kkFileView Practical Guide - Simplifying File Previews
If you're looking for a solution that allows users to view various files directly in the browser, this article might help you.
The kkFileView open-source project essentially solves the annoying problem of "users having to download files to view them."
What is kkFileView?
Simply put, kkFileView is a file preview service. You give it a file link, and it displays the file on a webpage without requiring a download. Think of the experience of clicking a document in WeChat and previewing it directly – it's just like that.
Supports a dazzling array of file formats:
- Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint in various versions
- PDF, Images, Videos, Audio
- Compressed files: zip, rar
- Domestic software: WPS series
- It can even preview Xmind and CAD drawings
https://appstore.lazycat.cloud/#/shop/detail/io.zeroc.app.kkfileview
How to Use
After the application is installed, the main page opens.
Supports online URLs and file uploads. The file URL must be publicly accessible.
Let's try an MD document: https://github.com/xiaolai/everyones-guide-for-starting-up-on-wechat-network/blob/master/README.md
You can see the result.
However, it doesn't work 100% of the time. For example, this PDF: https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/pdfFile/2023_PDF.pdf
An error is reported during preview.
After uploading the file and clicking preview, it works and the effect is the same as opening the PDF.
Let's try a video: https://jvod.300hu.com/vod/product/1961809430/21852/2ae734d803e94bf8958c75ec12d4141c.mp4?source=1&h265=1088_3000_1_6f89fd294_f.mp4
It can also be previewed normally.
It can be integrated into your own website or project to provide preview services.
Summary
kkFileView is a great file preview solution, especially suitable for:
- Projects that need to implement file preview functionality quickly
- Scenarios where you don't want to rely on third-party services
Although it's not perfect (for example, handling large files can be a bit slow), it's sufficient for most use cases.