Document viewer API usage in Java

I have following queries regarding Groupdocs -

  • Do I need only viewer solution if I want to control user's downloading/copying ?
  • Do I need to convert original documents in some form to use your product ?
  • Do I need to upload documents on your server in some specified format ? I would like to store the documents on my server.
  • Your original documents are not downloaded to user machines during view sessions. Instead, the viewer converts documents to web-compatible content and then renders it in user browsers just like a web-page. - For mobile apps, can this be made feasible if user downloads the file, it can be viewed only in our viewer not any where else.
Greetings Nishant,

Thanks for taking interest in GroupDocs APIs for Java and posting your concerns.
We'd like to apprise you that GroupDocs.Viewer for Java 3.x is a UI and framework agnostic API that can be integrated in any Java project.
Coming to your questions,
Do I need only viewer solution if I want to control user's downloading/copying ?
From controlling user's downloading, do you mean that allowing some users to download and resisting downloading for other users ?
If yes, you can resist or allow document downloading, basically it depends on how you implement business logic in your project. Secondly, please note that GroupDocs.Viewer for Java 3.x doesn't render/show original document as it is (in its actual format), instead of that it renders document in HTML or Image format. So, document rendered in viewer project is secure for sure, users cannot get/download original document until you allow them to download. They only see document rendered in HTML or Image format.
Do I need to convert original documents in some form to use your product ?
No, you don't need to convert original document in any format in order to utilize them in viewer. API takes any supported document in its original format and renders it (into HTML or Image).
Do I need to upload documents on your server in some specified format ? I would like to store the documents on my server.
As far as Next Generation GroupDocs.Viewer for Java is concerned, it allows user to render documents directly from your own server using custom data handlers.
For mobile apps, can this be made feasible if user downloads the file, it can be viewed only in our viewer not any where else.
Can you please elaborate this scenario a bit in details. You cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

Best wishes
  • You said API takes supported document and return HTML or image. Do I have to send the original document in API in post request ? Can you elaborate more on this and give me link of the sample API request ?

Hi Nishant,

Yes, API processes original document and then renders it in HTML or Image form. You will find following resources quite helpful:

Project

Source Code

Documentation

GroupDocs.Viewer for Java Showcase projects

GitHub Source Code

Wiki

GroupDocs.Viewer for Java UI-Less Example Project

GitHub Source Code

Wiki


More specifically if you explore developers guide, you will find articles to render document in HTML or Image.
Please go through these resources and share your experience.

Best wishes