Embedding a PDF involves displaying the document directly within your webpage, so users can view it without downloading or opening a separate application. This is achieved using HTML elements like <iframe> or <embed>, which act as containers pulling in the PDF from its stored location. This differs from simply linking to the PDF file, which downloads it or opens it externally in the user's PDF viewer.

For example, universities often embed course syllabi or research papers directly onto course pages using <iframe src="syllabus.pdf">. Similarly, e-commerce sites frequently embed detailed product manuals or specification sheets within product pages to aid customer decisions. Third-party services like Google Docs Viewer also offer embeddable previews for PDFs stored elsewhere.

This enhances user experience by providing immediate access to content and maintaining brand consistency. Key limitations include potential loading performance impacts, varying browser support for advanced PDF features (requiring PDF.js libraries for full compatibility), and mobile responsiveness challenges. Always consider PDF file size and avoid embedding sensitive documents requiring secure logins via this method.