Google Chrome for Android is on the verge of a significant enhancement, as it prepares to natively open PDF files without the need for third-party applications. This new capability is particularly timely, given the prevalence of PDF documents in our digital lives. Users will soon be able to search through PDFs and annotate them directly within the browser before saving them to Google Drive, streamlining the workflow for many.
Native PDF Support in Chrome
Historically, Android users have faced challenges due to the lack of a robust native PDF reader. While various apps have filled this gap, the introduction of Android’s native PDF reader has paved the way for better integration across applications. Files by Google was among the first to adopt this feature, and now, it appears that Google Chrome is following suit.
In February, Chrome expert Leopeva64 discovered a flag that allowed the browser to open PDFs “inline,” meaning users wouldn’t have to leave the app to view their documents. Initially, this feature was non-functional, but recent reports from X user Trischand indicate that it is now operational. Testing on a OnePlus Open running Android 14 confirmed that with the right flags activated, Chrome can seamlessly open PDF files downloaded from the web.
The current user interface for Chrome’s PDF viewer may be minimalistic, but it performs admirably. Users can easily navigate through lengthy documents, and the built-in search function allows for quick text retrieval, enhancing the overall experience.
Annotation capabilities further enrich this feature. By tapping a pencil icon, users can access a toolbar to annotate PDFs with pens or highlighters, adjusting color and width as needed. Annotations can be erased or locked for focused viewing, providing a versatile tool for those who frequently work with PDF documents.
Underpinning this functionality is the Jetpack PDF support library, which facilitates the integration of Android’s native PDF reader into applications like Google Chrome. While this support is bundled with Android 15, it is also accessible on older versions through Google Play System Updates, specifically for devices running Android 12, 13, or 14 with the appropriate SDK Extension level.
Currently, users must enable specific flags to access this feature. The “Open PDF Inline on Android” flag allows Chrome to open PDFs natively on Android 15, while the “Open PDF Inline on Android pre-V” flag extends this capability to devices running Android 12 or later. Presently, these flags are available in Chrome 132 or later, which is still in Beta.
As anticipation builds, it is likely that Google will eventually enable these flags by default in a future Chrome release. For those eager to explore this functionality sooner, users can navigate to chrome://flags in the address bar to toggle the settings manually, along with other recommended flags to enhance their browsing experience.
