TL;DR: Tired of switching apps to view or edit documents in your JetBrains IDE? The Document Viewer Plugin lets you view PDF files and view and edit Word, Excel, Markdown, CSV, and TSV files within your workspace. With seamless sorting, filtering, and real-time editing, it’s a free productivity boost!
Switching between your IDE and external apps to view or edit documents can shatter your focus and slow down your momentum. That’s where Syncfusion’s Document Viewer Plugin for JetBrains IDEssteps in. Designed to keep you immersed in your coding environment, this plugin lets you view PDF, view and edit Word, Excel, Markdown, CSV, and TSV files as well as preview PDFs, all without leaving your JetBrains workspace. Whether you’re a Java guru in IntelliJ IDEA, a Python wizard in PyCharm, or crafting mobile magic in Android Studio, this tool is your new best friend for uninterrupted productivity.
This isn’t just a viewer; it’s a full-fledged companion that handles everything from quick previews to on-the-fly edits.
Get started today!
Prerequisites
Before getting started, make sure your environment meets the following requirements:
- A JetBrains IDE such as, IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, Android Studio, etc.
- The minimum version of the JetBrains IDE is 2024.2 to use the Document Viewer plugin.
Installation guide
Step 1: Open JetBrains IDE.
Step 2: Navigate to File, then select Settings and choose Plugins (or Preference and then Plugins on macOS).
Step 3: Select the Marketplace tab and type Document Viewer in the search field.
Step 4: Click the Install button on the Document Viewer plugin.
Step 5: After the installation is completed, restart your JetBrains IDE if prompted.
Supported file formats: Versatility at your fingertips
The plugin covers all the essentials:
- Word Documents: .docx, .dotx, .dot, .doc, .rtf
- Excel Documents: .xlsx, .xls, .xltx, .xlt
- SpreadSheets: .csv, .tsv
- PDFs: .pdf
- Markdown: .md
Key features
Here’s what sets the Document Viewer Plugin apart:
- Seamless viewing: Open and browse files like Word (.docx, .dotx, .dot, .doc, .rtf), Excel (.xlsx, .xls, .xltx, .xlt), PDF (.pdf), Markdown (.md), CSV (.csv), and TSV (.tsv) directly in your IDE.
- Managing and editing: Edit Word (.docx, .dotx, .dot, .doc, .rtf), Excel (.xlsx, .xls, .xltx, .xlt), Markdown (.md), CSV (.csv), and TSV (.tsv) files and save the changes directly within IDE.
- Smart sorting and filtering for spreadsheets: Working with data-heavy Excel, CSV, or TSV files? Enable sorting and filtering right from the column headers or status bar.
How to enable sorting and filtering in Document Viewer
- After opening the file, click the filter option in the status bar to configure sorting and filtering on the first row of the worksheet for quicker access.
- For more granular control, right-click on any cell or column header to open a context menu that provides access to filtering and sorting options.
Context menu with Filter and Sort options
FAQs
Q1. Is the Document Viewer suitable for large datasets?
A: Yes, the plugin’s sorting and filtering functionalities help you organize and analyze large datasets efficiently.
Q2. Does the Document Viewer plugin support Android studio?
A: Yes, the Document Viewer plugin is compatible with Android Studio. However, Android Studio ships with a JetBrains Runtime that lacks the Java Chromium Embedded Framework (JCEF), which is required for optimal rendering of document previews. Therefore, we recommend switching to a JCEF-enabled JetBrains Runtime.
To try this, follow these steps:
- Open Android Studio and go to Help then Find Action (or press Ctrl + Shift + A on Windows/Linux, Cmd + Shift + A on macOS).
- Search for Choose Boot Java Runtime for the IDE.
- Select a JBR version with JCEF support (e.g., version 21.0.8+1-895.146-jcef, as used in later Android Studio versions like Koala).
- Restart Android Studio.
Q3. Does the Document Viewer upload or transfer my files to a remote server before rendering them in JetBrains IDE?
A: No. The plugin uses Syncfusion’s pure-JavaScript DOCX Editor, Spreadsheet, PDF Viewer, and Markdown editor components to parse and render your files entirely on the client. Your document data never leaves your machine, and no internet connection or server-side processing is required.
*Q4. How do I troubleshoot common issues with the Document Viewer plugin in JetBrains IDEs? *
A: Common solutions include:
- Restart your JetBrains IDE: Resolves most loading issues.
- Update the plugin: Ensure you have the latest version installed from the Marketplace.
- Check file permissions: Verify you have read/write access to the document.
- Clear cache: Invalidate caches and restart (File > Invalidate Caches / Restart).
- Compatibility: Ensure your JetBrains IDE version is compatible with the plugin.
Conclusion
The Document Viewer Plugin for JetBrains IDEs is more than a tool; it’s a workflow revolution. By keeping documents within arm’s reach, developers can stay focused, iterate faster, and deliver better results. At Syncfusion, we’re committed to tools that enhance your creativity, and this plugin is a prime example.
Ready to transform how you handle documents? Download the Document Viewer now from the JetBrains Marketplace and experience the difference.
For queries, you can contact us through our support forum, support portal, or feedback portal. We are happy to assist you!
Related Blogs
- Introducing the Syncfusion® Document Viewer Extension for Visual Studio Code
- Syncfusion® Document Viewer for VS Code Now Supports Word Documents
- What’s New in Document Editors and Viewers – 2025 Volume 3
- Your VS Code Workflow Just Got Better: Document Viewer Now Supports PDF
This article was originally published at Syncfusion.com.
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