OWL Document Viewer

The Document Viewer allows users to view documents uploaded to OWL and preview supported files before uploading them to a record. This provides a convenient way to verify file contents and access documents directly within OWL without requiring users to download files or open them in external applications.

File visibility is controlled based on record type and user permissions, ensuring that users can access only the documents they are authorized to view across the application.

The Document Viewer is part of OWLdocs and is available wherever uploaded files are displayed in OWL — including case dossiers, subject dossiers, OWLdocs file management, and search results.

Previously, viewing a document required downloading it to your local machine. The Document Viewer now lets you open and read files directly in the browser, keeping your workflow within OWL.

Where You Can View Documents

The Document Viewer can be accessed from any location where OWLdocs files are displayed:

Dossiers

Case Dossier
Subject Dossier
Form Dossier
Tips Dossier
Task Dossier

OWLdocs

Case Folders
Subject Folders
Orphan Records
Direct Uploads
Custom Folders

View an Uploaded Document

Navigate to the dossier or OWLdocs location that contains the file.
Locate the document you want to view.
Hover over the file.
Select Preview.

The supported file opens in the Document Viewer.

Preview a File Before Uploading

You can preview supported files before associating them with a record. This helps you verify the file contents and confirm that you selected the correct document.

Steps:

In any OWL area that allows file uploads, browse and select the file you want to upload.
In the file’s Action menu, select the Preview option (eye icon). The selected document opens in the Document Viewer.
Review the document, then continue with the upload if it is the correct file.

Supported File Formats

OWL supports the following file types for inline viewing:

File Type	Extensions	Viewer Behavior
PDF	`.pdf`	Full inline viewing with page navigation, zoom, and scroll.
Images	`.jpg`, `.jpeg`, `.png`, `.gif`, `.bmp`, `.tiff`	Displayed inline with zoom and pan controls.
Microsoft Word	`.doc`, `.docx`	Rendered for inline viewing.
Microsoft Excel	`.xls`, `.xlsx`	Rendered for inline viewing.
Microsoft PowerPoint	`.ppt`, `.pptx`	Rendered for inline viewing.
Text Files	`.txt`, `.csv`	Displayed as plain text with scroll.
Audio and Video	`.mp3`, `.wav`, `.mp4`, `.avi`	Playback controls are available for supported media files.

If a file type cannot be viewed inline, download the file and open it using an appropriate application on your device.

Common Use Cases

Claims review: Preview incident reports, photographs, and supporting evidence before associating them with a claim-related record.
Case and policy management: Review case-related documents directly in OWL without opening an external application.
Evidence review: Access authorized documents associated with cases, subjects, forms, tips, tasks, and other records.
Investigation support: Verify a file’s contents before uploading or associating it with the appropriate record.