The 8 Best WordPress PDF Viewer Plugins
With so many options available, choosing a PDF viewer for WordPress can be difficult. We have compiled a list of the eight best WordPress PDF viewer plugins.
Our choice of the best WordPress PDF viewer plugin is based on factors such as rating, price, and notable features, as well as their pros and cons.
1. PDF Embedder
PDF Embedder is a popular WordPress PDF viewer plugin that offers a drag-and-drop functionality allowing users to display their PDF files in no time.
Key Features:
- Premium version only requires a one-time purchase and is affordable
- Option to customize the plugin’s widget size, visibility, and position via the Settings page
- Comprehensive dashboard options offer a great user experience, which is useful for quick PDF uploads and management
- Option to set toolbar location and hover
Cons:
- Its free version doesn’t include such advanced functionality as mobile-friendly viewing, download button, and tracking features
- Limited integration with marketing services
2. 3D FlipBook
3D FlipBook is perfect for someone looking for a responsive yet creative way to display PDFs on their WordPress site.
Key Features:
- Built-in options for Google Analytics
- Enables fast rendering for immersive 3D graphics using WebGL and high-quality PDFs with the Mozilla PDF.js library
- Offers various AI-driven features, including a user behavior prediction system, physics engine, and smart pan to provide an intuitive and realistic flipbook-like experience
Cons:
- Not compatible with older browsers that do not support WebGL
- Customization requires basic CSS knowledge to be fully utilized
3. PDF.js Viewer
PDF.js Viewer is one of WordPress’s best PDF embedding solutions that allows you to embed PDF seamlessly using shortcodes.
Key Features:
- Includes themed frame and document outline for easy page navigation
- Enables users to set up passwords for their PDF documents
- Supports the WordPress lazy loading feature that can improve your site speed and performance by only downloading media files within the viewport
Cons:
- Incompatible with some WordPress security and cache plugins
- Lack of some advanced features compared to other entries on the list
- Embedded PDF files tend to be unresponsive when loading on Internet Explorer
4. DearPDF
DearPDF is an all-in-one WordPress plugin that lets you embed a PDF viewer and interactive 3D/2D flipbook in WordPress.
Key Features:
- Offers both a basic PDF reader and several flipbook modes within a single platform
- Enables users to display multiple PDF viewers on a page using pop-ups, links, and buttons
- Beginner-friendly configuration
Cons:
- Limited custom PDF button options
- Not suitable for PDF files that use links
5. EmbedPress
EmbedPress is another WordPress plugin that allows you to embed PDFs in just a few clicks.
Key Features:
- Enables embedding content from over 150 web resources, including Google Sheets, YouTube, and Wistia
- Compatible with WPML for translating the plugin’s user interface content into your desired language
- Offers simple setup process and comprehensive documentation
Cons:
- For someone who only needs a simple tool to display PDFs on WordPress, the number of features the plugin has to offer can get overwhelming
- Frequent errors when embedding PDFs using the EmbedPress PDF block
6. Gravity PDF
Gravity PDF is an extension for one of the best WordPress contact form plugins, Gravity Forms.
Key Features:
- Powerful data privacy protection features
- Pre-built PDF templates
- Users can include a QR code on the PDF
Cons:
- Rather pricey premium plans
- An excessive amount of advanced features can be overwhelming for new users
7. Print Friendly
Print Friendly allows WordPress website owners to generate PDFs directly from their blog posts without using other plugins.
Key Features:
- Provides custom CSS for modifying print or PDF pages
- Works on eCommerce, HTTP, HTTPS, and paywall sites
- GDPR-compliant
Cons:
- Continuous ads on the free version may interfere with users’ activity
- Some users report that the plugin causes data privacy issues
8. PDF Poster
PDF Poster is a lightweight and user-friendly PDF viewer for WordPress.
Key Features:
- Customize the PDF viewer’s height/weight manually
- Unlimited PDF embedding
- Supports full-screen view and presentation mode
Cons:
- Limited customization options when using the free version
- No support for embedding other types of media or formats outside of PDF
- Not compatible with some paid third-party plugins and themes
Ways to Work With PDF Files in WordPress
This section will discuss methods for embedding PDF files within the WordPress CMS.
Before we begin, you’ll need to upload the file to the WordPress Media Library to embed PDF files.
- Login to the WordPress admin dashboard and hover over the Media tab. Click the Add New button at the top of the screen.
- Next, upload your PDF files by dragging and dropping them or clicking the Select Files button.
Link a PDF in WordPress
The most common way to embed PDF files in WordPress is to create a URL of the file and include it in your blog posts. Such a process is straightforward and doesn’t require installing a WordPress plugin.
Here’s how to link a PDF file in WordPress:
- Open the Media Library and access the uploaded PDF file.
- On the right side of the Edit Media page, highlight the file URL and copy it. A faster way to do this is by clicking the Copy URL to clipboard button.
