Saves Documents in Download folder

[jl123]

When I go and view a PDF for example from a web page in Firefox it will open the PDF with my default app.
It will also download a copy and put it in my Download folder.
How do I stop this copy from going into my Download folder?
Also note it also happens when download a xls or a csv file that I tell it to open using my
Document app.

I have the setting for Downloads to ask where to save.
This is annoying to find a bunch of the items in a download folder.
Any suggestions will be welcomed.
Thanks

Firefox 102.0
Windows 10 Pro

[xanthon]

Version 102 introduced a new preference (in about:config) which you could use. (I haven't seen it yet.)

browser.download.start_downloads_in_tmp_dir

[jl123]

Version 102 introduced a new preference (in about:config) which you could use. (I haven't seen it yet.)

browser.download.start_downloads_in_tmp_dir

Thanks.

It saved a copy in the Tmp folder.
My opinion: but I do not think it should be saving a copy in any folder.
At least it will be easier to empty instead of search for Document in a Download folder.

[BruceAWittmeier]

Do you have the setting in Tools > Settings > Applications > Portable Document Format (PDF) set to "Open in Firefox" selected? This should just open the doc in the browser without saving until you choose to do so.

[Tushman]

Version 102 introduced a new preference (in about:config) which you could use. (I haven't seen it yet.)

browser.download.start_downloads_in_tmp_dir

Thanks.

It saved a copy in the Tmp folder.
My opinion: but I do not think it should be saving a copy in any folder.
At least it will be easier to empty instead of search for Document in a Download folder.

In your FF settings, make sure the checkbox for "Always Ask you where to save files" is checked.

Then scroll down to the PDF section in the Content Type box, and click the tiny arrow on the right right. It will show you a drop down menu. From there choose: "Always Ask".

You must do both.

[BruceAWittmeier]

What I am suggesting is if he wants to just view the PDF file without downloading -- he select the "Open in Firefox" option. Then he can save the file using the menu File/Save Page As and it will default to the designated file location or select another directory from the Windows File Dialog.

[Tushman]

What I am suggesting is if he wants to just view the PDF file without downloading -- he select the "Open in Firefox" option. Then he can save the file using the menu File/Save Page As and it will default to the designated file location or select another directory from the Windows File Dialog.

My suggestion essentially does the same thing!

[jl123]

Please note that I already have it set to open in Default app. Such as if it is a PDF I have set to open with Acrobat.
I also have it set to Always Ask.
Even with these settings it still places a copy in the Temp folder.

OK here what I just tested.
I changed the setting to Always Ask, Save File and open in Firefox.
I found that if I set the setting as Save File it will open a Window to which I can pick where to
save the Document.
This does not save a copy in the Temp Folder. (So far)

I thin I will leave the setting like this.

[BruceAWittmeier]

What I am suggesting is if he wants to just view the PDF file without downloading -- he select the "Open in Firefox" option. Then he can save the file using the menu File/Save Page As and it will default to the designated file location or select another directory from the Windows File Dialog.

My suggestion essentially does the same thing!

But does "Save File" also open with the selected APP? Just to View the PDF he can use Firefox and not start the APP. If he always wants to use the APP then he should select the APP of choice.

I think this is key:
I changed the setting to Always Ask, Save File and open in Firefox.

Sounds like he is happy for now

[jl123]

Thanks everyone.
Appreciate the help.

[BruceAWittmeier]

You're very welcome.

[jscher2000]

My opinion: but I do not think it should be saving a copy in any folder.

Firefox can't pass a file to another program without saving the file somewhere. Some applications can accept a URL and retrieve the file themselves. I'm not sure that is more efficient.