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Embed PDF Viewer

By Andy Fragen

Content Management / Document Management & Downloads

Reviewed by Abdul Hameid

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

Embed PDF Viewer Review - In-Depth Analysis

Easily embed PDFs from your Media Library or external sources using oEmbed or iframe tags.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

7.27/10

User Rating

4.7/5 (based on 19+ reviews)

Active Installations

20,000+

Update Frequency

Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

5 / 10 (Medium Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

This plugin allows you to embed a PDF from the Media Library or elsewhere via oEmbed or as a block into an iframe tag. The URL only needs to be a world-reachable link. Chrome utilizes Google Doc Viewer, which automatically renders embedded JS in PDFs. This plugin also supports mobile viewing through Google Doc Viewer.

Inspired by other plugins such as Embed PDF and RV Embed PDF, this plugin is designed to enhance your ability to display PDFs directly on your site. It is compatible with the new block editor, thanks to contributions from the community.

Development is ongoing on GitHub, and contributions are welcome. Please note that occasionally, Google Doc Viewer may not load the PDF correctly, but reloading the page usually resolves this issue.

Comparing to Alternatives

Embed PDF Viewer stands out among PDF embedding plugins with its simplicity and no watermark policy, making it a preferred choice for users seeking straightforward functionality without extra branding or costs.

Top alternatives

Strengths

No watermark added to PDFs, unlike some competitors
No requirement for paid upgrades to access core features
Simple and user-friendly interface with Block Editor integration
Does not add unnecessary download buttons or require technical shortcode skills
Highly rated by users for ease of use and functionality

Weaknesses

Known medium-level security vulnerabilities fixed only in recent updates
No preview available on mobile browsers as reported by some users
Lacks a pro version with advanced premium features
Limited customization options compared to some alternatives

User Sentiment Analysis

With a high average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 19 reviews and no low-star ratings, users generally express strong satisfaction with Embed PDF Viewer, praising its simplicity and effectiveness.

Positive highlights

"Simple is what we were looking for. Simple is what we got. Works great." — pwhenderson
"Very Useful" — Masum Billah
"This is the one!" — grunk1905
"Love how easy it is to embed a PDF using the Block Editor and this plugin. It's perfect." — melissajclark
"Amazing plugin, saved my 2 days coding task." — Abdul qadir

Common complaints

Weaknesses

Security vulnerabilities have been identified and fixed only in recent versions
Mobile preview functionality is lacking for some users
No premium or pro version to access advanced features
Customization options are somewhat limited

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users seeking a straightforward, no-frills PDF embedding solution that works well with the WordPress Block Editor and does not add watermarks or require paid upgrades.

Not ideal for

Users who need advanced customization, mobile preview support, or require a plugin with a strong security track record and premium support options.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers full PDF embedding functionality without watermarks or forced upgrades, providing excellent value for basic to moderate use.

Final Verdict

Embed PDF Viewer is a highly rated plugin praised for its simplicity, ease of use, and lack of watermarks or forced paid features, making it an excellent choice for users needing basic PDF embedding capabilities. Its integration with the Block Editor enhances usability for WordPress users.

However, users should be aware of past security vulnerabilities that have been addressed only in recent updates and the lack of mobile preview support. Those requiring advanced features or enhanced security might consider alternatives with premium options.