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Files & documents

How to open the same PDF quickly on iPhone

Keep a ticket, timetable or project document within reach. Choose Files, a Home Screen shortcut or automatic opening in Pin My File.

The short answer

Use Files for a document you keep in its original location. Use Shortcuts for a Home Screen icon that opens one PDF. Choose Pin My File to keep a local copy that opens when you launch the app.

Keep a project reference close to where you use it.
Keep a project reference close to where you use it. AI-generated scene based on a real app screenshot.

What you need: A PDF accessible in Files. The Shortcuts example uses Preview on iOS 26 or later. Pin My File requires iOS 17 or later.

Choose your approach

Files
Best forYou want to keep using the original document.
Keep in mindFavorite the containing folder for quicker access.
Shortcuts
Best forYou want one PDF on your Home Screen.
Keep in mindSet up the shortcut once and recheck it if the file moves.
Pin My File
Best forYou want a saved copy ready to open offline.
Keep in mindReplace the saved copy when the original changes.

Reach your PDF faster in Files

  • Files

A favorite folder gives you a short route to the original document.

  1. Open Files → Browse and find the folder containing your PDF.
  2. Touch and hold the folder, then choose Favorite.
  3. Open that folder from Favorites in Browse and tap the PDF.

Favorites apply to folders. For an icon that opens the PDF directly, use Shortcuts.

Make a Home Screen shortcut

  • Shortcuts
  • Preview

On iOS 26 or later, Shortcuts can pass a chosen PDF to Preview.

  1. Open Shortcuts, tap the plus button and name the shortcut.
  2. Add the File action and select your PDF from Files.
  3. Add Open File below the File action.
  4. Check that Open File uses the PDF selected in the previous action.
  5. Choose Preview and turn Show Open In Menu off.
  6. Run the shortcut and confirm that your PDF opens.
  7. Open the menu beside the shortcut’s name and choose Add to Home Screen. Review the name and icon, then tap Add.
  8. Tap the new icon on your Home Screen to open the PDF.

For offline use, download the PDF first and test with your connection off. Recheck the shortcut after moving or replacing the original.

Open File uses the PDF selected in the previous action.
Open File uses the PDF selected in the previous action. Enlarge screenshot
Open the menu beside the shortcut name, then choose Add to Home Screen.
Open the menu beside the shortcut name, then choose Add to Home Screen. Enlarge screenshot

Open your PDF automatically with Pin My File

  • Pin My File

The first slot is free, including automatic opening. Full Access unlocks all nine slots and arranging files.

  1. Tap an empty slot and choose your PDF from Files.
  2. Open the file’s three-dot menu and choose Open Automatically. A star marks the selected file.
  3. Return to the Home Screen and open Pin My File. Your selected PDF opens; tap Done to return to the grid.

To change which file opens, choose Open Automatically for another file; to stop automatic opening, turn it off in the selected file’s menu.

A sample train ticket selected for automatic opening. The screenshot shows Full Access.
A sample train ticket selected for automatic opening. The screenshot shows Full Access. Enlarge screenshot
The selected sample ticket opens directly. This example is not valid for travel.
The selected sample ticket opens directly. This example is not valid for travel. Enlarge screenshot

Keep the saved copy up to date

Pin My File stores a separate copy on your device. When a new version arrives, choose Replace File in the file’s menu. Changes to the original do not sync automatically.

Check your result

  • The shortcut or app opens the PDF you chose.
  • Your saved copy is the version you need.

Start with the PDF you use most.

Try automatic opening with one free slot.

Get Pin My FileExplore the app

Sources & further help

Long Lasting Apps makes this app and publishes this article.

Long Lasting Apps ·