JavaScript and jQuery PDF Viewer Plugins

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Today’s post is about some JavaScript and jQuery PDF related plugins
we found on the Internet that allows you to embed and view PDF files. Enjoy!

Related Posts:


pdf.js

PDF Reader in JavaScript.

pdf.js Source Demo

PDFObject

Embeds PDF files into HTML documents.

PDFObject Source Demo

jsPDF

It is an open-source library written by our lead developer, James, for generating PDF documents using nothing but JavaScript. You can use it in a Firefox extension, in Server Side JavaScript and with Data URIs in some browsers.

jsPDF Source + Demo

ThickBox

A webpage UI dialog widget written in JavaScript on top of the jQuery library. Its function is to show a single image, multiple images, inline content, iframed content, or content served through AJAX in a hybrid modal.

ThickBox Source + Demo

AnyChartStock JavaScript API

The chart can be exported as a static image in the PNG or JPG format or as a PDF document with an embedded static image of the chart or a fully interactive functional chart, as user sees it on the page.

AnyChartStock Source Demo

Google Docs Viewer plugin for jQuery (gDocsViewer jQuery plugin)

Automatically embeds the Google Docs Viewer for viewing pdf, doc, docx, ppt and tiff files linked to by anchor tags.

gDocsViewer Source Demo

zohoViewer jQuery plugin

Supports a lot more file types than Google Docs Viewer. Automatically embeds the ZOHO viewer for viewing the doc, docx, xls, xlsx, ppt, pptx, pps, odt, ods, odp, sxw, sxc, sxi, wpd, pdf, rtf, txt, html, csv, tsv files it supports linked to by anchor tags.

zohoViewer Source Demo

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugins

What are the key features to look for in a JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugin?

When choosing a JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugin, there are several key features to consider. Firstly, the plugin should be easy to integrate into your existing website or application. It should also be compatible with all major browsers and devices. Secondly, the plugin should offer a user-friendly interface, with intuitive controls for zooming, scrolling, and navigating through the document. Thirdly, the plugin should support all standard PDF features, including text search, hyperlinks, bookmarks, and annotations. Lastly, the plugin should provide robust performance, with fast loading times and smooth rendering of complex PDF files.

How can I customize the appearance of a JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugin?

Most JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugins offer a range of customization options. You can typically change the color scheme, layout, and button icons to match your website or application’s design. Some plugins also allow you to add your own logo or branding. To customize the plugin, you usually need to modify the CSS styles or configuration settings. However, the exact process can vary depending on the specific plugin.

Can I use a JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugin to display other types of files?

While JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugins are primarily designed to display PDF files, some plugins also support other file formats. For example, they may allow you to display Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or image files. However, the support for non-PDF file formats can vary between different plugins. Therefore, if you need to display other types of files, you should check the plugin’s documentation or contact the developer for more information.

Are there any security risks associated with using a JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugin?

Like any software, JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugins can potentially have security vulnerabilities. For example, a malicious PDF file could exploit a vulnerability in the plugin to execute harmful code. Therefore, it’s important to choose a plugin that is actively maintained and regularly updated to fix any security issues. You should also follow best practices for web security, such as using HTTPS and keeping your server software up to date.

How can I troubleshoot problems with a JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugin?

If you’re experiencing problems with a JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugin, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. Firstly, check the plugin’s documentation and FAQ for any relevant information. Secondly, try to reproduce the problem in a simple test environment, to see if it’s caused by a conflict with other code on your website or application. Thirdly, use the browser’s developer tools to inspect the plugin’s code and look for any error messages. Lastly, if you’re still unable to resolve the issue, you can contact the plugin’s developer or ask for help on a web development forum.

Can I use a JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugin for commercial purposes?

The licensing terms for JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugins can vary. Some plugins are free for both personal and commercial use, while others require a paid license for commercial use. Therefore, if you plan to use a plugin for commercial purposes, you should check the licensing terms carefully. If in doubt, you can contact the plugin’s developer for clarification.

How can I improve the performance of a JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugin?

There are several ways to improve the performance of a JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugin. Firstly, you can optimize your PDF files for web viewing, by reducing the file size and complexity. Secondly, you can use a CDN (Content Delivery Network) to deliver the PDF files faster to users around the world. Thirdly, you can enable caching, to reduce the load time for repeat visitors. Lastly, you can use performance profiling tools to identify and fix any bottlenecks in the plugin’s code.

Can I use a JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugin on a mobile website or application?

Most JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugins are designed to be responsive, meaning they can adapt to different screen sizes and orientations. Therefore, they should work well on both desktop and mobile devices. However, the performance and usability can vary depending on the specific plugin and device. Therefore, it’s important to test the plugin on a variety of devices to ensure a good user experience.

How can I add interactivity to a JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugin?

Some JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugins support interactive features, such as form filling, annotations, and multimedia. To add interactivity, you typically need to create an interactive PDF file using a PDF authoring tool. Then, you can use the plugin’s API (Application Programming Interface) to control the interactive features. However, the support for interactivity can vary between different plugins, so you should check the plugin’s documentation for more information.

Can I use a JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugin with a content management system (CMS)?

Yes, you can typically use a JavaScript/jQuery PDF Viewer Plugin with a CMS like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal. To do this, you usually need to add the plugin’s code to your CMS’s template files. Some plugins may also offer a dedicated plugin or module for popular CMSs. However, the integration process can vary depending on the specific plugin and CMS, so you should check the plugin’s documentation for detailed instructions.

Sam DeeringSam Deering
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Sam Deering has 15+ years of programming and website development experience. He was a website consultant at Console, ABC News, Flight Centre, Sapient Nitro, and the QLD Government and runs a tech blog with over 1 million views per month. Currently, Sam is the Founder of Crypto News, Australia.

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