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Publishing PDFs to Your Theme

After linking a PDF to a resource, you need to add a Theme App Extension to your resource's corresponding theme template, so customers can see it. This only has to be done once per resource template (e.g., product, product.local, pages, page.contact, collection pages, etc.).

If you want template-wide PDFs without linking each product, use Manual URL blocks.

Two ways to publish​

1. Publish directly from the PDF details page (Recommended)​

The fastest way to add a Theme App Extension:

  1. Open the Publish section in the PDF details page
  2. If the Theme App Extension is not yet added to the theme template, you'll see a prompt to Publish
  3. Click Publish and choose the display style (Embedded Viewer or Button)
  4. A new tab or window opens to your theme editor with the extension already added
  5. Adjust the extension settings if needed, then click Save in the theme editor

2. Add a Theme App Extension manually via the theme editor​

For more control over extension placement:

  1. Go to Online Store > Themes
  2. Click Edit Theme on your active theme
  3. Navigate to a theme template of the page where you've linked a PDF (e.g., a product page)
  4. Click Add section or Add block (depends on your theme)
  5. Look for the two PDF Connect extensions in the Apps section
  6. Add either PDF Embedded Viewer or PDF Button
  7. Click Save

Or see Customize display options →

Alternative: Manual URL blocks (no linking)​

Use this when you want one or more PDFs shown on all products using a specific product template.

  1. Open a PDF in the app and open the Link/Add dropdown
  2. Choose Add PDF block to product template (manual URLs)
  3. Select a product template and manual block type
  4. Open theme editor and paste URLs directly in block settings
  5. Save the theme

Manual blocks are:

  • PDF Embedded Manual
  • PDF Button Manual

Learn more: Manual URL blocks guide →

Choose your display style​

Embedded Viewer - Shows the PDF directly on the page with full navigation controls

PDF Button - Shows a button that opens the PDF in a popup overlay

Embedded Manual / Button Manual - Same display styles, but URLs come from theme block settings instead of linked resources.

Try both to see which works best for your content and layout.

Verify the PDF appears​

After adding the Theme App Extension:

  1. Save your theme changes
  2. Visit the page where you linked the PDF
  3. The PDF should now be visible to customers

Troubleshooting​

If the PDF doesn't appear:

  • Check that the PDF status is Active in your library
  • Verify you added the Theme App Extension to the correct template
  • Confirm you're viewing a page where the PDF is actually linked
  • Wait a few seconds and refresh the page
  • Check that the extension visibility settings are enabled

Next steps​

You've completed the basics! Now you can: