PDF Link Sharing Guide

Article

What Is PDF Link Sharing?

PDF link sharing gives your file a unique URL. Anyone with that link can open the PDF directly in their browser — no extra software needed. You control whether recipients can download, print, or only view online, and you can set view limits, expiration dates, and track who opens the file.

How It Works

3 Steps to Share

Upload Your PDF

Go to MaiPDF and select or drag your PDF file. Up to 100 MB supported.

MaiPDF upload page — choose a file to share online

Configure Security

Set passwords, view limits, expiration dates, and download restrictions.

Security settings — access limits, watermarks, expiration, and alerts

Copy Link & Share

Copy your unique link or QR code. Send via email, chat, or social media.

Generated secure link and QR code result

Features

What You Can Control

Online Preview

Recipients open PDFs instantly in the browser — no downloads needed.

Download Control

Allow view-only access or permit downloads — you decide per link.

Access Analytics

See who opened your document, when, and from where.

Expiration & Limits

Set deadlines and view count caps so links stop working automatically.

Password Protection

Require a password so only approved viewers can access your file.

Mobile Optimized

Clean reading experience on any phone or tablet.

Replace Without Re-sharing

Update the PDF behind the same link — no version confusion.

Revoke Anytime

Disable or delete a link and no one can access the file anymore.

Checklist

Before & After You Share

Before Sharing

Finalize the document — remove drafts and old pages.
Decide on access level: public, password-protected, or email-verified.
Set an expiration date for time-sensitive content.
Enable no-download / no-print for confidential files.
Add a watermark for high-value documents.

After Sharing

Check access records within 24 hours to confirm key recipients opened.
Follow up with contacts who viewed but haven't responded.
Tighten permissions if the link gets forwarded unexpectedly.
Use "replace file" to update content without changing the URL.
Disable old links once they're no longer needed.

Scenarios

Recommended Settings by Use Case

Use Case	Recommended Settings	Follow-up Action
Sales proposals	Password + 7-day expiry + watermark	Follow up based on open time
Investor updates	Email verification + no-download + revocable	Expire after board cycle ends
Training materials	QR code + view limits + allow print	Replace outdated versions via same link
Contract review	View-only + 48-hour expiry + access log	Confirm sign-off then disable link
Portfolio showcase	Public link + no expiry + analytics	Review engagement data weekly

Comparison

Link Sharing vs. Traditional Methods

Feature	PDF Link Sharing	Email Attachments	Cloud Storage
File Size	Up to 100 MB	Usually 25 MB max	Large files OK
Mobile Viewing	Optimized viewer	Download required	App dependent
Access Control	Full control	None	Basic permissions
View Analytics	Detailed tracking	No tracking	Limited
Expiration	Customizable	None	Basic
Setup	No registration	Email account	Account needed

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. MaiPDF lets you create PDF sharing links for free with no registration required.

Links don't expire by default, but you can set custom dates like 7 days, 30 days, or any timeframe you prefer.

You decide. Set view-only access or allow downloads, and add passwords or email verification if needed.

Yes. You can review view counts, access times, and approximate locations while respecting user privacy.

Disable or delete the link anytime. Once disabled, the link won't open anymore.

Share PDF Online Free

Complete guide to sharing PDFs securely.

Send PDF Online

Practical setup and security checklist.

Secure PDF Sharing

Full access control and tracking.

Replace PDF Without Changing Link

Update files, keep the same URL.

Practical guide

Link sharing checklist before you send

Match the link to the audience

Public brochures can use simple links; client proposals should use password or email verification; internal documents should use stricter controls.

Set an end condition

Use expiration dates or view limits so old PDF links do not stay active forever after a campaign, meeting, or review cycle ends.

Escalate when a link is not enough

If the recipient may download, forward, or archive the file, use MaiPDF App DRM to create a .maipdf version with stronger post-send control.

Updated MaiPDF protection path

Use Online Cloud Sharing for speed; use MaiPDF App DRM when screenshots, forwarding, or device access matter

SendPDFOnline pages now describe MaiPDF as a two-level product family: Online Cloud Sharing creates quick browser links and QR codes, while the MaiPDF App creates protected .maipdf packages for sensitive PDFs that need App DRM controls.

Fast cloud link

Upload a PDF, share a browser link or QR code, and keep read code / modify code management.

Protected .maipdf file

Package the PDF in the MaiPDF App with local encryption, license rules, expiry, open limits, and revoke control.

App-only protections

Use protected viewer, device binding, screenshot-aware controls, watermark trace, and license management where supported.

No web page can fully stop screenshots. MaiPDF App DRM is positioned as the stronger path: reduce casual copying, bind access to identity/devices, revoke licenses, and trace leaks with visible watermark information.

Need stronger control?

Create protected .maipdf documents with MaiPDF App DRM.

Open MaiPDF App DRM

Start Sharing PDFs with Links Today

Free. No sign-up required. Instant generation.

Create Sharing Link