I am using Java Rest APIs to upload files in my project. Based on the configuration my files either goes into s3 bucket, google drive, one drive or even in local file system (in the same machine where my application is running). During download again I am making an ajax call which returns the file in response with Content Disposition header attachment; and browser downloads the file irrespective of its format. I want an option to view these files in the browser instead of downloading it directly. How can I do that ? (Especially formats like doc,xls etc)

I am using Java Rest APIs to upload files in my project. Based on the configuration my files either goes into s3 bucket, google drive, one drive or even in local file system (in the same machine where my application is running). During download again I am making an ajax call which returns the file in response with Content Disposition header attachment; and browser downloads the file irrespective of its format. I want an option to view these files in the browser instead of downloading it directly. How can I do that ? (Especially formats like doc,xls etc)

• javascript
• java
• jquery

• Try removing the Content-Disposition header, or set it to inline... – Usagi Miyamoto Commented Jul 26, 2017 at 11:23
• That way it works for pdf files, my main concern is to show other formats like doc or xls files – Jerry Commented Jul 26, 2017 at 11:26
• 1 If it is inline (that is the default) the browser downloads the file, and ask the OS to open it, unless special treatment is built into the browser for the file's MIME-type. (Like PDF.) So, as what happens with the downloaded file depends on the clients browser and OS settings, installed programs, etc... – Usagi Miyamoto Commented Jul 26, 2017 at 11:30
• Jerry, all browsers I'm using are simply unable to directly open files like doc. Browsers usually open html, css and many image files. They also tend to open plain text files of any kind without a hassle, because that's what html or css files are. Many modern browsers now also open pdf (either natively or through plugins). Proprietary, binary files like doc on the other hand? I don't think so. – domsson Commented Jul 26, 2017 at 11:51
• Is there some plugins which I can use for the same ? One suggestion I got was to use. products.office./en-IN/office-online/…. But for this to work I need to give public access to the file (I am saving files in s3 with private access) – Jerry Commented Jul 27, 2017 at 5:13

2 Answers 2

As far as I know, there are no client-side libraries exist that can open .doc, .docs, .xls in browser. There is a way to render render your files using browser is to use Google Documents' Viewer or Microsoft Office 365 viewer via an <iframe>. Using this inside an <iframe> you can open your file in side your browser but can not edit.

Google Documents' Viewer inside <iframe>

<iframe src="http://docs.google./gview?url=http://example./path/to/your/document.doc&embedded=true"></iframe>

Google Documents' Viewer clickable link <a>

<a href="http://docs.google./gview?url=http://example./path/to/your/document.doc&embedded=true">Open your doc file</a>

Microsoft Office 365 viewer <iframe>

<iframe src='https://view.officeapps.live./op/embed.aspx?src=http://example./path/to/your/document.doc' width='1366px' height='623px' frameborder='0'></iframe>

Browsers don't have any built-in way to view Word docs so unless the user has configured their browser to open it with some plugin (which 99% of the world hasn't done), the browser will prompt them to download the file.

However, if you only need to display the Word Document, but don't need to edit it, you can use Google Documents' Viewer via an to display a remotely hosted .doc/.docx.

<iframe src="http://docs.google./gview?url=http://url-of-the-file&embedded=true"></iframe>

you can generate temporary URL for your s3 documents by keeping them private.

if you are interested in giving users privilege to edit them online then you can go with any tool like onlyoffice