How can I display a PDF for learners (or slides or a document)

The PDF element allows explorers to view a PDF of a document online. This might be a PDF of:

Power Point slides
A Word document
A complex flow chart
A brochure
A form or document used in your organisation

The PDF element is a 'viewer', so the PDF will be visible on the screen for the explorers to examine. This is different from the Download element which provides the explorers with a file to actually download - which may also be a PDF (but the Download element could also share an Excel spreadsheet or Adobe Photoshop file).

The PDF element is, therefore, used when you want to the learner to actually view the PDF onscreen.

Expand the sections below to learn more.

Steps to add the PDF element to a course

Add the element to your topic or article by selecting the 'PDF' option from the Content box, then follow these steps:

Click to select your pdf file in the first area of the PDF element. The PDF element allows you to upload a PDF file up to 100MB in size.
Manage your PDF settings, as preferred
Click 'Save'

Video demonstration

The video below shows how you can add PDFs to your topic or article. Please note, certain aspects of the UI may have changed since the video was recorded.

Settings and options

The PDF element has 2 optional settings available, you can enable both or just one depending on your preferences. Below are the two optional settings:

Download setting - Creators can optionally allow explorers to download the PDF

Print setting - Creators can optionally allow explorers to print the PDF

How the PDF element works for explorers

When an explorer views a PDF, it will use the PDF viewer which is lightweight and works with any modern browser. Learners can:

Zoom (making this a great option for complex charts or images)
Page through the PDF
View and navigate through all pages (double-page, continuous, rotate pages)
Search the PDF for keywords
Open the PDF in full screen
Print the PDF
Download the PDF