Question 1

How to open a downloaded file with react-native-file-viewer?

Accepted Answer

First, download the file using a library like react-native-fs to save it locally with the correct extension. Then, use FileViewer.open() with the absolute path, as shown in the README's download example, to launch the native viewer.

Question 2

react-native-file-viewer or react-native-pdf for PDFs?

Accepted Answer

react-native-file-viewer opens PDFs in the device's default viewer, ideal for quick previews across file types. react-native-pdf provides an embedded PDF renderer within the app, better for controlled in-app viewing without switching applications.

Question 3

Why isn't my file opening on Android 11?

Accepted Answer

This is likely due to missing package visibility declarations. For Android 11+, you must add <queries> to your AndroidManifest.xml specifying intent actions for the file types, as detailed in the README's extra step for Android configuration.

Question 4

Can I use react-native-file-viewer with Expo managed workflow?

Accepted Answer

No, it requires native linking and is not compatible with Expo managed workflow. You need to eject to the bare workflow, which involves custom native code integration, as stated in the Expo section of the README.

Question 5

How to change the file viewer title on iOS?

Accepted Answer

Use the displayName option in the open() method. For example, FileViewer.open(path, {displayName: 'Custom Title'}) customizes the QuickLook title, as mentioned in the API options for iOS-specific behavior.

Question 6

How to handle file picking and preview in React Native?

Accepted Answer

Combine react-native-document-picker to select files and react-native-file-viewer to open them. After picking a file with DocumentPicker.pick(), pass the URI to FileViewer.open(), as illustrated in the usage examples for seamless integration.

react-native-file-viewer

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