Track when shared PDFs are opened in real time (with viewer identity and page‑level analytics)

Know exactly when a PDF is opened, who viewed it, and which pages got the most attention. Share your PDF through Send to add AI Chat, Suggested Questions, and deep analytics so readers get answers fast and you follow up with context.

When this is useful

Use Send for PDFs when you want decisive, high‑signal reviews without back‑and‑forth.

You share proposals, one‑pagers, decks exported to PDF, or contracts and need identity on opens
You want page‑level time analytics to see which sections matter
You update docs frequently and need a single durable link that never changes
You prefer guided self‑serve answers over long email threads

Step‑by‑step: track PDF opens with viewer identity and page time

Before you start: Install Send’s Chrome extension from Send.co or use the Send app directly. Either way, you’ll get one tracked link that displays your PDF alongside AI Chat.

1. Add your PDF to Send

Open Send → New Document → upload your PDF (or click the blue "Add to Send" button from supported sites). A Send tab opens with your PDF ready to share.
Benefit: You gain a single, trackable link managed by Send with reliable viewing and analytics.

2. Configure a viewer gate for identity

Turn on a gate to require name and email before viewing. Add phone if you want qualification. Optionally hide content until the gate is completed.
Benefit: You’ll know exactly who opened the PDF rather than guessing from anonymous views.

3. Add Suggested Questions to steer attention

Add 3–5 prompts that lead to decisions. Examples: What’s the price? What’s included? Implementation timeline? Next steps? Can I see case studies?
Benefit: Readers get instant answers via AI Chat, so reviews don’t stall on small questions.

Click Copy link and send it via email or chat. Tell recipients there’s AI chat inside for instant answers.
Benefit: One link forever. Replace or refine the PDF later without changing the URL.

5. Watch analytics and act

You’ll receive an email on view. In the Activity Feed, see who opened, where, on which device, total time viewed, which PDF pages got the most time, and what they asked the AI. Use this context to tailor your next call or follow‑up.

Why this is faster with Send

Send turns a static PDF into a guided, interactive experience that surfaces intent.

AI Chat answers questions immediately, reducing delays and repeat calls
Suggested Questions direct attention to pricing, scope, and next steps
Analytics show opens, viewer identity, location, device, total view time, and PDF page‑time so you can prioritize follow‑ups and show up prepared
Replace files under the same link to iterate quickly without version chaos

Troubleshooting & tips

A few small tweaks drive higher engagement and clearer signal.

No opens yet

Confirm you shared the Send link, not an email attachment or raw file. Mention AI chat for instant answers.

Low engagement on key sections

Tighten Suggested Questions toward decisions. Consider moving pricing and scope earlier in the PDF.

Known contacts, no form

Use a personalized link with a custom slug to identify the recipient without a gate.

Sensitive content

Disable downloading and printing. Keep the gate on, and replace the file under the same link as you update.

Multi‑version proposals

Keep one Send link and use Replace file so the URL never changes. Note that the link always stays current.

Integrations & automation (webhooks)

Pipe signals to your systems the moment they happen.

Trigger on document open or any link open
Send events to Clay, Zapier, or Make to create or update contacts, log activity, alert owners, or kick off sequences
Use identity from gates or personalized links to keep CRM data clean and actionable

Privacy and controls

Decide how viewers access your PDF and what they can do with it.

Require name, email, and optionally phone before viewing
Hide content until the gate is completed for maximum control
Disable downloading and printing for sensitive documents
Replace files without changing the link so you never resend URLs

FAQ

How does Send speed up reviews and decisions?

AI Chat and Suggested Questions let readers get answers instantly, on their own time. You see what they focused on and what they asked, so follow‑ups skip the basics and move straight to decisions.

Can I require name and email before viewing?

Yes. Turn on a viewer gate to require name and email, with optional phone. You can also hide content until completion.

Can I replace a PDF without changing the link?

Yes. Replace files under the same Send link to keep a single, durable URL—even as the document evolves.

What analytics do I get (and for PDFs specifically)?

You’ll see viewer identity from the gate or personalized link, plus location, device, and total time viewed. For PDFs, you also get page‑level time to see which sections drew the most attention.

Can I push view events into my CRM?

Yes. Use webhooks to fire on document open or any link open and send events to Clay, Zapier, or Make for CRM updates and alerts.

Ready to see who opens your PDFs and what they care about? Try Send.co today.

Track when shared PDFs are opened