Embed documents in WordPress

Embed Any Document PLUS is the paid version of Embed Any Document. It displays Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF documents within WordPress posts and pages, so visitors can read them without an additional browser plugin. The plugin works with both the Gutenberg block editor and the classic editor. Use the Document block in Gutenberg or the Add Document option in the classic editor to choose and embed a file. You can also place an optional download link below the document.

Choose a viewer and document source

Documents can use Google Docs Viewer or Microsoft Office Online. PDFs can also use the browser’s native viewer. PLUS adds cloud viewing settings for files hosted with Google Drive, OneDrive, and Box.com. Dropbox is also listed as a supported cloud source. Using a cloud source can help when a document is already stored outside the WordPress media library.

Supported file formats are DOC, DOCX, DOCM, DOTM, and DOTX for Word; XLS, XLSX, XLSB, and XLSM for Excel; PPT, PPTX, PPSX, PPS, PPTM, POTM, PPAM, POTX, and PPSM for PowerPoint; and PDF.

Cloud privacy and download controls

PLUS can use privacy functions offered by supported cloud services. Privacy options described include passwords, restricted views, and download controls. PLUS also supports embedding larger files. Available controls depend on the service. For Box.com documents, the listed advanced options include adding a password and disabling the download button.

Limits to keep in mind

Embedded viewing depends on third-party services, and files need to be available online. The viewers do not support local hosts, intranets, or files stored in password-protected environments. Google Docs Viewer supports files up to 8 MB, while Microsoft Office Online supports files up to 10 MB. The embedded viewers do not play audio or video and do not display document animations or transitions. In general, viewer buttons and other default viewer functions cannot be removed or changed.

Cloud-service privacy controls apply to documents shared through those services; they do not make local or otherwise inaccessible files viewable. The viewers are described as mobile-ready and cross-browser compatible.

Add a document to a page

1. Install Embed Any Document in WordPress.
2. Open a post or page in Gutenberg or the classic editor.
3. Select a file or document source with the Document block or Add Document option.
4. Choose an available viewer and set any supported download or privacy options.
5. Save or publish the page, then review the embedded document.