Top 10 Ways to Create a Link to a PDF
- CEO at DeckLinks, Speaker, Podcast Host
- Published on April 17, 2023
- Updated on August 29, 2024
Ever accidentally send the wrong PDF document and wish you could pull it back? Or struggled to sending massive PDF files? There’s nothing worse than clogging up inboxes and frustrating prospects and clients with a 100MB PDF document! Creating PDF links can solve that problem and make PDF sharing smooth and simple. In this article, I will walk you through the top 10 ways to create a link to a PDF document or presentation using platforms like DeckLinks, Google Drive, Dropbox, and WordPress, and discover many other ways to share PDFs with your colleagues or prospects, and clients.
How to Create a Link to a PDF?
To create a link to a PDF you can use one of the following platforms:
1. Create a Link to a PDF in DeckLinks.
DeckLinks simplifies the process of sharing and tracking PDFs. It is designed to help business professionals share PDF documents and presentations and gain actionable viewer insights. DeckLinks also offers a wide range of optional features to enhance your PDFs and make them more engaging for viewers.
Here’s how to create a link to a PDF using DeckLinks:
Step 1:
Upload PDF document or presentation to DeckLinks.
Sign up for a free DeckLinks account if you haven’t already. After logging in, click the “Create new deck” button and select the PDF document or presentation you want to share.
Step 2 (optional):
Enhance viewer experience.
DeckLinks has a suite of effective features that can help you save time and ensure your PDF links provide the best viewing experience to the viewers. Here are some of the features: video narrations, shareable folders, and branded PDF viewing portals with custom Call-to-Action buttons. Learn more about DeckLinks features.
Showcase your brand.
Create company profiles with custom banners and info-packages tailored to different industries.
Show your contact info easily accessible by your prospects and clients.
Add custom CTAs to drive prospects or clients to your calendar, sign up form, etc.
Collect feedback from prospects and clients. Feedback and reactions are not publicly visible.
Share any existing PDF presentations and documents.
Step 3:
Create a trackable PDF link.
Once you’ve uploaded your PDF, it’s time to create a url and to share it with your audience. Go to the “Links” tab and copy your PDF link.
With DeckLinks you can create unique trackable links which allow you to monitor viewer engagement with real-time analytics and keep track of who’s viewing your PDFs. You can track stats like time spent on each slide, click, completion rate, etc.
You can share your trackable PDF link like any other URL. You can share it via email, hyperlink it to a word or a sentence, or paste it into a chat, LinkedIn, or any other platform where you want to share a link for a PDF document.
As an added bonus, you can make any changes even after sharing your PDF link – the same URL will still work! And if circumstances change, simply disable access to your PDF link at any time for peace of mind.
PDF Documents Tracking
Identify the most engaged viewers and understand how they interact with your PDF presentations and documents. Learn more.
2. Create a Link to a PDF in Google Drive.
With Google Drive, you can store all of your files in the cloud and make them accessible via links so whether you’re sharing information with colleagues or accessing files from your phone, everything is within reach.
Here’s how to create a link to a PDF in Google Drive:
Step 1:
Upload PDF document or presentation to Google Drive.
Visit Google Drive and log in with your Google account. Click the “+ New” button and select “File upload.” Choose the PDF file from your computer and upload it.
Step 2:
Create a shareable link to PDF.
Right-click on the uploaded PDF file and select “Get link” from the context menu.
Step 3:
Adjust sharing settings.
By default, the shareable link may be set to “Restricted.” Click “Change to anyone with the link” to allow access to anyone who receives the shared link.
Step 4:
Copy PDF link.
Click “Copy link” to copy the shareable link to your clipboard.
Step 5:
Share PDF link.
Share PDF link with your recipients through email, chat, or social media.
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Written by Lidia Vijga
3. Create a Link to a PDF in Dropbox.
Dropbox is a cloud storage service not only keeps all your files organized in one place but also allows you to easily share them with others.
Here’s how to create a link to a PDF in Dropbox:
Step 1:
Upload PDF document or presentation to Dropbox.
Visit Dropbox and log in with your Dropbox account. You can also download and use the Dropbox app. Click the “Upload files” button and select the PDF file from your computer to upload it.
Step 2:
Create a shareable link to PDF.
Hover over the uploaded PDF document, click on the “Share” button, and then click “Create a link” at the bottom of the sharing options.
Step 3:
Copy PDF link.
Click “Copy link” to copy the shareable link to your clipboard.
Step 4:
Share PDF link.
Share PDF link with your recipients through email, chat, or social media.
4. Create a Link to a PDF in WeTransfer.
WeTransfer is a user-friendly file transfer service that makes it easy to share PDFs and other files quickly and securely.
Here’s how to share a PDF file using WeTransfer:
Step 1:
Upload PDF document or presentation to WeTransfer.
Visit the WeTransfer website and click the “Add your files” button. Select the PDF file from your computer and upload it.
Step 2:
Enter the recipient's email.
In the “Email to” field, enter the email address of the person you want to share the PDF with.
Step 3:
Add your email.
Enter your email address in the “Your email” field.
