PDF for Confluence FAQ

Updated
View as text
Open in Confluence
Open in ChatGPT Open in Claude

The questions below come from support conversations and from the edge cases in the product. Each answer links to the page with the detail.

#Can signed-out readers see an embedded PDF?

No. Readers who are not signed in see Sign in to view this PDF for an attachment, or PDF unavailable for a link, even on a public page. See this troubleshooting page.

#What is the largest PDF I can embed?

A PDF linked from a website can be up to 2.5 MB. An attached PDF has no Capable limit beyond your site's attachment size limit. See Embed a large PDF in Confluence.

No. Insert the PDF embed (Capable) macro first, then paste the link into PDF URL. See Embed a PDF from a URL in Confluence.

#Do I need an account, sign-in or API key?

No. Attachments are read with each reader's Confluence permissions, and public links through Capable's proxy. See No external account.

#Does the embed update when I upload a new version of the PDF?

Yes, for an attachment: upload a new version of the same attachment and the viewer shows it. A linked PDF shows whatever the website serves now.

#Can I embed a password-protected PDF?

No. The viewer shows This PDF is password protected. Remove the password, or attach an unprotected copy. See this troubleshooting page.

#Why are the layout, download and other options missing from the configuration?

They appear only once the macro has a PDF. Choose the file or paste the link first. See this troubleshooting page.

#Why will zoom not go past 200%?

Zoom runs from 20% to 200%. Use Fullscreen for a bigger view. See Zoom will not go beyond 200%, or below 20%.

#Does the PDF appear when I export the page to PDF or Word?

No. Confluence's export leaves a gap where the embed was. Attach the PDF as well if readers of the export need it. See this troubleshooting page.

#Does it work on a published Capable Site?

Yes. The document is copied into the site. Zoom, Slider page navigation and Download carry over; pop-out, fullscreen and selectable text do not. See Capable Sites export.

#Why do some readers see "You cannot view this PDF"?

They do not have Confluence permission to view the attachment. Check the page's restrictions. See this troubleshooting page.

#Is the macro the same in the Capable Suite and the standalone app?

Yes, the macro and its settings are identical. The Suite also lets an administrator approve PDF websites under Egress domains. See Suite or standalone.

Short answers, with the detail one click away.