How to Display PDF File in JSP? A Step-by-Step Guide (2023)

Have you ever wondered how to display a PDF file in a JSP (JavaServer Pages) web page? Well, you’re in luck because we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of displaying a PDF file right within a JSP page, so you can provide a seamless and convenient experience for your users.

If you’re new to JSP, don’t worry – we’ll start with a brief explanation of how JSP pages work and how you can connect them to a database. Then, we’ll dive into the specifics of displaying a PDF file in a JSP page, step by step. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effortlessly showcase PDF files in your JSP web applications.

So, let’s get started and make your JSP pages come to life with embedded PDF files!

How to display PDF file in jsp?

How to Easily Embed PDF Files in Your JSP Page

If you’ve ever tried to display a PDF file in a JSP web page, you may have found yourself wondering, “Why is this so difficult?” But fear not, my fellow web developers! In this section, I’ll show you a simple and hassle-free way to embed those pesky PDF files into your JSP pages. So sit back, relax, and prepare to conquer the PDF display mountain!

PDF Display Solution: A Sneak Peek into the Magic Hat

So, you want to display a PDF file in your JSP page? Well, you’ll need a little trick up your sleeve – and by trick, I mean a handy Java library known as the Apache PDFBox! This library lets you perform all sorts of sorcery on PDF files, including embedding them directly into your JSP pages. Exciting, right?

Let’s Get Technical: How to Work the Magic

Step 1: First things first, make sure you have the Apache PDFBox library added to your project. You can easily do this by adding the necessary dependency to your pom.xml file if you’re using Maven. If not, you can manually download the JAR file from the Apache PDFBox website and include it in your project.

Step 2: Now it’s time to write some code. In your JSP file, create a scriptlet to import the required classes from the Apache PDFBox library. Then, declare a PDDocument object and load your PDF file using the load() method.

html
<%–
Oooh, look at this fancy code!
–%>

<%@ page import=”org.apache.pdfbox.pdmodel.PDDocument” %>

<%–
Time to get those PDFs!
–%>

<%
PDDocument document = PDDocument.load(“your-pdf-file.pdf”);
%>

Step 3: Now that you’ve loaded the PDF file, it’s time to work some more magic. Use the getNumberOfPages() method to get the total number of pages in the PDF document. You can then loop through each page and extract its content to display it on your JSP page.

html
<%–
Look at me go, extracting PDF pages like a pro!
–%>

<%
for (int i = 0; i < document.getNumberOfPages(); i++) {
// Extract page content and display it as desired
}
%>

Step 4: Last but definitely not least, don’t forget to wrap up your code with a neat little bow. After you’re done displaying the PDF content, make sure to close the PDDocument using the close() method to free up resources.

html
<%–
Sigh All good things must come to an end.
–%>

<%
document.close();
%>

Wrapping It Up: Celebrating Your Newfound PDF Display Powers

Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to display PDF files in your JSP pages without breaking a sweat. With the help of the Apache PDFBox library, you can now mesmerize your users with beautifully embedded PDF content. So go forth, my fellow developer, and conquer the world – one PDF display at a time!

That concludes our exploration of displaying PDF files in JSP using the magnificent Apache PDFBox library. Now it’s your turn to wave your wand and try it out for yourself. Have fun coding and remember to always keep your PDF display game strong!

How to display PDF file in jsp?

FAQ: How to Display a PDF File in JSP


How to display a PDF file in JSP

To display a PDF file in JSP, you can follow these simple steps:

  1. Ensure you have the PDF file ready: Make sure you have the PDF file you want to display in your JSP page. It could be a document, a report, or even a collection of your favorite cat memes.

  2. Import the necessary libraries: You’ll need to import the appropriate libraries to work with PDF files. Think of them as the secret sauce that enables the magic to happen. Remember, no sauce, no magic!

  3. Create a JSP page: Fire up your favorite text editor (or IDE) and create a JSP page where you want to display the PDF. Feel free to give your page a catchy name like “pdfDisplay.jsp” or “showMeThePDF.jsp”. Just don’t call it “BoringPage.jsp”, we don’t want to discourage our readers, do we?

  4. Add the PDF display code: This is the moment of truth! In your JSP page, write the necessary code to display the PDF file. It’s like unveiling the artwork in a fancy gallery, but without the snooty art critics. Make sure your code is elegant and charming, just like a tuxedo-wearing penguin.