Step 4 (optional):
Add a message.
You can include a personal message in the “Message” field.
Step 5:
Send your PDF file.
Click “Transfer” to share the PDF. The recipient will receive an email with a link to download the PDF file.
FYI: If you’re using the free version of WeTransfer, be mindful of their 7-day storage limit. Any files shared using the free plan will get deleted after 7 days.
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Written by Lidia Vijga
5. Create a Link to a PDF in Box.com
Box.com is a versatile cloud storage platform that allows you to easily create and share links to PDF files and other documents.
Here’s how to create a link to a PDF in Box.com:
Step 1:
Upload PDF document or presentation to Box.com
Visit Box.com and log in with your Box account. Click the “Upload” button and select “File” from the dropdown menu. Choose the PDF file from your computer and upload it.
Step 2:
Create a shareable link to PDF.
Right-click on the uploaded PDF file and select “Share” from the context menu.
Step 3:
Adjust PDF link-sharing settings.
Set the desired access level for the link (“People with the link” or “People in your company”).
Step 4:
Copy PDF link.
Click “Copy” to copy the shareable link to your clipboard.
Step 5:
Share PDF link.
Share PDF link with your recipients through email, chat, LinkedIn, or other social media channels.
6. Create a Link to a PDF in OneDrive.
OneDrive offers a reliable solution for storing and sharing files (including PDF documents). As a cloud storage and file sharing service from Microsoft, OneDrive is a popular choice for creating and sharing PDFs and links with ease.
Here’s how to create a link to a PDF in OneDrive:
Step 1:
Upload PDF document or presentation to Onedrive.
Go to OneDrive and log in with your Microsoft account. Click the “Upload” button and select “Files” from the dropdown menu. Choose the PDF file from your computer and upload it.
Step 2:
Create a shareable link to PDF.
Right-click on the uploaded PDF file and select “Share” from the context menu.
Step 3:
Adjust PDF link-sharing settings.
Set the desired access level for the link (“Anyone with the link” or “People in your organization”).
Step 4:
Copy PDF link.
Click “Copy Link” to copy the shareable link to your clipboard.
Step 5:
Share PDF link.
Share PDF link with your recipients through email, chat, LinkedIn, or other social media channels.
RELATED POST
Written by Lidia Vijga
7. Create a Link to a PDF in iCloud.
For Apple users, iCloud is a convenient cloud storage solution for both creating links and sharing links to PDF files.
Here’s how to create a link to a PDF in iCloud:
Step 1:
Upload PDF document or presentation to iCloud.
Visit iCloud Drive and log in with your Apple ID. Click the “Upload” button (cloud icon with an upward arrow) and select the PDF file from your computer to upload it.
Step 2:
Create a shareable link to PDF.
Right-click on the uploaded PDF file and select “Share” > “Add People” from the context menu.
Step 3:
Adjust PDF link-sharing settings.
Set the desired access level for the link (e.g., “Anyone with the link” or “Only people you invite”).
Step 4:
Copy the PDF link.
Click “Copy Link” to copy the shareable link to your clipboard.
Step 5:
Share PDF link.
Share PDF link with your recipients through email, chat, or social media.
8. Create a Link to a PDF in Amazon Drive.
Amazon Drive is a secure and user-friendly cloud storage service that enables you to create and share links to your PDFs with ease.
FYI: If you’re a frequent user of Amazon services, keep in mind that Amazon will be shutting down Amazon Drive service on December 31, 2023 and their customers will no longer have access to their files and PDF documents through the Amazon Drive apps.
Here’s how to create a link to a PDF using Amazon Drive:
Step 1:
Upload PDF document or presentation to Amazon Drive.
Visit Amazon Cloud Drive and log in with your Amazon account. Click the “Add” button and select “Upload Files.” Choose the PDF file from your computer and upload it.
Step 2:
Create a shareable link to PDF.
Right-click on the uploaded PDF file and select “Share” from the drop-down menu.
Step 3:
Copy PDF link.
In the Share window, click “Copy” to copy the shareable document link to your clipboard.
Step 4:
Share PDF link.
Share PDF link with your recipients through email, chat, or social media.
RELATED POST
Written by Lidia Vijga
9. Create a Link to a PDF in WordPress.
If you’re a WordPress user, adding a PDF file to your post or sharing it via a link is pretty effortless. There won’t be any need for fancy HTML or CSS coding – just a few clicks and you’re done.
Here’s how to create a link to a PDF in WordPress:
Step 1:
Upload PDF document or presentation to WordPress.
Log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to “Media” and then click on the “Add New” button. Click “Select Files” and choose the PDF file from your computer to upload to WordPress.
Step 2:
Copy URL link to your PDF.
Once your PDF file is uploaded, click on the PDF file in your “Media Library”, and in the “Attachment Details” pop-up click on the “Copy URL to clipboard” button located in the right sidebar to get your PDF link.
Step 3:
Insert the PDF link in the WordPress web page OR share PDF link as is.
Navigate to the post or web page where you want to edit, add hyperlink and insert the link to the PDF. Highlight the text you want to add hyperlinks to link to the PDF and click the “Insert/edit link” button (chain icon) in the editor toolbar.
