Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

How to View PDF Files in WordPress Without Downloading Them

WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) that allows users to upload and share various types of files with their audience. However, when it comes to PDF files, downloading them may not always be the best option for users. In some cases, users may prefer to view PDF files on their website without having to download them first. Fortunately, there are a few ways to view PDF files in WordPress without downloading them.

Option 1: Use a PDF Viewer Plugin

One of the easiest ways to view PDF files in WordPress without downloading them is by using a PDF viewer plugin. This plugin can be installed on your website and will enable your users to view PDF files directly from your website. Here are a few popular PDF viewer plugins that you can consider:

• PDF Embedder
• PDF Viewer for WordPress
• Google Doc Embedder

Option 2: Convert PDFs to Images

Another option to view PDF files in WordPress is by converting them into images. This option may not work for all PDF files, especially those that contain large amounts of text. However, it can be a useful workaround for small PDF files that are mainly images.

To convert your PDF files into images, you can use online tools like PDF to JPG. Once you have your images, you can then upload them to WordPress as you would any other image and insert them into your posts or pages.

Option 3: Use Google Docs Viewer

If you already have your PDF files stored on Google Drive, you can easily embed them in your WordPress posts/pages using the Google Docs Viewer. This option allows your users to view your PDF files without having to download them first.

To use the Google Docs Viewer, you need to generate an embed code for your PDF file. Here’s how:

1. Open your PDF file in Google Drive.
2. Click on the ‘More actions’ button (three vertical dots) and select ‘Embed item’ from the drop-down menu.
3. In the ‘Publish to the web’ dialog box, choose the size of the embed code you want and click on the ‘Embed’ button.
4. Copy the embed code and paste it into your WordPress post or page.

These are just a few ways to view PDF files in WordPress without having to download them first. By providing your users with different options to view your PDF files, you can increase engagement and provide a better user experience.