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Nancy_S
November 17, 2022
Solved

How do I add attachments so that I can view them only instead of downloading them?

  • November 17, 2022
  • 3 replies
  • 0 views

Recently, whenever I attach a pdf file to a bill, expense, etc. and then click on that attachment after it's been added, Quickbooks downloads the file to my computer instead of just opening up a window for me to view it. This started happening about a month ago. All attachments that were added prior to that time do not do that. For those, I can still click and view them without downloading. Please let me know what I need to do so that I can continue to view my attachments without Quickbooks automatically downloading them. Thank you!

    Best answer by Mich_S

    How anyone could think that simply clicking on a line item and it should download the attachment rather than just display it in the browser was an upgrade is beyond me. I already uploaded the damned thing from my machine, I don't need it downloaded again, and viewing it in the preview panel is actually useful!


    Hello everyone!

     

    We wanted to bring to your attention that there has been a fix implemented. Starting on February 22nd, new images and PDFs are now made to view rather than download. Any PDF uploaded before February 22nd will still be viewable by downloading.

     

    Please let us know if you have additional queries regarding this matter or QuickBooks in general. We'll make sure to respond as soon as we can. Stay safe always!

    3 replies

    MariaSoledadG
    MariaSoledadG
    November 17, 2022

    Let's perform some troubleshooting steps to fix the issue, Nancy_s.

     

    There are times your browser is full of frequently accessed page resources that cause some unusual responses. To isolate this, try logging into your QuickBooks Online (QBO) account in a private window (incognito). Here are the keyboard shortcuts:
     

    • Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Google Chrome).
    • Ctrl + Shift + P (Firefox).
    • Control + Option + P (Safari).

     

    Once signed in, you can try opening the attachment file to see if it still asks you to download. If you're able to view automatically without downloading, return to your default browser and clear the cache to speed up the loading process. Oftentimes, your cache becomes overwhelmed with older data which can potentially cause viewing and performance issues. Clearing them refreshes the system, and you'll be able to work with a clean slate. If the issue persists, you can try using other supported browsers.

     

    However, if you're still unable to view the attachment, I recommend reaching out to our support team so they can take a look into this and investigate further. They have the tools to pull your account in a secure environment. Here's how to reach them:

     

    1. Click the (?) Help icon and enter Talk to a human (then type it again when prompted).
    2. When asked by the bot, enter your concern.
    3. Select I still need a human, then proceed with Contact us or Get help from a human.
    4. Choose either Chat or Callback.

     

    In addition, QuickBooks provides different reports that will tell you the different aspects of your business. You'll just have to customize them to make sure you'll be able to get the data you need. Check out this article for your guide: Customize Reports In QuickBooks Online.

     

    Fill me in and keep in touch if you have any concerns with your attachments. I'll be right here to help.

    S
    sgeorgefl
    November 17, 2022

    I'm having the same problem and posted about it about an hour before you in a different forum.  If I get a solution there, I will link back to you as well.

     

    Steph

      S
      sgeorgefl
      November 17, 2022

      Just for the record, I can view the attachments on invoices generated on 11/09/2022; we had no invoices on 11/10/2022 due to the office being closed for Hurricane Ian.  Invoices generated on 11/09/2022 have the download-instead-of-view issue.

       

      So the change happened between 11/09 and 11/11.

       

      Steph

        S
        sgeorgefl
        November 17, 2022

        Oops.  

         

        Invoices from 11/11/2022 and on "download" instead of "view".  I quoted the wrong date above.

          M
          Mich_S
          November 17, 2022

          I see you want to view invoice attachments seamlessly, @sgeorgefl. I'm here to route you to the right support who can assist you further.

           

          I read your post from another thread and find out the troubleshooting you used to fix the problem. 

           

          Our product engineers are continuously working on a permanent fix. That's why you're still seeing the download option when trying to view attachments on invoices. I advise contacting our Customer Support team. This enables them to investigate this issue further and provide you with the best response to your query. Here's how to reach support:

           

          1. Log in to your QuickBooks Online account.
          2. Go to the Help (?) menu.
          3. Choose either Assistant or Search to get started.

           

          Also note their business hours to make sure they're available for assistance.
           

          Once everything is back to normal, feel free to read this link to know more about personalizing invoices and other sales forms in QuickBooks: Customize invoices, estimates, and sales receipts in QuickBooks Online.

           

          Fill me in if you need extra help with invoices or QuickBooks. It's my pleasure to back you up. Take care!


           

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