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

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.

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

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

Oops.  

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

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!

Hello.

I noticed this horrible change with QuickBooks a couple weeks ago and just researched it.  By reading this thread I was under the impression this was a glitch and being worked on.  I spoke to Kit (extremely nice and very helpful) with QuickBooks, and she advised me that this is going to be the way our attachments will open up from now on.  This was an upgrade - absolutely not an upgrade.  I attach items to my customers' accounts and them I delete them from my hard drive.  I do not want to open the attachment and have it downloaded back onto my computer and taking up space.  I hope that enough of us complain and this is reverted back to just being able to view the attachment without it being downloaded onto our computers.  She directed me to complete the survey for the call and mention my disappointment.  

Thank you  

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!

I am happy to report I have a real solve! In my experience, it is Chrome security settings causing the issue, not QuickBooks.

Open the Chrome menu by clicking the three dots in the top-right corner.
Click Settings.
Open the Privacy and security menu.
Select Site Settings.
Scroll down and click Additional content settings.
Click PDF documents.
Below Default behavior, select the Open PDFs in Chrome option.

Source: I am not sure if I can share external links, but you can type into your search engine: "how to view a PDF preview on chrome clicking open." The solution is the first link.

I am not sure of what security issues this may open you up to, but it's a chance I am willing to take for ease of daily QBO navigation!