Use javascript to switch pages in acrobat reader in webbrowser

Question

For a project I am looking for a good way to display pdf files in a webbrowser (IE8 and newer). The browsers used in my project have acrobat reader installed, so thatwillbe the preferred way to visualize thepdf file.

Is there a way to access acrobat reader currently opened in a div to (for instance) switch pages or jump to a given bookmark? Is it also possible to listen for text selection events?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I'm not sure you can control the PDF from the outside of the page. However, pdf.js is a PDF renderer written in Javascript. It allows you to embed a PDF viewer inside a page and fully control it, including flipping pages, and the like. It may just be what you're looking for!

Answer 2

Having worked on this problem for some time, I now use the following solution:

• Use pdfObject.js to embed the pdf file in my webpage.
• Communicate between pdf and html using the HostContainer. Important here is that you are able to put some javascript in the PDF file.
• Important note is that this only works with the embedded Acrobat Reader/Pro version.
• see: http://www.javabeat.net/articles/print.php?article_id=301)

Good luck. If you encounter problems, just leave a message, perhaps I can help.