I’m working on a commercial web app and I want to add a feature that lets users preview files like PDFs and Word docs. I was thinking about using the Google Docs Viewer (docs.google.com/viewer or docs.google.com/gview) for this.
But I’m not sure if that’s allowed for a paid app. Does anyone know if there are any rules against using it for commercial purposes? Or maybe Google has a different tool we could use instead?
I’d really appreciate any info on this. Thanks in advance for your help!
I’ve actually been down this road before with a project I worked on. Using Google Docs Viewer in a paid app is risky business. While it might work initially, you could run into issues down the line.
From my experience, it’s better to look into more robust solutions for commercial use. I ended up using PDF.js for PDF files and a custom solution for other document types. It took more work upfront, but it gave us full control and peace of mind.
If you’re set on using Google services, definitely check out the Google Drive API. It’s designed for commercial use and offers more stability. Just keep in mind you might need to handle user authentication and manage API quotas.
Whatever route you choose, make sure to thoroughly read through the terms of service. It’ll save you headaches later on. Good luck with your project!
I’ve been in your shoes before, and I can say from experience that using Google Docs Viewer for a commercial app is not the best idea. While it might seem like a quick fix, it could lead to problems down the line.
Instead, I’d recommend looking into more robust solutions that are specifically designed for commercial use. The Google Drive API is a solid option if you want to stick with Google services. It gives you more control and is meant for business applications.
Alternatively, you might want to consider implementing your own viewer using libraries like PDF.js for PDFs and other specialized tools for different file types. It’s more work upfront, but it gives you full control and avoids any potential legal issues.
Whatever you choose, make sure to thoroughly read the terms of service. It’s crucial for protecting your business in the long run. Good luck with your project!
i wouldnt risk it for a paid app, tbh. Google’s terms are kinda vague and they could change anytime. maybe look into using the Google Drive API instead? it’s meant for commercial stuff and gives you more control. or there’s other file viewer options out there that might work better for ur app.