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Free Plugin by rapls v1.3.0

Rapls PDF Image Creator

The first page of each uploaded PDF becomes an image in every registered size, ready to use as a post cover or inside content. Needs ImageMagick.

Rapls PDF Image Creator

The facts

Rating
5★ from 3
Active installs
100+
Price
Free
Last updated
29 Aug 2026
Added
Jan 2026
Requires WP
5.0
Tested up to
WP 7.1
Requires PHP
7.4
Downloads
2,329

Our analysis

AI-assisted

Rapls PDF Image Creator is a WordPress plugin that automatically generates thumbnail images from the first page of uploaded PDF files. It integrates with the Media Library, allowing you to display these thumbnails instead of default PDF icons, and sets them as the featured image for the PDFs.

The plugin supports multiple image sizes and formats, including JPEG, PNG, and WebP. It also provides shortcodes and template functions for easy insertion of PDF links with thumbnails into your posts, making it suitable for users who frequently work with PDF documents on their WordPress sites.

Best for: This plugin is best for WordPress users who regularly upload PDF files and want to enhance their media presentation.

What it does well

  • Automatically generates thumbnails from PDFs
  • Supports multiple image sizes and formats
  • Integrates with Media Library and editor
  • Bulk generation of thumbnails for existing PDFs
  • Sets generated thumbnails as featured images

Where it falls short

  • Requires ImageMagick with Imagick PHP extension
  • Limited to generating images from the first page of PDFs

Verdict

Rapls PDF Image Creator offers a straightforward solution for managing PDF thumbnails, though it requires specific server configurations to function properly.

From the developer

rapls's own description of Rapls PDF Image Creator, lightly tidied.

Rapls PDF Image Creator automatically generates thumbnail images when you upload PDF files to your WordPress Media Library. The plugin uses ImageMagick (Imagick PHP extension) to convert the first page of a PDF into an image.

Key Features

  • Automatic Generation – Thumbnails are created instantly when PDFs are uploaded
  • Featured Image Support – Generated thumbnails are automatically set as the PDF’s featured image
  • Multiple Sizes – Images are generated in all registered WordPress image sizes
  • Media Library Integration – Display thumbnails instead of default PDF icons
  • Editor Integration – Insert PDF links with thumbnail images into your posts
  • Bulk Generation – Generate thumbnails for all existing PDFs at once
  • Flexible Output – Choose from JPEG, PNG, or WebP formats

How It Works

  1. Upload a PDF file to the Media Library
  2. The plugin automatically converts the first page to an image
  3. The image is registered as the PDF’s featured image
  4. Use shortcodes or template functions to display the thumbnail

Generated Files

When you upload my-document.pdf, the plugin creates:

  • my-document-pdf.jpg (Full size cover image)
  • my-document-pdf-1024×768.jpg (Large)
  • my-document-pdf-300×225.jpg (Medium)
  • my-document-pdf-150×150.jpg (Thumbnail)
  • Additional sizes based on your theme settings

Shortcodes

  • [rapls_pdf_thumbnail id="123"] – Display thumbnail image
  • [rapls_pdf_thumbnail_url id="123"] – Output thumbnail URL
  • [rapls_pdf_clickable_thumbnail id="123"] – Thumbnail linked to PDF
  • [rapls_pdf_download_link id="123"] – Download link with thumbnail

Template Functions

  • rapls_pic_get_thumbnail_url( $pdf_id, $size ) – Get thumbnail URL
  • rapls_pic_get_thumbnail_id( $pdf_id ) – Get thumbnail attachment ID
  • rapls_pic_get_thumbnail_image( $pdf_id, $size, $attr ) – Get thumbnail HTML
  • rapls_pic_has_thumbnail( $pdf_id ) – Check if PDF has thumbnail
  • rapls_pic_generate_thumbnail( $pdf_id, $force ) – Generate thumbnail

Requirements

  • WordPress 5.0 or higher
  • PHP 7.4 or higher
  • ImageMagick with Imagick PHP extension and PDF support

Most shared hosting providers have ImageMagick available. Check the Status tab in plugin settings to verify your server meets the requirements.

Using Template Functions

Read the full description on the official page →

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