2026年1月2日金曜日

a detailed guide on how to embed a PDF file into a website

 Certainly! Here is a detailed guide on how to embed a PDF file into a website, translated into English.

There are three primary methods to achieve this, depending on whether you prioritize simplicity, mobile compatibility, or advanced customization.


1. Using HTML <embed> or <iframe> Tags (Simplest Method)

This method uses the browser's native PDF viewer. It requires no external libraries and is very easy to implement.

Example (using <iframe>)

HTML
<iframe src="sample.pdf" width="100%" height="500px">
    <p>Your browser does not support PDFs.
       <a href="sample.pdf">Download the PDF</a> to view it.
    </p>
</iframe>
  • Pros: Extremely easy to implement.

  • Cons: Mobile behavior (especially on iOS) can be inconsistent; it may only show the first page or offer a download link instead of viewing.


2. Using Google Docs Viewer (Best for Compatibility)

This method routes the PDF through Google’s free online viewer. Since it doesn't rely on the local browser's PDF engine, it works more consistently across different devices.

Example

Append your PDF's public URL to the src attribute as shown below:

HTML
<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=https://your-domain.com/sample.pdf&embedded=true" 
        width="100%" 
        height="600px" 
        style="border: none;">
</iframe>
  • Pros: High compatibility with mobile devices.

  • Cons: The PDF must be publicly accessible on the internet. It will not work for files on private intranets or password-protected servers.


3. Using PDF.js (Professional & Highly Customizable)

PDF.js is an open-source JavaScript library developed by Mozilla. It renders the PDF directly into the web page using HTML5.

  • Key Features:

    • Provides a consistent look and feel across all browsers and devices.

    • Allows for advanced controls (e.g., disabling the print button or text selection).

    • Implementation: Requires uploading the library files to your server.


Comparison Table: Which method should you choose?

MethodDifficultyMobile SupportPrivate FilesBest For...
<iframe>LowLow/MediumYesSimple desktop-focused sites
Google ViewerLowHighNoPublic documents with mobile users
PDF.jsHighHighYesProfessional UI and custom features

Pro-Tip: User Experience

Because many mobile browsers handle embedded PDFs differently, it is always best practice to provide a direct download link or a "View Fullscreen" button next to the embedded file. This ensures that every user can access the content regardless of their browser settings.

As per your request, you can use the icon below to copy this response:

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Would you like me to provide the specific JavaScript setup for PDF.js, or perhaps help you style the iframe with CSS?