How to Track a PDF File

See who opened your PDF, when, and how often. Use built-in access records—no extra tools or sign-up.

Article

Why Track PDF Opens?

Knowing when and how often a link was opened helps you follow up on proposals, confirm that investors saw updates, and spot unexpected sharing. MaiPDF keeps access records tied to your Read Code and Modification Code so you can query history anytime.

Steps

Track in 3 Steps

Share PDF

Upload, get the link, and save your Read Code (and Modification Code if you use it).

Open Access Records

Go to the Access Records page from the main site or your link result.

Query history

Paste Read Code (and Modification Code). Review who opened and when.

Tips

Getting the most from tracking

Keep your Read Code and Modification Code safe; you need them to view access records.
Combine tracking with view limits and expiry so links don’t live forever.
Use the same link when you replace the PDF—tracking continues on the same codes.

Execution

Implementation Checklist

Before You Share

Lock the final file version and remove draft pages.
Choose an access policy: open, verified, or restricted viewers.
Set a clear expiry window for time-sensitive documents.
Decide if download/print should be disabled for this audience.

After You Share

Check access records in the first 24 hours to confirm engagement.
Follow up when a key recipient has viewed the file multiple times.
Revoke or tighten access immediately if the link is forwarded.
Replace the file on the same link to avoid version drift.

Playbook

Recommended Settings by Scenario

Scenario	Recommended controls	Follow-up action
Sales proposal	Password + 7-day expiry + watermark	Review open timeline before pricing follow-up
Investor update	Verified viewer + no-download + revoke switch	Disable access after board cycle ends
Training materials	QR sharing + view limits + printable allowed	Track completion and refresh old versions

FAQ

Quick answers

Yes. Use Access Records with your Read Code and Modification Code to review opens.

No. You can replace the PDF without changing the link.

Tracking is built in. After you share a link, open the Access Records page and enter your codes to see open history.

Controlling PDF Access

Who can view and how.

Replace PDF Without Changing Link

Same URL, new file.

Revoke PDF Access & Set Expiry

Expiry and revoke.

Secure PDF Sharing Guide

Full control and tracking.

Ready to track your PDFs?

Free. No sign-up required.

Start Tracking