Articles on: iPadOS

How do I make Scriptation the default PDF app?

On iPadOS 26, you can set Scriptation as your default PDF app so your scripts open straight into Scriptation — no Share sheet required. You'll set this from the Files app, and once it's set it applies to PDFs across your iPad, including attachments you open from Mail.


Setting Scriptation as your default PDF app


  1. Open the Files app on your iPad;
  2. Locate any PDF file;
  3. Touch and hold the PDF, then tap Get Info;
  4. Below the Information section, tap the pop-up menu next to Always Open With;
  5. Select Scriptation;
  6. When prompted, choose Always Open PDF Document Files to make Scriptation the default for every PDF, or This File Only to apply it to just that one file.


And that's all there is to it! Your PDFs will now open directly in Scriptation.


📝 NOTE: If you don't see Always Open With, or the setting doesn't stick, go to Settings → General → Software Update and make sure your iPad is running the latest version of iPadOS.


When a PDF opens in Preview instead


PDFs you receive through AirDrop always open in Apple's Preview app, even if Scriptation is your default. To send one to Scriptation:


  1. In Preview, tap the Share icon in the top-right corner;
  2. Select Scriptation.


Your script opens in Scriptation and works normally from there.


Pin Scriptation to your Share Sheet


If you often send PDFs from Preview or another app, put Scriptation at the front of your Share Sheet so it's always one tap away:


  1. Tap Share, then scroll to the end of the row of apps and tap More;
  2. Tap Edit in the top-right corner;
  3. Tap the green + next to Scriptation to add it to your Favorites;
  4. Tap Done.


See Apple's guide: Customize sharing options on iPad


If your PDFs are opening in a different app


If your scripts are opening in Preview, Adobe Acrobat, or another PDF reader, that app is currently holding the default. Just follow the same steps above to hand it back to Scriptation — choosing Always Open PDF Document Files replaces the previous app's setting.


✅ TIP: Sharing a PDF from inside another PDF app uses that app's own share menu, which doesn't always list every app installed on your iPad. Opening your script from the Files app avoids this entirely.


Opening a single PDF in Scriptation


Want to send just one file to Scriptation without changing your default?


  1. Open the Files app on your iPad;
  2. Touch and hold the PDF you want to open;
  3. Tap Open With, then choose Scriptation.


What's Next


Why isn't Scriptation showing in my iOS Share sheet?
How do I import scripts into Scriptation?
Welcome to Scriptation for iPad

Updated on: 10/10/2026

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