PDFs are now part of online material, be it publishing reports, eBooks, whitepapers, invoices, or some other document. But WordPress isn’t natively capable of embedding PDFs inside posts or pages, so visitors typically need to download the document to view it. That is where WordPress PDF embedder plugins come into action.
These plugins enable you to insert the PDFs themselves onto your site directly so that they can be accessed simply there on the page without having guests download them. This improves user experience, it gets visitors lingering longer on your site, and makes your information available on every device.
If you have an Ecommerce site, business site, educational site, or blog, including PDFs in your content can be a turn-around. In this article, we are going to be writing down the best WordPress PDF embedder plugins, and their functionalities, and help you select the best plugin for your needs.
Why Use a PDF Embedder Plugin in WordPress?
WordPress does provide an option of importing PDFs into your media library but only in the form of a download link and not any built-in facility to embed and showcase them on your pages. This is less welcoming for visitors who might prefer to read documents directly on the site instead of downloading them.
The following are reasons why adding a PDF embedder plugin makes sense:
- Enhanced User Experience – Users can read PDFs without ever leaving your site.
- Enhanced Engagement – Keeping the user on your site longer enhances engagement.
- Mobile Friendliness – PDFs can be viewed perfectly on any system.
- Professionalism – Inline PDFs look more professional than plain download links.
- Security & Control – Most plugins offer options to disable downloading, copying, or printing.
Now, let’s consider some of the best PDF plugins for WordPress and their features.
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Top 7 WordPress PDF Embedder Plugins
1. PDF Embedder
Best for: Lightweight, simple PDF embedding
PDF Embedder is arguably one of the best PDF embedding WordPress plugins. It uses JavaScript rendering to render PDFs in a smooth manner without any third-party service.
Key Features
- Supports easy PDF embedding through a simple shortcode
- Fully responsive – supports multiple screen sizes
- Supports zooming and scrolling in the viewer
- No use of third-party services
Pros
- Easy to use and install
- Mobile compatible and quick
- Does not rely on third-party platforms
Cons
- No free version security features (e.g., prevent downloads)
- Less customization capabilities
Price: Free (has Pro for added features)
2. EmbedPress
Best for: All-purpose embedding (not only PDFs)
EmbedPress is a powerful WordPress PDF Embedder plugins that not just supports PDF but also Google Docs, YouTube video, Google Map, and numerous others. It is completely Gutenberg, Elementor, and Classic Editor compatible.
Key Features
- Supports embed of PDF, Google Docs, and numerous other file types
- Supports widely used page builders like Elementor
- Supports custom styling of embedded files
- Supports cloud storage providers
Pros
- Extremely versatile – can support a number of different file types
- Supports page builders
- Customizable appearances
Cons
- Paid plan for advanced features
Price: Free (Premium version costs $39/year)
3. PDF Viewer for WordPress
Best for: Highly customizable PDFs
If you need a highly customizable PDF viewer, this plugin is one of the best. It offers features like lightbox popups, zooming, and bookmarking.
Key Features
- Supports Google Drive and Dropbox integration
- Offers PDF bookmarking and searching
- Supports full-screen mode and zoom
- Includes download restriction setting
Pros
- Feature-rich and customizable
- Supports cloud-based PDFs
- Excellent user interface
Cons
- Dizzying for newbies
- Full features in premium version only
Price: From $30 (one-time payment)
4. Real3D Flipbook
Best for: Interactive PDF flipbook-type content
Real3D Flipbook is perfect if you want your PDFs to look like a book-like presentation. It transforms your PDFs into realistic-looking flipbooks with page-turn effects.
Key Features
- Offers 3D flipbook effects to boost the experience
- Supports interactive navigation and touch gestures
- Fully responsive and mobile-friendly
- Customizable design and animations
Pros
- Great-looking presentation
- Very engaging for readers
- Customizable
Cons
- More resource-hungry than regular PDF viewers
- Paid add-on
Price: $39 (one-time payment) and upwards
5. Google Drive Embedder
Best for: Google Drive PDF embedding
If you have your documents stored in Google Drive on a regular basis, this add-on allows you to embed PDFs from your Drive directly without uploading them on WordPress.
Key Features
- Embeds Google Drive PDFs, Docs, and Sheets
- Provides file access control for privacy
- Most appropriate for collaborative settings
Pros
- Most appropriate for cloud-based file management
- Does not occupy local storage space
- Is free
Cons
- Requires Google Drive integration
- Limited advanced customization features
Price: Free
6. WPForms PDF Addon
Best for: Generating PDFs from form submissions
In case you are using WPForms for contact forms, this addon allows you to generate PDF copies of form submissions, invoices, or entries.
Key Features
- Transfers form submissions to PDFs
- Enables emailing of PDFs as attachments
- Includes customizable PDF templates
Pros
- Ideal for business and invoicing
- Helps maintain records
- Simple integration with WPForms
Cons
- WPForms plugin required
Price: Paid WPForms addon
7. Flowpaper
Best for: Cloud-based PDF viewer
Flowpaper is a cloud-based, fast PDF viewer that loads documents instantly without slowing down your site speed.
Key Features
- Utilizes cloud rendering for smooth performance
- Streamlined for mobile users
- Supports high-resolution PDFs
Pros
- Lightning-fast load times
- Suitable for large PDFs
- Cloud rendering frees up the server
Cons
- Requires an internet connection
Price: Free (Premium options are available)
How to Choose the Best WordPress PDF Embedder Plugin
The best plugin is based on your own requirements:
- Simple PDF embedding: Use PDF Embedder
- For more functions: Use PDF Viewer for WordPress
- For interactive flipbooks: Use Real3D Flipbook
- For users of Google Drive: Use Google Drive Embedder
- If you’re a form-processing company: WPForms PDF Addon
Conclusion
It doesn’t have to be an agonizing process to embed PDFs in WordPress. You’re a blogger publishing eBooks, an ecommerce website processing receipts, or a teacher publishing reports. The right WordPress PDF embedder plugins can make your website more user-friendly.
FAQs
1. Do PDF embedder plugins support Elementor and Gutenberg?
Yes! Most PDF embedder plugins are compatible with page builders such as Elementor and Gutenberg. EmbedPress and PDF Viewer for WordPress are great options for drag-and-drop embedding in Elementor and Gutenberg blocks.
2. Can I limit users from downloading or printing my PDFs?
Yes, certain PDF embedder plugins can disable downloading, printing, or copying. PDF Embedder Pro and PDF Viewer for WordPress provide these security features.
3. Are WordPress PDF embedder plugins mobile-friendly?
Most contemporary PDF embedder plugins are responsive and mobile-friendly. Real3D Flipbook and Flowpaper provide optimized mobile viewing with zoom and touch gestures.
4. How is a regular PDF viewer different from a flipbook-style plugin?
Regular PDF viewers (e.g., PDF Embedder) show PDFs in a scrolling manner.
Flipbook viewers (e.g., Real3D Flipbook) provide a natural page-turning illusion, giving PDFs the appearance of interactive books.
