The growing library of 300+ ready-to-use templates that work with all WordPress themes including Astra, Hello,...
Free
1M+ installs 4.9★ (4,745)
Embed PDF Viewer
Embed a PDF from the Media Library or elsewhere via oEmbed or as a block into an iframe tag.
The facts
- Rating
- 4.7★ from 19
- Active installs
- 20k+
- Price
- Free
- Last updated
- 12 Aug 2026
- Added
- Mar 2016
- Requires WP
- 6.0
- Tested up to
- WP 7.1
- Requires PHP
- 7.4
- Downloads
- 336,572
Our analysis
AI-assistedEmbed PDF Viewer is a WordPress plugin that allows you to embed PDFs from your Media Library or external sources using oEmbed or as a block in an iframe tag. It leverages Google Doc Viewer for rendering PDFs, which is particularly useful for Chrome users and mobile devices.
This plugin is suitable for users who need to display PDF documents on their WordPress sites without complex configurations. It is designed for those who want a straightforward solution for embedding PDFs seamlessly into their content.
Best for: This plugin is best for WordPress users who need to display PDF documents on their sites.
What it does well
- ✓Allows embedding PDFs from the Media Library or external URLs
- ✓Utilises Google Doc Viewer for PDF rendering
- ✓Compatible with the new block editor
- ✓Free to use from the WordPress.org directory
- ✓Active development on GitHub
Where it falls short
- •Occasionally, Google Doc Viewer may fail to load PDFs correctly
- •May require multiple page reloads to resolve loading issues
Verdict
Embed PDF Viewer provides a simple way to embed PDFs, though users should be aware of potential loading issues.
From the developer
Andy Fragen's own description of Embed PDF Viewer, lightly tidied.
Embed a PDF from the Media Library or elsewhere via oEmbed or as a block into an iframe tag. The URL only has to be world reachable link. Chrome uses Google Doc Viewer as Chrome seems to automatically rendered embedded JS in PDFs automatically. Uses Google Doc Viewer with mobile.
Inspired by Embed PDF and RV Embed PDF.
Many thanks to Alex Kirk for making Embed PDF Viewer compatible with the new block editor.
Development on GitHub. Pull requests are welcome against the develop branch.
Known Issues
Occasionally Google Doc Viewer will not correctly load the PDF. Reloading the page should correct the issue, though this may need to be done several times.
Tagged as
industry
Library & Archive
Alternatives
Other plugins for libraries and archives.
SVG Support
92Securely upload SVG files to your media library, with built-in sanitization and advanced features for styling...
Free
1M+ installs 4.8★ (355)
Easily replace any attached image/file by simply uploading a new file in the Media Library edit view - a real...
Free
600k+ installs 4.4★ (302)
HappyAddons packs Header Footer Builder, Megamenu, Single Post, Archive Page, & 500+ Ready Templates into...
Free
400k+ installs 4.8★ (487)
CMB2
91CMB2 is a metabox, custom fields, and forms library for WordPress that will blow your mind.
Free
300k+ installs 5★ (91)
Extendify
90The best WordPress templates, pattern, and layout library with 1,000+ designs built for the Gutenberg block ed...
Free
500k+ installs 4.7★ (10)