Viewing a pdf document using pdf.js requires the tab to be reloaded before the pdf is displayed

laiz

Steps to reproduce the issue:

Attempt to view a pdf file e.g. https://www.w3.org/WAI/ER/tests/xhtml/testfiles/resources/pdf/dummy.pdf or https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf
The pdf isn't displayed correctly, instead showing just the pdf.js toolbar while everything else is gray:
Refresh the tab
The pdf and its contents are now displayed correctly.

Expected functionality:
The pdf file should be displayed correctly without requiring the user to refresh the tab. The beta works as expected when viewing pdf files.

macOS and Orion versions:

Version 0.99.126.4.1.12-rc (WebKit 619.1.1)

Sonoma (14)

jsau

I am still having this issue on multiple Sonoma systems on the latest version (Version 0.99.127.1-beta). Is the fix pending release?

jsau

Oops, "latest" was a lie, I had a pending update. However, I still have this issue with Version 0.99.127.2-beta 🙃

laiz

jsau
Steps to reproduce and a video would be great. The steps in my initial report no longer result in a gray window on Sonoma.

laptudirm

This bug is still present with the PDF.js viewer in Version 0.99.128.2.1-beta (WebKit 619.1.11.111.2). Here are the steps to reproduce this behaviour with a clean profile:

Open a clean Orion profile.
Enable the PDF.js viewer under the Develop > Experimental Settings (if disabled)
Load a pdf file like https://www.w3.org/WAI/ER/tests/xhtml/testfiles/resources/pdf/dummy.pdf
Note that only the PDF control buttons appear, but the file itself isn't shown.
Reload the page to see the PDF file itself.
This behaviour is not present with the default WebKit PDF viewer.
Here is a video of the bug being reproduced in a clean Orion profile:

laiz

laptudirm
What macOS version are you using?
I tried reproducing the issue following your steps but https://www.w3.org/WAI/ER/tests/xhtml/testfiles/resources/pdf/dummy.pdf loads as expected on both beta and RC builds on Sonoma.

Vlad

laptudirm Also not able to reproduce.

laptudirm

I am also on Sonoma, weird thats its not reproducible. I'll let you know if I can find some more info.

rLok

I am continuing to get this issue in Version 1.0.0 (139), WebKit 623.1.8.0.0.
I'm on MacOS 26.1 (25B78). It's been one of the most consistent bugs since I moved to Orion.

HenryDashwood

Also getting this bug (Version 1.0.1 (140), WebKit 624.1.2.19.2). In addition to the original post, refreshing the page doesn't seem to help.

declan-wade

Also getting this bug on Version 1.0.3 (142), WebKit 624.1.2.19.2 - consistently every time.
macOS 26.1 (25B78)

rkeniger

Yep, I'm also seeing this every time. Version 1.0.3 (142), WebKit 624.1.2.19.2, macOS Tahoe 26.2 build 25C56.

eponymous

I'm also seeing this issue every time that I click a link to a PDF. Currently running:

Version 1.1 (148), WebKit 625.1.8
Build date June 23, 2026
Mac 26.5.1 (Build 25F80)

ao

Getting the same issue eevery time I click a pdf link too.

Currently running the below:
Version 1.1.1 (149), WebKit 625.1.8
Build date June 27, 2026
macOS Tahoe 26.5.1 build 25F80

laiz

@eponymous @ao

Are you able to reproduce this issue on a fresh Orion profile? (File → Profiles → New profile)
Did it work as expected on a previous build for you?

eponymous

@laiz Yes, I just created a new profile browsed to this page:

Solaris Germanium Fuzz

and clicked the link: PCB-Only Build Doc

The PDF didn't display until I refreshed the page... but now, in that same window, if I open either the same link or the other link to a PDF from that page, the PDF is rendered immediately without requiring a refresh. Other pages on the same site also displayed the PDFs on first click...

So I tried a different site in the same profile/window, and the first PDF link that I clicked is not being displayed, although the PDF toolbar is displayed. Hitting the Back button and following the link again also did not render the PDF. Hitting Refresh in the window with the blank content pane then loaded and rendered the PDF correctly. In this case, clicking the Back button and following the link again does not render the PDF immediately.

Page Link
INSTRUCTION PDF linked from page above

Hopefully that information will help to track down the issue.