How to Embed a PDF Document on Your WordPress Site

While HTML is usually the best way to display information on a website, there may be cases where you need to display a PDF. To do that, you could simply link to the PDF, but then when someone clicks on the link, they go off of your site.

These are some ways to embed a PDF right on a page of your site.

Gutenberg File Block – The Native Solution

Gutenberg will display embedded PDFs out of the box! Just use the File block to insert your PDF, and it will be displayed, along with a download button!

PDF Embedder – The Basic Solution

The PDF Embedder plugin displays a PDF right on your page or post using a shortcode. Works great and has great ratings. I use it with the Divi theme. There is a paid version that includes a download link and better display on mobile.

Real3D Flipbook – The Fancy Solution

If you want something fancier, like for a brochure, this paid plugin lets you view PDFs using lightbox with realistic page-turning effects. You can view one page at a time or two, like an open book. And, you can do deep links into pages. $49 includes six months of upgrades.

Check out the MinardosGroup.com website for an example in action!

Please leave a question or comment below! – Brian

Brian Shim

I am a freelance web developer and consultant based in Santa Monica, CA. I’ve been designing websites using WordPress and from scratch using HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript since 2010. I create websites and web applications for businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations. I have a degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from California Institute of Technology and a degree in Engineering Management (MSEM) from Stanford University.

brianshim.com