PDF Viewer

Uses HTML5 to display PDF files directly in the browser.

PDF Viewer is a powerful Chrome extension that uses HTML5 technology to render PDF files directly within your browser. Developed and supported by the Mozilla community via the open-source PDF.js project, it provides a fast and reliable way to view PDF documents without needing external software.

This official PDF.js-based extension enables seamless PDF viewing with web-standard technologies. Users can also enable file URL access to view local PDFs in Chrome. The extension supports continuous improvements through community feedback and maintains transparency with an opt-out telemetry feature.

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By:: https://pdfjs.robwu.nl
Users:: 1,000,000+
Rating:: 3.30
(2,670) 1 new ratings
Version:: 4.6.129 (Last updated: 2024-10-28)
Creation date:: 2019-09-13
Risk:: Very high risk impact Very low risk likelihood
Permissions:: alarms
declarativeNetRequestWithHostAccess
webRequest
tabs
webNavigation
storage
Host permissions:: <all_urls>
Size:: 3.37M
Email:: ro*****@robwu.nl
URLs:: Website ,Privacy policy
Full description:: See detailed description
Source:: Chrome Web Store
Updated:: a day ago

Ranking

# 312 ▲ 7

Other rankings

#33 in Workflow & Planning ▼ 1

#1 in pdf keyword 82

#2 in viewer keyword 73

#18 in summarize pdf keyword 42

#51 in file keyword 57 ▲ 3

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User reviews

Users appreciate the PDF Viewer extension for enabling direct PDF viewing without downloading, providing a smoother, faster experience than Chrome’s built-in viewer, and integrating Firefox viewer capabilities that fix text rendering issues. However, recent problems with forced downloads instead of opening PDFs in tabs, URL changes complicating copying, and lack of dark mode are common complaints. Some users also face difficulties opening local PDF files. Overall, the extension is seen as lightweight and effective but needs updates to address recent functionality and usability issues.

Pros

Allows viewing PDFs without downloading them first, avoiding unnecessary downloads.
Provides a better, faster, lighter, and smoother PDF viewing experience compared to Chrome's default PDF viewer.
Integrates Firefox's PDF viewer capabilities into Chrome, solving issues like Arabic text rendering that Chrome struggles with.
Supports common shortcuts and full-page view similar to Adobe Acrobat, providing a familiar and efficient user experience.
Lightweight and reliable PDF viewing and annotating features with good overall performance.

Cons

Recently the extension sometimes forces PDFs to be downloaded instead of opening in a new tab, which frustrates users wanting quick viewing.
It changes the URL in the address bar when viewing PDFs, complicating copying and pasting the URL for citations.
Lacks a dark mode and blocks dark mode extensions like 'Dark Reader', impacting users who prefer dark themes for reading.
Issues opening PDF files directly from local disk as some users report it does not work properly for loading files from hard drives.
Occasional loading delays just after opening Chrome, possibly due to resource use or PC speed limitations.

Recent reviews

Les impressions avec ce viewer sont de très mauvaises qualités. C'est dommage! With this viewer, the prints are of very poor quality. It's a shame!

Alpha Optique Versailles, 2025-04-25

واسه خوندن پی دی اف خوب بود , البته در کنارش اکستنشن "پی دی اف ساز فارسی" رو هم نصب کردم و الان میتونم پی دی اف هم بسازم ممنون .🌹

test, 2025-04-23

Loved it. It works as expected. PDFs are now no longer required to be downloaded to view them

Foong Yihao, 2025-04-10

View all user reviews

Extension safety

Risk impact

PDF Viewer requires a lot of sensitive permissions. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk impact analysis details

Critical Grants access to browser tabs, which can be used to track user browsing habits and history, presenting a privacy concern.
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Risk likelihood

PDF Viewer has earned a good reputation and can be trusted.

Risk likelihood analysis details

Low This extension was updated more than 6 months ago. Older versions are more likely to be stable and safe.
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