Anson Ch for Vue PDF Viewer

Posted on Sep 9 • Originally published at blog.vue-pdf-viewer.dev

🚀 6 Open-Source PDF Viewer and Annotation libraries every Vue developers should know [2025] ✨

#vue #nuxt #javascript #webdev

PDF Viewer and annotation features have become standard in modern web apps. Whether you're building dashboards, admin panels, or document platforms, users expect smooth PDF reading experience and the ability to mark up files with comments, highlights, or signature, all without ever leaving your site.

For Vue developers, knowing which open-source PDF Viewer and annotation libraries work best can save hours of trial and error. You can even mix and match libraries to tackle multiple use cases, from fast document rendering to advanced markup. The right solution solve the hassle of juggling pop-ups, downloads, or iframe workarounds.

Here're are the six open-source libraries you need to know as you look for the ideal fit for your next Vue.js project.

Before we jump into the list of libraries, here’s something worth checking out: a flexible Vue PDF rendering solution built specifically for Vue 3.

Whether you’re building a dashboard, AI PDF chat tool, or internal tool, Vue PDF Viewer makes it easy to embed PDF viewing right inside your app. It supports:

Mobile responsive viewing
Built-in toolbar and search
Text selection, zoom, thumbnails, and more
Easy theming and layout overrides

With minimal setup and strong TypeScript support, it’s a solid option if you’re looking for an all-in-one PDF solution with modern features and clean design.

Why Open-Source PDF Viewer and Annotation Libraries Matter for Vue Developers

Building robust document features in Vue has moved way beyond just dropping a PDF link on a page. Users want to read, highlight, mark up, and sign documents right inside your app. Open-source PDF viewer and annotation libraries make this level of integration possible.

Cost Saving: No hidden usage or licensing fee. No vendor lock-in.
Transparency: You can inspect, debug, and improve the code, with full visibility into how things work.
Flexibility and Control: Customize, extend, or combine libraries to fit your app’s needs without being boxed in.

Vue-Focused PDF Viewer Libraries

Before diving into specific libraries, it’s important to understand PDF.js. Most open-source PDF Viewer libraries for Vue are built on top of it. It's the backbone for rendering, navigating, and interacting with PDF files inside your browser.

What is Mozilla PDF.js?

PDF.js is an open-source JavaScript library built and maintained by Mozilla that allows you to render and interact with PDF files directly in modern web browsers. It relies on standard web technologies, making it highly compatible and easy to integrate into frontend stacks like Vue.

This tool isn’t just for displaying PDF pages. It gives you the control to create a full PDF Viewer with built-in zoom, search and text selection. For Vue developers, that means you can keep users in your app and offer rich document features, instead of handing them off to third-party tools.

Key Features

Render large files with search, zoom, and page navigation
No license restrictions and vendor lock-in. Use, modify, and ship updates as you see fit
Responsive viewing for most modern browsers
Easily integrate with other libraries focused on annotation or signature, creating a PDF experience tailored for your users' needs

PDF.js is often used in websites, web apps, and custom projects where you just want to keep everything in the browser. It’s a solid pick if you want to display documents in a way that just works for everyone. As of July 2025,pdfjs-dist has over 51,400 stars with over 390 contributors on GitHub and an average weekly downloads count of over 4,000,000.

https://github.com/mozilla/pdf.js

vue-pdf-embed

vue-pdf-embed, built on top of PDF.js, offers Vue developers an easy way to embed PDF viewing capabilities into any page or dashboard. It provides an easy-to-use component designed for Vue 2 and Vue 3 to display PDFs without complex setup.

Key Features

Controlled rendering: Letting you manage how and when pages display.
Support for password-protected PDF: Keep sensitive files secure and accessible only to the right people.
Selectable text: Great for users who need to copy or search document content.
Support annotation layer: PDF with annotations can be displayed easily.

If you need just the basics or want a lightweight viewer with proven usage, this library fits the bill. As of July 2025,vue-pdf-embed has over 890 stars, 25 contributors, and an average weekly downloads count of over 59,000.

https://github.com/hrynko/vue-pdf-embed

@tato30/vue-pdf

@tato30/vue-pdf is a popular Vue wrapper for Mozilla’s PDF.js. It brings deep PDF rendering directly into Vue projects, allowing you to avoid custom wiring with PDF.js’s raw API. It supports many core features of PDF.js and makes it easier to integrate into Vue or Nuxt applications.

Key Features

Simple integration if your app is already built on Vue 3
Provide functions like search, zoom level and rotate
Render control for text, annotations, and optional layers
Allow custom watermark on PDF pages to protect your content

If you're looking for than a simple PDF reader, this library is great for complex interactions. As of July 2025,@tato30/vue-pdf has over 589 stars with 9 contributors on GitHub and an average weekly downloads count of over 25,000.

https://github.com/TaTo30/vue-pdf

vue-pdf

The vue-pdf library (not to be confused with others with similar names) is an older lightweight wrapper around PDF.js, specifically tailored for Vue applications. By using vue-pdf, Vue developers can enjoy the benefits of PDF.js without needing to manage the complex JavaScript integration manually.

