PDF FirstLook turns a PDF page into a crisp preview image generated in the visitor’s browser. The preview can open the document, download it, or link to an external destination, and multi-page files can be browsed without leaving the page.
Before you start
The PDF must be publicly accessible.
The PDF must be hosted on the same domain as the page that displays it.
Use a current browser and a valid PDF file.
The PDF URL can be set manually or supplied through Total CMS, Feeds, or a supported macro.
Connect the PDF
Add PDF FirstLook to the page.
Use Set Link to select or enter the PDF file.
Choose the page that should be used for the initial preview.
Add meaningful ALT text that describes the document or its cover.
Configure the preview
Set the preview height and quality, then choose the corner radius and optional shadow. Higher quality produces a sharper browser-generated image but requires more processing and memory. Start with the default quality and increase it only when the published preview needs more detail.
Choose the document action
Enable the button when visitors should have an explicit PDF action. Available actions are:
Download: download the PDF file.
Show: open the PDF for viewing.
External: open a separate configured destination.
Set a clear button label, or use an icon-only action when the surrounding context makes its purpose unambiguous.
Publish and verify
Open the published page and wait for the preview to render. Test the preview itself, the action button, and the PDF URL in a private browser window. For a multi-page PDF, also test navigation at desktop and mobile sizes.