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Accessing and Downloading Your Report FAQs
Your APPA report is delivered as a secure PDF protected by Vitrium. The protection keeps the research available to you while preventing unauthorized redistribution. Here is what to expect.
Getting the File
How do I access the report?
If you are an Elite or Premium Tier Member, the report will be available instantly upon publication in your My Content section of the APPA Member Portal. You can access the report at any time via a web browser.
If you are a Basic Tier Member or a Non-Member, you must go to the APPA Store and purchase the report. Once the report is purchased it will be available in your My Content section of the APPA Portal as well as everyone in your organization who has an APPA Portal Credential. If they do not have Portal access, they can create an account for free.
How do I download the report?
Sign in to the APPA Portal, go to your report, and select Download. Save the file to your computer rather than opening it from the browser's download preview. The preview window is not a full PDF reader and will not display protected content.
Where should I save it?
Any folder on your own computer works. Avoid opening it directly from a compressed folder, a shared network drive, or a cloud sync preview window, since those can prevent the file from unlocking properly.
Opening the File
Do I need a specific PDF reader?
Yes. Protected reports must be opened in the free Adobe Acrobat Reader desktop application for Windows or Mac. The security layer relies on features that only Adobe's application supports.
What will not work?
- Your browser's built-in PDF viewer (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari)
- Apple Preview on Mac
- Third-party readers such as Foxit, Nitro, or Sumatra
- Most default readers on phones and tablets
If you open the file in one of these, you will typically see a blank page or a message asking you to open the document in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
I do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader. What do I do?
Download it free from Adobe's website, install it, then right-click the report file and choose Open With, then Adobe Acrobat Reader. You may want to set Acrobat Reader as your default PDF application so future downloads open correctly.
Can I read the report on my phone or tablet?
The downloadable protected file is designed for desktop use. If you need mobile access, use the online reading option in the APPA Portal instead of downloading.
What happens the first time I open it?
You will be prompted to authenticate, usually with the email address tied to your APPA account or with an access code provided to you. Your computer needs an internet connection for that first unlock so the system can verify your access.
Sharing & Device Limits
Can I email the file to a colleague?
You can send the file, but they will not be able to open it. The protection is tied to the credentials of the person the report was issued to, so an unauthorized recipient will be blocked at the authentication prompt. However, that person can log into the portal and download their own copy.
Can I open it on more than one computer?
Yes. Your access allows the report to be opened on unlimited personal devices. Please see the above in regards to complications you may encounter trying to have multiple people open the report on multiple devices.
I got a new laptop and cannot open my report. What now?
Since there is no device limit, you just need to login to the APPA Portal and redownload the report to your new laptop.
My whole company has access. Does each person need their own download?
Yes. Access is granted at the company level, but each individual should sign in to the APPA Portal and download their own copy under their own credentials. Passing one file around will not work.
Restrictions on the Protected File
Can I print it?
You are unable to print reports. However, you can view them at any time with in the portal or if downloaded.
Can I copy and paste text or charts?
Copying text and extracting images are restricted. If you need to cite a figure or reproduce a chart in a presentation, contact us about permitted use.
Will my name appear on the pages?
Reports may carry a dynamic watermark showing the authorized user's name, email address, and the date opened. This is standard practice and identifies the copy as yours.
Does the file expire?
Your access remains active for as long as your membership is active, If your membership benefits lapse, the file on your computer will stop opening.
Can I read it offline?
Yes, after the initial online unlock. The file will work without a connection for a period of time, then ask you to reconnect briefly so it can revalidate your access.
Troubleshooting
The document opens but every page is blank or displays an error message.
If it is a downloaded file, then you may not be opening it in the native Adobe application. Downloaded files will not open in a browser. Please download Adobe Acrobat to your computer to view downloaded versions, or use the portal to view the reports via a web browser.
If you are still unable to open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat, please verify that your Global Object Security is disabled. For Instructions on how to disable the Global Object Security, please click here.
I keep getting an authentication error.
Confirm you are entering the email address associated with your APPA membership. If you have recently changed your email or company affiliation, your entitlement may need to be refreshed on our end.
A firewall or VPN message appeared.
Some corporate networks block the validation check. Try again on a different network, or ask your IT team to allow the validation request.
STILL STUCK?
Contact our Support Team by opening a trouble ticket in the APPA Portal. Please include the report name, the error message you are seeing, and whether you are on Windows or Mac. We can usually resolve access issues within 1-2 business days.