iPadOS 26 changed how PDFs are handled — Apple introduced a new Preview app and removed the system-wide default PDF app setting. As a result, PDFs no longer open directly in Scriptation by default, depending on how they're accessed. Here's the current workaround.

The iPadOS 26 limitation

iPadOS 26 doesn't allow third-party apps (like Scriptation) to be set as the default PDF app for all system actions. This means:

• PDFs opened from Mail open in Apple's Preview app.
• PDFs received via AirDrop open in Apple's Preview app.
• There is no system setting to override this behavior.

Opening a PDF in Scriptation from Preview

If a PDF opens in Preview, you can still send it to Scriptation manually:

1. Open the PDF in the Preview app.
2. Tap the Share icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select Scriptation from the Share menu.

The PDF opens in Scriptation and behaves normally from that point forward.

Setting Scriptation as the default for PDFs from the Files app

While iPadOS 26 doesn't allow a system-wide default PDF app, you can set Scriptation as the default for PDFs opened from the Files app:

1. Open the Files app on your iPad.
2. Locate a PDF file.
3. Long-press on the PDF.
4. Tap Get Info.
5. Tap Always Open With.
6. Select Scriptation.
7. When prompted, choose:

• All PDFs to apply this to every PDF opened from the Files app, or
• This File Only to apply it to just that PDF.

Once set, PDFs opened through the Files app open directly in Scriptation by default.

Still need help?

If you have questions or feedback, send us a message through the chat widget on this help center.

What's Next

Welcome to Scriptation for iPad

How do I use Split View and Slide Over on iPad?

Importing and Opening Scripts in Scriptation

Importing and Converting Images to PDF in Scriptation

Updated on: 24/06/2026