We have a downloadable PDF file which looks great at 72% magnification in Adobe Reader and not so good at 101%. When downloaded and opened in the reader, its default magnifi
First, this is a programming website, so you should identify a programming context. This question will probably be closed because it belongs on the soon to be launched serverfault.com
To set the default magnification, you need Adobe Acrobat Standard or Professional not Reader to have the ability to edit pdfs. Then when you open the document, click File | Properties. Click the Initial View tab and enter 72% in the magnification text box and click ok. Save your pdf and reopen it. It should default to 72% magnification when it is opened.
Note: I am unsure if other open source pdf editors provide this type of functionality.
Update: Standard doesn't work for saving magnifications.