Ever tried to upload a PDF to your WordPress site and ended up pulling your hair out because it didn’t look quite right? I’ve been there too — trust me, it’s more common than you’d think. PDFs are like that one reliable friend who always shows up with snacks — you just need to invite them in properly. Whether you want to embed fancy eBooks, add download buttons for guides, or auto-generate invoices for your WooCommerce store, the right PDF plugin can make your site feel professional, smooth, and easy to navigate.
In this list, I’m breaking down 9 of the best PDF plugins for WordPress that I’ve seen work wonders — for bloggers, small business owners, online store owners, and everyone in between. So, grab your coffee (or your energy drink, I won’t judge) and let’s find the perfect match for your site’s PDF needs.
PDF Embedder — Effortless PDF Viewing
PDF Embedder is one of the top picks if you want to embed PDF files in WordPress posts without coding. Just upload your PDF, drop it where you want, and it automatically adjusts to your site’s width.
I like this one because it feels so hands-off. Want a responsive PDF viewer plugin for WordPress? It’s got you. Want your readers to scroll through pages without downloading first? Yep. It’s lightweight, reliable, and compatible with the Gutenberg editor — which, if you’re like me, saves a ton of design headaches.
WPForms — Build PDF Forms Like a Pro
When people ask me, How do I create and edit PDFs in WordPress? — I point them to WPForms. This plugin is gold if you need a PDF form plugin for WordPress. You can build custom forms and auto-generate PDFs from the submissions.
Think client contracts, intake forms, or event registrations. Instead of chasing people for files, you get tidy PDFs delivered straight to your dashboard. And yes — you can even customize headers and footers, which makes your forms look extra sharp.
WooCommerce PDF Invoices & Packing Slips
Running an online store? Then you probably hate sending invoices manually. Enter WooCommerce PDF Invoices & Packing Slips. This plugin auto-generates invoices for each order — and attaches them to confirmation emails.
You can customize the template with your logo, contact info, and branding. And since we’re all about smooth workflows, this plugin lets you download, print, and manage invoices in bulk. It’s a must-have PDF invoice plugin for WooCommerce if you sell physical or digital products.
PDF Viewer for WordPress — Advanced PDF Experience
If you need a more robust PDF viewer WordPress plugin responsive enough for larger files, PDF Viewer for WordPress is worth a peek. It lets you show PDFs with clickable hyperlinks, pagination, and even search inside the document.
This is super handy if you run an online magazine or publish detailed whitepapers. You can also track PDF views and downloads, which is perfect if you’re trying to figure out what content sticks.
Gravity PDF — Auto-Generate Custom PDFs
Gravity PDF is a lifesaver when you need a PDF generator WordPress plugin. It works with Gravity Forms, so when someone fills out a form, it spits out a polished PDF instantly.
I’ve seen coaches, consultants, and freelancers use this for proposals, contracts, and sign-up confirmations. Plus, it’s secure — no third-party processing. Everything happens on your server, so your data stays your data.
Embed Any Document — Beyond Just PDFs
Don’t let the name fool you — Embed Any Document does PDFs beautifully too. It’s a great WordPress PDF embedder if you want to embed files straight from Google Drive, Dropbox, or your computer.
It’s super handy for portfolios or media kits. Bonus: it’s fully responsive, so your documents look clean on mobile, tablet, or that massive monitor your designer friend uses.
PDF Poster — Quick Embeds & Downloads
I like PDF Poster for its simplicity. If you’re asking How to add PDF download button to WordPress — this is your answer. Upload your PDF, embed it with a shortcode, and your visitors can read or download it right from your page.
It’s fast, easy, and doesn’t bloat your site — perfect if you care about speed.
DK PDF — Convert Posts to PDFs
Ever wished your blog posts could double as downloadable guides? DK PDF makes that happen. This WordPress PDF download plugin lets you add a button so readers can save any post as a PDF.
I’ve used this for long tutorials where readers might want an offline copy. It also supports custom headers, footers, and cover pages. Small touch, big impact.
WP Advanced PDF — For Membership Sites
If you run a membership site and want only logged-in users to generate PDFs, WP Advanced PDF is your go-to. It lets you control who can download what, and you can customize the PDF output to match your brand.
Think of it as your secure PDF viewer plugin for WordPress with bonus membership perks. Bloggers, educators, or online course creators love this one.
FAQs
How to embed PDF files in WordPress posts?
Use a plugin like PDF Embedder or Embed Any Document — just upload, copy the shortcode, and paste it in your post.
What is the best free PDF plugin for WordPress 2025?
PDF Poster and DK PDF both have solid free versions. They’re lightweight and beginner-friendly.
Can I track PDF downloads in WordPress?
Yes! Some plugins like PDF Viewer for WordPress have built-in tracking features. Or, pair them with Google Analytics.
Is there a PDF plugin compatible with the Gutenberg editor?
Absolutely — PDF Embedder works perfectly with Gutenberg blocks.
How do I secure PDF files on my WordPress site?
Go for plugins that offer permission controls like WP Advanced PDF, or restrict downloads to logged-in users only.
Final Reflections
Look, PDFs might not sound thrilling at first glance — but when used right, they can level up your WordPress site’s professionalism and user experience. Whether you’re sharing eBooks, sending invoices, or giving your readers something to download for later, picking the right PDF plugin is worth it.If you’re still unsure where to start, let US Logo and Web help you build a WordPress site that does all this and more — no PDF frustration required. Now, go on, pick your plugin, and make your site shine!