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Chrome On Android Now Has A Native PDF Reader With Markup Tools

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Chrome On Android Now Has A Native PDF Reader With Markup Tools

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Google Pixel 8 on a bright yellow fabric with Google Chrome open

Summary

  • Google Chrome for Android now includes a native PDF reader, removing the need to open PDF files in separate third-party applications.
  • This native functionality, previously hidden behind experimental flags, is now rolling out by default to users.
  • The built-in PDF viewer supports basic markup tools like pens and highlighters but does not currently allow for digital signing of documents.

Google Chrome on Android has long relied on third-party readers to bear the brunt of opening and displaying PDFs, though that is no longer the case. Chrome is finally rolling out native support for reading PDFs directly within the browser.

For reference, previously, attempting to open a PDF directly from Chrome would prompt you with an “Open with” message, highlighting third-party applications like Google Drive to display the PDF for you. Now, Chrome simply opens the PDF without you having to exit the browser.

Google Chrome

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The functionality first went live back in December last year, albeit hidden behind the “Open PDF Inline on Android” and “Open PDF Inline on Android pre-V.” Now, the same native functionality is enabled by default, significantly streamlining your workflow, as highlighted by the folks over at Android Authority.

See also  Google Chrome 135 Brings An Edge-To-Edge Design On Android

Inline PDFs are working as intended for us on Android 15 and Android 16 beta. The same functionality should likely be live on devices running Android 12, 13, or 14.

Save a separate copy if you still want to use third-party readers

A GIF highlighting Chrome Android's native PDF reader.

As seen in the GIF above, the native functionality essentially opens the PDF in the same tab you were in, which could be a concern for users that want to cross-reference the PDF with the initial web page. Opening the PDF in a new tab does, however, offer a band-aid solution.

You can’t use the native PDF reader to digitally sign documents, but you can use markup tools. Currently, markup tools include a pen and a highlighter, both of which are customizable (color and thickness), paired with an eraser and undo/redo buttons. A copy of the PDF can also be saved via the ‘Save copy’ button on the top right, allowing you to open the PDF in a third-party reader, if desired.

The functionality is live for us on Google Chrome stable version 135.0.7049.101.

Screenshots of Chrome Android's native PDF reader and its markup tools.

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