How to Show PDF Documents on a Website Using HTML5

HTML5 offers a number of clean ways to display PDF files in HTML. A brochure, price list, menu, or e-book can be directly embedded on a page without requiring users to download the file beforehand.

In this guide, you will learn how to embed PDF in HTML web page using simple tags like iframe, embed, and object, plus a few more modern options. Every technique comes with a simple example of how to embed a PDF in HTML code that you can copy, modify, and use immediately.

Why Showing PDFs Directly on Your Website Matters

Visitors read your content faster without opening new tabs or apps.
You keep users on your page longer, which can support SEO and conversions.
You show the same layout everywhere, ideal for menus, reports, and catalogues.
You make it easier for mobile users to scan content without extra downloads.
You control how your brand looks instead of relying on a random PDF viewer.

Basic HTML Tag to Display PDF Document

The most basic HTML tag to display PDF document uses built‑in browser support. Modern browsers can open PDFs directly, so you simply point an element at your file.

<embed>
<iframe>
<object>

Each browser may render them a little differently, but they all let you Display PDF file in HTML without extra plugins.

Method 1: Quick Way to Embed PDF in HTML Code

Use <embed> when you want the fastest and simplest way to insert a PDF into a page.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="utf-8">
  <title>Embed PDF Example</title>
</head>
<body>
  <h1>Product Catalogue</h1>

  <embed
    src="files/product-catalogue.pdf"
    type="application/pdf"
    width="100%"
    height="600px"
  >

</body>
</html>

This method is idle when you want to quickly add PDF viewer into HTML code and does not care about advance control or options.

Method 2: Display PDF File in HTML Using IFrame

An iframe works well when you already use it for maps, videos, or external pages and want a consistent pattern.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="utf-8">
  <title>PDF in Iframe Example</title>
</head>
<body>
  <h1>Course Syllabus</h1>

  <iframe
    src="docs/course-syllabus.pdf"
    width="100%"
    height="600px"
  ></iframe>

</body>
</html>

Why many developers like display pdf file in html using iframe: It fits naturally into layouts built with iframes, You can style the iframe with CSS like any other element and re‑use the same pattern for maps, charts, and other embeds.

Method 3 – Using Object Tag for Better Fallback

The <object> element gives you more control and lets you show fallback content if the browser cannot open PDFs (rare, but possible on older or very limited devices).

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="utf-8">
  <title>Object PDF Example</title>
</head>
<body>
  <h1>Annual Report</h1>

  <object
    data="reports/annual-report.pdf"
    type="application/pdf"
    width="100%"
    height="600px"
  >
    <p>Your browser cannot display this PDF. 
    <a href="reports/annual-report.pdf">Download the file</a> instead.</p>
  </object>

</body>
</html>

This works well for important content like annual reports, contracts, or policy documents. If the viewer fails, visitors still see a clear link instead of a blank area.

Method 4: Using Google PDF Viewers to Display PDF File in HTML

Sometimes you cannot control the user’s browser or the hosting environment. In that case, you can load the PDF inside a third‑party viewer such as Google Docs Viewer.

<iframe
  src="https://docs.google.com/gview?url=https://example.com/pdfs/guide.pdf&embedded=true"
  width="100%"
  height="600px"
></iframe>

Here, the PDF file must be hosted online to work. Either you can host it on your site or google drive and then create link like this. It will help to make consistent design for views across different platforms and browsers.

Conclusion

Now you know several ways to display PDF file in HTML, from simple iframe and embed tags to more advanced viewers. Start with the method that fits your site and your visitors best, then improve it as your needs grow. With the right setup, your PDFs feel like a natural part of your web pages instead of awkward downloads.

Codewolfy