  5. Test and debug: Run your JSP page and check if the PDF file is properly displayed. If not, it’s time to put on your detective hat and start debugging. Look for the culprit, the bug that’s messing up your PDF display. It’s like playing hide-and-seek with code gremlins. But remember, debugging is just a fancy word for “finding creative solutions with a touch of magic”.

Voila! You have successfully displayed a PDF file in JSP! Pat yourself on the back, you tech-savvy superstar!

How does a JSP page work

Now that you know how to display a PDF file in JSP, let’s take a quick trip into the mystical world of JSP pages. Imagine JSP pages as the wizards of the web. They combine the power of Java and the simplicity of HTML to create dynamic web content.

When a client requests a JSP page, like a curious traveler seeking answers, the JSP page comes to life. It’s like a mini-magician that casts spells to generate dynamic content. The Java code in the JSP page is executed on the server, fetching data from databases, performing calculations, and generating HTML or other dynamic content.

Once the magic is complete, the JSP page hands over the generated content to the client’s web browser. The client, in awe of the wizardry, marvels at the beautifully rendered web page. It’s like witnessing a breathtaking fireworks display of code and creativity coming together.

So, the next time you see a JSP page, remember the powerful sorcery happening behind the scenes. Treat it with respect, like a mythical creature capable of turning boring web pages into captivating experiences.

How do we connect a JSP file to the database

Ah, the age-old question of connecting a JSP file to a database, as if they are star-crossed lovers yearning to be united. Fear not, for we shall play the role of Matchmaker Extraordinaire!

To connect a JSP file to a database, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Choose your database: Select the database of your dreams, be it glorious MySQL, charismatic PostgreSQL, or even adventurous MongoDB. Compatibility is essential for a lasting relationship. You wouldn’t want your JSP file and database to argue like an old married couple, would you?

  2. Prepare your database credentials: Just like sharing your phone number on a dating website, you need to provide your JSP file with the necessary database credentials. These include the database URL, username, and password. Don’t worry, your secrets will be safe with your JSP file. It won’t share them with any prying eyes. Pinky promise!

  3. Import the database driver: Think of the database driver as the cupid’s arrow that bridges the gap between your JSP file and the database. You’ll need to import the appropriate database driver into your JSP code. It’s like introducing your JSP file to the database, hoping they hit it off!

  4. Establish the connection: It’s time to play Cupid! Use the database driver to establish a connection between your JSP file and the database. This connection allows your JSP file to query the database, fetch data, and perform other database-related tasks. It’s like a magical bond that lets them communicate, just like the language of love.

Once the connection is established, your JSP file and the database can work together harmoniously, creating beautiful web applications, and living happily ever after.

How do you display a PDF file

Ah, the art of displaying a PDF file! It’s like unveiling hidden treasure to a delighted audience. Here’s how you can showcase a PDF file to the world:

  1. Choose your battlefield: Decide where you want to display the PDF file. It could be on a web page, a mobile app, or even in a top-secret mission briefing. The world is your stage, so choose wisely!

  2. Prepare your PDF file: Make sure you have the PDF file ready. It’s like preparing a dish before serving it to hungry guests. Check if the PDF file is complete, well-formatted, and free from any sneaky errors. You don’t want your readers to stumble upon a typo and fall flat on their faces, do you?

  3. Choose your weapons: Select the appropriate tools to display the PDF file. You can use libraries, APIs, or even HTML5’s or

  4. Embed or link: Depending on your preference, you can either embed the PDF file directly into your web page or provide a link for users to open and view the PDF file. It’s like giving your readers options – do they want a front-row seat or a backstage pass?

  5. Test the display: Lastly, make sure to test how the PDF file is displayed. Open your web page, click the link, or gaze at the embedded file. Is everything in order? Can you hear the applause of your satisfied readers? If so, congratulations! You have successfully displayed a PDF file like a true web magician.

And there you have it, the art of displaying a PDF file in all its glory! Whether you’re showcasing important documents or sharing your epic fantasy novel, this knowledge will make you the master of PDF displays in no time.


Congratulations, you’ve successfully displayed a comprehensive FAQ-style subsection on how to display a PDF file in JSP. Remember, understanding the magic behind JSP pages, connecting them to databases, and displaying PDF files can make you a true web wizard. So go forth, share your knowledge, and let the sparks of creativity fly!

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