Document embedding for WordPress
Embed Any Document PLUS is a paid version of Embed Any Document for displaying documents within WordPress pages and posts. It supports Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe PDF files, allowing visitors to read documents without requiring an additional browser plugin.
The plugin works with both the Gutenberg block editor and the classic editor. In the block editor, the Document block provides a direct way to add an embedded file. The classic editor includes an Add Document option for uploading and embedding documents. An optional Download link can also be placed below an embed.
Paid viewer and cloud features
PLUS expands the available document sources and viewers beyond the standard viewer options. It can display documents hosted with Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Box.com. The available cloud services can be useful when documents are already stored outside the WordPress media library or when the storage service’s access settings should be used.
- Google Drive Viewer for documents hosted with Google Drive.
- One Drive Viewer for documents hosted in OneDrive.
- Box.com Viewer for documents hosted with Box.com.
- Privacy options provided by supported cloud services.
For Box.com documents, the source describes advanced security options including disabling the download button and adding a password. The PLUS description also identifies options to remove download access, embed larger files, add passwords, and restrict views when using the privacy features offered by supported cloud services.
Viewer choices and supported formats
Documents can be displayed through Google Docs Viewer or Microsoft Office Online, while PDF files can also use the browser-native viewer. PLUS adds Google Drive, OneDrive, and Box.com viewing options. Having more than one viewer option lets you choose between available services for a particular document.
Supported formats include 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 files.
Practical uses
Use the plugin to present reports, forms, brochures, manuals, office documents, and other downloadable materials directly on a WordPress website. A business can publish a document stored in a cloud service, while a content publisher can keep an optional download link below an embedded file. The mobile-ready and cross-browser-compatible viewers are designed to keep the document display accessible across different visitor devices and browsers.
Important limitations
The embedded display depends on third-party viewing services. Files need to be available online, and the viewers do not support local hosts, intranets, or files stored in password-protected environments. Google Docs Viewer supports files up to 8MB and Microsoft Office Online supports files up to 10MB, according to the supplied information. Embedded documents do not support video or audio playback or document animations and transitions. Viewer buttons and other default viewer features cannot be removed or altered in general.
Installation and use
- Install the Embed Any Document plugin in WordPress.
- Open a post or page in Gutenberg or the classic editor.
- Use the Document block or Add Document option to select a file or document source.
- Choose an available viewer and configure any supported download or privacy settings.
- Save or publish the page and review the embedded document.
