Head-to-head · October 2026
Custom Content Blocks vs PDF Embedder
PDF Embedder comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Custom Content Blocks.
Custom Content Blocks
The plugin adds several custom blocks for the WordPress editor Gutenberg
PDF Embedder
Upload PDF files and embed them directly into your site’s posts and pages, as simply as adding images. Each…
| Metric | Custom Content Blocks | PDF Embedder |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 10+ | 300K+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 69 | 43.8K |
| Download trend | +102.9% | -75.7% |
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Reviews | 1 | 526 |
| Health score | 30/100 | 85/100 |
| Last updated | 4 years ago | 2 months ago |
| Tested up to | WP 6.0.17 | WP 7.1.3 |
| Support resolved | — | 50% |
| Requires PHP | 5.6+ | 7.4+ |
| First released | Jul 2021 | Jan 2015 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
Custom Content BlocksPDF Embedder
Choose Custom Content Blocks if…
You care most about download trend.
- Small user base (10+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 3 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.0 (latest is 7.1)
Choose PDF Embedder if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
- Proven at scale on 300K+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.7/5 from 526 reviews
- Tested with the latest WordPress (7.1)
Both compete in: block
FAQ
Custom Content Blocks vs PDF Embedder: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 10, 2026
Which is better, Custom Content Blocks or PDF Embedder?
PDF Embedder comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Custom Content Blocks. Choose Custom Content Blocks if you care most about download trend. Choose PDF Embedder if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
Is Custom Content Blocks more popular than PDF Embedder?
PDF Embedder is the more popular of the two with 300K+ active installs, compared with 10+ for Custom Content Blocks.
Can I use Custom Content Blocks and PDF Embedder together?
Both plugins cover block, so most sites only need one. Running two plugins that do the same job can cause conflicts and slow your site down — pick the one that fits best and remove the other.
Are Custom Content Blocks and PDF Embedder free?
Yes. Both are free to download from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Either may also offer paid upgrades from its developer.
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