When you download files from the internet like pictures or text documents, do they open automatically? If they do and you would rather open files yourself after downloading them, there’s a simple setting to fix this.
Here’s how to stop Safari on Mac from automatically opening your web downloads.
Stop automatically opening downloads in Safari
Open Safari on your Mac and then follow these steps to stop automatically opening downloads from the web.
1) Click Safari > Preferences from the menu bar.
2) Choose the General tab.
3) At the bottom of the window, uncheck the box for Open “safe” files after downloading.
You’ll notice below that setting the types of files considered “safe” which includes movies, pictures, sounds, PDF and text documents, and archives. This does not include software, so if that’s the only type of download you’re concerned about, you might reconsider changing the setting.
Do more in Safari
For additional tips and how-tos for Safari, check out these additional tutorials for both Mac and iOS.
- Changing where files you download in Safari go on your Mac
- 3 ways to reopen recently closed tabs in Safari for Mac
- How to manage bookmarks in Safari on iOS and Mac
- How to add Favorites in Safari on iPhone, iPad and Mac
- How to delete your Safari web browsing history for specific days
- How to always open Safari in a private window
Wrapping it up
By changing one simple setting for Safari on Mac, you can have complete control over your downloads. Open them when you’re ready or get rid of them if you change your mind.
Is this a Safari setting on Mac that you plan to change? Or maybe you already have and find it useful? Let us know in the comments below and remember, you can always visit us on Twitter!