Key Features

Fast single-page or multi-page PDF rendering
Simple navigation controls, print and zoom
Provide events for loading, progress, and error handling

Vue-pdf is ideal for applications that require basic PDF display. It's a practical option for small projects and MVPs where ease of use and quick implementation are prioritized. As of July 2025,vue-pdf as over 2,300 stars with 20 contributors on GitHub and an average weekly downloads count of over 17,000.

https://github.com/FranckFreiburger/vue-pdf

⚠️ The library has not been updated since Jun 2021 so use it with caution. Remember to update pdf-dist version to avoid potential security and compatibility concerns.

Open-Source PDF Annotation Libraries for Vue

Modern applications demand more than just displaying PDFs. Users now expect to draw, highlight, and leave comments on documents, all inside the browser. Getting annotation tools right can make or break PDF Viewing experience in a Vue.js project. Here's how three powerful open-source options stack up for bringing annotations to life in Vue apps.

pdf-lib

If you are looking to programmatically annotate PDFs in your Vue project, pdf-lib stands out. This open-source JavaScript library lets you work with PDFs in the browser and on the server. It’s not just a PDF annotator, it supports form creation, content editing, and even digital signatures.

Key Features

Add new shapes, signatures, or freehand scribbles.
Highlight text sections in a way that’s easy for users to spot later.
Attach notes or pop-up comments to any part of the PDF.
Has no external dependencies, keeping your bundle size manageable and integrations simple.

With a clean API, Vue coders can use pdf-lib to create or update complex annotations dynamically, storing them in the user’s browser or syncing them with a backend as needed. As of July 2025, pdf-lib has over 7,700 stars with 42 contributors on GitHub and an average weekly downloads count of over 1,480,000.

https://github.com/Hopding/pdf-lib

⚠️ The library has not been updated since Nov 2021 so use it with caution. There is a forked version but I'm unable to verify its current status.

sinatayebati/pdfjs-annotation

For devs who want a faster setup, sinatayebati/pdfjs-annotation offers a Vue-based annotation UI, tightly wrapped around Mozilla PDF.js. You get a ready-to-use PDF Viewer plus a complete set of annotation features built right in.

Key Features

Annotation tools includes shapes, highlights, free text and more
Designed to overlay on PDF.js within a Vue context, so your data stays reactive and easy to sync.
Annotation widgets and toolbars are part of the package, so you don't have to build them from scratch.

This wrapper takes a lot of guesswork out of document enhancement. You can enrich PDF files with highlights or notes and never leave the app’s single-page flow.

https://github.com/sinatayebati/pdfjs-annotation

That's right, Mozilla PDF.js

Did you know that PDF.js has started rolling out annotation editor back in v3.0.279 released in October 2022. Just for context, the most recent version of PDF.js is 5.3.93. Surprising there isn't a lot information on how to utilize annotation functions in PDF.js

Key Features

Highlight, underline, strikethrough text or areas for instant visual cues
Drop virtual notes anywhere in your PDF to collaborate easily
Add new shapes, images, or free text to enrich your PDF file

Knowing how to integrate and extend PDF.js can turn your app from a simple PDF viewer into a dynamic document experience that users will love.

Demo: https://mozilla.github.io/pdf.js/web/viewer.html

How Combining Libraries Boosts PDF Functionality

If a single library does not all of your use cases, you could consider combining libraries in your Vue project. Think of your PDF stack like LEGO blocks. You can mix libraries—one for fast viewing, one for deep annotation, another for e-signatures or forms—to create the setup your project actually needs.

For instance:

Start with vue-pdf-embed for light, fast viewing inside dashboards
Bring in pdf-lib if you want to annotate PDF or handle form data behind the scenes

This mix-and-match method keeps your app flexible. When a new requirement or feature comes along, you just swap or add another piece, rather than rebuilding from scratch. Combining open-source libraries helps you tailor the user experience and stay in control.

How to Choose the Right Library for Your Project

With so many open-source options available, making the right choice starts with focusing on what your users need and what works for your workflow. A good fit saves you time, keeps your app smooth, and lets your users read, search, and mark up documents without any distractions:

Vue Compatibility - Libraries based on Vue take advantage of hooks, props, and state for smooth integration. Generic JS tools may need more setup or “glue code.”
Know Your Use Cases - By mapping out your core requirements, you won’t get distracted by extra features you’ll never use. You’ll hone in on what matters.
Community and Documentation - A powerful library is only as good as its documentation and community. Scan GitHub stars and check for active issues.
Performance - Performance matters, especially for web apps that serve large or image-heavy documents. Explore if the libraries uses techniques like lazy loading or virtualization to keep things fast

Real-World Testing

Finally, never trust a demo alone. Pull in a few sample PDFs from your users with a quick prototype. Try different annotation workflows. Make sure font rendering, zoom, and navigation all work as expected. A little time spent testing now can save you endless fixes down the road.

If you liked this article, take a look at a library for Vue PDF, a modern PDF viewing solution built specifically for Vue 3 apps. It’s designed to drop smoothly into your Vue ecosystem, whether you’re using PrimeVue, Vuetify, or your own custom UI setup.

Vue PDF Viewer helps you build polished document experiences without starting from scratch. Features include:

Vue 3 Composition API support
Responsive UI with thumbnails, toolbars, and other tools such as highlights, zoom and search
Works with both local and remote files
Clean APIs and typed props for full developer control

Vue PDF Viewer is actively maintained and developer-focused. If you’re building serious document functionality in Vue, it’s worth a look 🙏