

[HectorValleRuiz]

I agree with most of the comments. Even though some of the previously mentioned workarounds might help with specific situations, the change is unexpected and a major issue for many consolidated workflows. Let's hope that the alternative PDF Viewers allow to implement a solution soon enough

[WhitneyPatterson]

We're dealing with the same issue as a government organization.  We use Box for file retention and I tested hosting a PDF in a public-facing Box folder and using that URL in the embed widget for Experience Builder.  However, now I'm running into inconsistencies across internet browsers as to what will be displayed in the embed widget when using that externally hosted URL.  Chrome will sometimes initially display the embedded PDF, but then will break and display an error (yes, I have the PDF reader extension installed).  Firefox and Edge works and I haven't even begun to test mobile browsers.  I'm having similar issues hosting in SharePoint.

In order to be transparent with the public, we have historically relied on the embed widget to display multi-page data and process documentation.  Having to configure this documentation in other EXB widgets and formatting for different screen resolutions would be an incredibly time consuming and impractical endeavor as the app currently exists.  This change unfortunately renders the embed widget useless for our uses.  It would be nice to have options and a road map for this versus taking away a functionality and leaving it to users to first of all discover the issue, and then spend countless hours trying to find a work around.

[Rhonda_Houser]

Hi @RandallWilliams 

Do you know the date this went into effect for ArcGIS Online? Thanks!

[xanderm]

February 2024 AGOL update