- Navigate to the post where you want to add the PDF. Highlight the text you wish to add the link to.
- Click the paperclip icon within the WordPress block that appears.
- Insert the PDF file by pasting copied URL, clicking the return arrow icon, or pressing Enter.
- Click Publish to save your changes or Update an existing post.
- Your newly added PDF will be loaded in a new tab once visitors click the text.
Upload a PDF to WordPress
To make your PDF more visible, embed it directly in your posts or pages. The process is quite similar to linking a PDF file.
Here’s how to upload a PDF to WordPress:
- Start by opening the WordPress Gutenberg Editor to create a new post or edit an existing one.
- Next, use the file block to upload a PDF or choose one from the media library. Your PDF will be embedded automatically by enabling the Show inline embed option.
The PDF also comes with a hyperlink and a Download button. The button text is customizable so that you can change it as an engaging call-to-action (CTA).
These two options can be a simple and quick way to display PDFs in WordPress. However, the finished effect might not be as satisfactory on the website’s front-end as it results in a lack of interaction and navigation options.
In addition, without any protective measures, anyone can easily save or edit your document, potentially taking credit for it.
What Is a PDF Viewer Plugin and Why Use It
A PDF viewer is a software that allows visitors to view and open PDF files directly from a web page, increasing website dwell time and engagement.
WordPress site owners utilize PDF viewer plugins to ease the uploading, managing, and customization processes.
Most of the top WordPress PDF viewer plugins offer a lot of customization options, making it easy to optimize your PDFs without affecting their quality or your site’s user experience.
The tracking functionality makes it easier to track the number of users who view and download your PDFs. Using the PDF encryption feature also allows owners to password-protect their documents. This can help prevent unauthorized users from editing or downloading your files. To further enhance document security and control, you can utilize specialized software that enables you to edit PDFs while maintaining password protection and encryption measures.
How to Pick the Right PDF Viewer
The following are some criteria to consider when selecting the right PDF viewer plugin:
- Ease of use. Aside from a quick setup process, the plugin settings should be easy to configure. This means that it shouldn’t require extensive technical expertise to use it.
- Features. Ensure that the plugin offers everything you need to enhance your PDF files. Users should be able to customize the design, placement, and size of the PDF. Other features to look out for is the PDF protection and tracking tools.
- Price. Choose a plugin that fits your budget. Consider trying the free version before going for the paid one.
- Integrations. PDF plugins should easily integrate with other popular third-party platforms like social media, form builders, or email marketing services to ease the workflow.
- Support. To help resolve any issues that may arise, your chosen plugin should have a dedicated support team and be accessible through multiple channels.
How to Use PDF Viewer WordPress Plugins
This section will explain how to use the PDF viewer plugin using both WordPress editors. For this tutorial, we’ll use the EmbedPress plugin as an example.
How to Add a PDF Viewer in the Block Editor
To add a PDF viewer for WordPress’ Gutenberg Editor, follow these steps:
- Install and activate the plugin.
- Create a new post or edit an existing one.
- Click the plus icon at the top to add a new block.
- Find and select the EmbedPress PDF block.
- Select the block, upload your PDF file, or choose one from the library.
- Next, personalize the PDF viewer by opening the block settings panel and publish your post.
When the page goes live, a fully responsive PDF will be available for web visitors to preview.
How to Add a PDF Viewer in the Classic Editor
You’ll need to use the EmbedPress Shortcode feature to embed a PDF file using the Classic Editor. Similar to the EmbedPress PDF block, the process is rather straightforward.
- Open the Media Library and copy the PDF source link.
- Go to the EmbedPress settings page. From there, navigate to General→Shortcode. Paste the PDF URL and click Generate.
- Once the shortcode is available, simply copy it.
- Insert the embedded PDF shortcode into your post and publish it.
Conclusion
Embedding PDFs on your website can be an effective way to improve audience engagement and reduce bounce rates.
Although WordPress allows users to embed and link PDFs directly to posts and pages, there are certain drawbacks to the website’s UI/UX, engagement, and security.
Installing a WordPress PDF viewer plugin can solve these issues by providing a much more personalized and responsive way to display PDFs on your site. When choosing the right plugin, ensure that the available features and price meet your needs.
We hope this article helped you understand how to work with PDF documents in WordPress and decide which PDF viewer plugin to pick up.
If you have more questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Good luck!
Leonardus Nugraha
Leo is a Content SEO Specialist and WordPress contributor. Armed with his experience as a WordPress Release Co-Lead and Documentation Team Representative, he loves sharing his knowledge to help people build successful websites. Follow him on LinkedIn.
Wanda Chung
Wanda enjoys helping people become more successful online by sharing her expertise in digital marketing and website development. In her free time, she loves reading mystery books, thrifting for vintage clothes, and exploring aesthetic cafes.
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