Browser rendering for limited hosting
If you are using a shared hosting service or are unable to set up a server to process PDF files with graphics (Imagick, Ghostscript, or pdftocairo), the standard Crypto PDF Viewer may not be suitable. For such cases, the Crypto PDF Viewer Browser Render addon was created – a solution that transfers PDF processing to the user’s browser. Crypto PDF Viewer Browser Render does not require a powerful server. It is an add-on to the main plugin that uses PDF.js and Canvas to convert pages into secure graphics directly in the browser.
Browser-side PDF rendering
Unlike the server-side approach, where the processing takes place on your hosting, the Browser Render addon delegates the work to the browser:
- Client-side processing: The PDF file is loaded into the author’s browser when the secure version is created. The server is not involved in rasterization – everything is done locally via JavaScript.
- Using PDF.js: The PDF.js library parses the document and converts pages into Canvas elements. This allows you to avoid dependence on server-side tools for processing graphics.
- Protection at the level of the main plugin: After rendering, pages are encrypted and stored in the same way as in standard mode. The original file is not transmitted to readers – only encrypted fragments.
- Interactive process: The author sees the progress of processing (rendering page by page), can pause and continue work. If the browser does not support Web Workers, the process will be sequential.
- Limitations: Not ideal for large files or bulk uploads – browser may be slow or have limited memory. Server mode is recommended for optimal performance.
Simple process for the author
The addon integrates without any additional settings:
- Automatic activation: After installing the addon, a new rendering option “Browser (PDF.js + Canvas)” appears in the main plugin settings.
- Downloading through the browser: When creating a secure document, a separate tab opens where processing takes place. Do not close the tab – the progress is saved automatically.
- Compatibility: Works with all the features of the main plugin – encryption, tokens, and access control.
Specifications.
- Compatibility: Requires Crypto PDF Viewer version 0.2.0+. WordPress 5.0+, a modern browser with support for Canvas and Web Workers.
- Dependencies: Uses PDF.js (included automatically). Does not require server extensions for PDF processing.
- Security: Inherits all security mechanisms from the main plugin. Data is processed locally in the author’s browser.
- Performance: Suitable for small files. For large documents, server rendering is recommended for speed.
License keys and updates
The addon has a separate license key from the main plugin. Upon purchase, you get a download link and a key with no expiration date. One-time payment, updates through the WordPress admin. The main Crypto PDF Viewer plugin is required to work.
