PDF FirstLook can present one page at a time or display a PDF as a book. Multi-page navigation can be controlled through the preview, the control bar, mobile swipe gestures, and the keyboard.

Enable page flipping

Turn on Enable Page Flip when visitors should browse more than the initial preview page. Choose the layout that matches the document:

  • Single-page mode: shows one PDF page at a time.

  • Book mode: presents facing pages as a spread.

Enable Single Mode on Mobile when a book spread would be too narrow on phones.

Choose the transition

Use the regular slide or fade behavior for a restrained transition. Enable 3D Page Turn for a page-flip effect. Shadows can be included with the 3D effect when more depth is wanted.

Configure the control bar

The control bar can combine the controls visitors need:

  • Previous and next navigation

  • Current page and total page count

  • Page jump

  • Return to the first page

  • The configured PDF action

Hide controls that are unnecessary for a short document. PDF FirstLook can also allow page flipping without a visible control bar.

Position the controls

Place the control bar in its normal position, at the top, or at the bottom of the preview. Adjust its offset and left, center, or right alignment so it does not cover important document content.

Choose icons and labels

Select the previous/next icon style and the action icon. A text label can be used with the action button, or the control can be icon-only on desktop and mobile when its meaning remains clear.

Mobile and keyboard behavior

Test swipe navigation on a touch device and keyboard control on desktop. Rapid page changes should remain stable, including in documents with many pages. If enabled, returning to the first page after the last page creates a continuous browsing flow.

Test every state

Verify the first page, an interior page, and the final page. Test page jump, the counter, return-to-first behavior, single-page mobile mode, and the configured action button. For colors, lightbox behavior, and shadows, see Styling the preview, lightbox, and PDF action button.