How to add PDF Viewer to a XenForo community

Embed PDF Viewer on XenForo

01

Create a PDF Viewer plugin for XenForo on Common Ninja

First, create a XenForo PDF Viewer plugin on Common Ninja. On the plugins catalog, find the PDF Viewer and enter the Editor.

02

Save the PDF Viewer plugin

When you're done creating the PDF Viewer plugin, click on the Save Changes button at the right top corner of the editor. If you don't have an account on Common Ninja, you'll have to register first.

03

Copy the PDF Viewer Embed Code

When you're ready to add the PDF Viewer plugin to your XenForo community, click the Add To Website button at the top bar of the Editor. On the window that opens, click the Copy Icon to copy the plugin embed code. In the next steps, you will paste this code into your XenForo community.

04

Paste the code to your XenForo website’s HTML field.

Next, go to your XenForo community editor and find the HTML field. It is most likely in the form of an HTML/Code widget or module which you can find on the XenForo’s editor. Add it to your page, and paste the PDF Viewer Embed Code you’ve copied before to the HTML field. Save and update, and that’s it, you should have Common Ninja’s PDF Viewer plugin on your XenForo community.

05

Alternative Method 1: Through the HTML option in the text’s editing area.

If you can't find the HTML/Code widget or module, there's another way to put Common Ninja’s PDF Viewer plugin on your XenForo plugin. You can just add the code to a special HTML section in the text editor.

06

Alternative Method 2: Add it directly to your XenForo community’s HTML code.

If you're having trouble finding a widget or a special part in your text editor where you can add the Embed Code, you can try a different way to add the PDF Viewer plugin to your XenForo community. You can do this by putting it straight into your XenForo community's HTML code.

Why Use This Widget

Use the PDF Viewer widget when you want visitors to read documents without downloading files or leaving your site. Many businesses rely on PDFs for catalogs, whitepapers, brochures, menus, spec sheets, or manuals, but traditional downloads break the flow and lose attention. Embedding those PDFs directly into your pages keeps the experience smooth and allows users to scroll, zoom, and search inside the document while staying on the site. This is especially helpful for sales teams, support content, and resources that buyers compare before making decisions. You keep everything in one place, and visitors feel they are exploring a well organized, professional resource hub.

This tutorial was written by the Common Ninja product team, creators of interactive, no-code widgets for XenForo community. Common Ninja helps over 500,000 users build engaging online experiences without coding.