Alternatively, you can share PDF link that you copied in Step 2 as is.
Step 4:
Paste URL link to your PDF.
Paste the PDF document URL link you copied earlier into the “URL” field and click “Add Link.”
Step 5:
Publish or update WordPress web page.
Publish the post or web page if it’s a new one, or update it if you’re editing an existing post or web page.
10. Creating a Link to a PDF on a Web server.
If you have a website, you can upload a PDF file and create a link to it. This allows users to download the file directly from your site.
Here’s how to create a link to a PDF on a Web server:
Step 1:
Upload PDF document or presentation to a Web server.
Upload the PDF file to your web server using an FTP client of your web- hosting service using control panel (cPanel, Plesk, etc.). Place the file in a relevant directory (e.g., /pdfs/).
Step 2:
Copy URL link to your PDF.
In your web hosting control panel file directory right click on the PDF file icon and get the URL of the PDF file.
Step 3:
Share the URL link to the PDF file.
You can share PDF URL link just like any other link.
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Top Use Cases for Sharing PDFs via Links
Okay, let’s talk about some of the top use cases for creating links to PDF files. This is something I get really excited about because sharing PDFs via links can be such a game-changer when used effectively.
First up, one major use case is sharing PDF proposals, contracts or other PDF documents during sales processes. Many of us are trying to drive more revenue, right? Well, sending a shareable link for a PDF proposal or contract allows you to easily track engagement. You can see when prospects view it, how much time they spend on each page – incredibly valuable info. Versus just attaching a PDF blindly with no insight into if it even gets opened.
Another big one is sharing PDF guides, ebooks, or other gated PDF content for lead generation. You can embed those PDF links on landing pages or set them up for easy sharing on social media. Putting that direct PDF link to gated content right in front of your target audience boosts conversion rates like crazy.
Speaking of social media, creating links for your PDF newsletters or other PDF marketing collateral makes sharing that content a breeze. Just drop the link whenever you want to promote it on Twitter, LinkedIn, or wherever your ICP hangs out online. Way better than dealing with actual PDF attachments.
Those are some of the highest-leverage use cases, but there are so many others. Like sharing PDF media kits with journalists and publications. Sending PDF product guides or manuals to customers. Distributing PDF research reports or case studies. Heck, even sharing PDF ebooks, workbooks, or other PDF files for an online course.
The possibilities are endless once you start thinking about creating shareable PDF links. Especially trackable PDF links. It optimizes so many workflows and opens up new opportunities I didn’t even cover here. The key is treating PDFs more like web content than static files.
PDF Documents Tracking
Identify the most engaged viewers and understand how they interact with your PDF presentations and documents. Learn more.
Conclusion
Creating a link to a PDF is a straightforward process, no matter which platform you’re using. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily share your PDF files with others. Just remember to test your links to ensure they’re working correctly and providing the desired user experience.
Try DeckLinks if you want to provide the best PDF viewing experience to your clients. With its wide range of features, you can manage, share, and track PDF files with ease.
FAQs
What is a PDF link?
A PDF link is a hyperlink that directs users to a PDF document hosted online. It’s created using Google Drive, DeckLinks or other file sharing tools. Users can click the link to open the PDF in a new window or tab. PDF links are useful for sharing documents and providing easy access to specific docs or visual content.
How to create a PDF link in a Word document?
To create a PDF link in a Word document, highlight the text you want to link, right-click, and select “Hyperlink.” In the “Address” field, paste the URL of the PDF file. The text will become a clickable link, directing users to the PDF when clicked.
How to create a PDF link in a PowerPoint presentation?
To create a PDF link in a PowerPoint presentation, select the text or object you want to link, then click “Insert” and choose “Hyperlink.” In the “Address” field, paste the URL of the PDF file. The selected text or object will become a clickable link to the PDF.
How to create a PDF link in an Excel spreadsheet?
To create a PDF link in an Excel spreadsheet, select the cell where you want the link, click “Insert” and choose “Hyperlink.” In the “Address” field, paste the URL of the PDF file. The cell will now contain a clickable link to the PDF.
How to create a PDF link on a website?
To create a PDF link on a website, use the HTML anchor tag with the “href” attribute set to the PDF’s URL. For example: <a href=”https://example.com/file.pdf”>Download PDF</a>. This creates a clickable link that opens the PDF when clicked.
How to create a PDF link in a social media post?
You can create a PDF link in a social media post by pasting the URL of the PDF file directly into the post. Most social media platforms will automatically convert the URL into a clickable link, allowing users to access the PDF.
How to create a PDF link in a Google Doc?
To create a PDF link in a Google Doc, highlight the text you want to link, click “Insert” and choose “Link.” In the “Link” field, paste the URL of the PDF file. The text will become a clickable link, directing users to the PDF when clicked.
How to create a PDF link in Adobe Acrobat?
To create a PDF link in Adobe Acrobat, open the PDF file, click “Tools,” and select “Edit PDF.” Choose the “Link” tool, draw a rectangle around the text or object you want to link, and enter the URL of the PDF file. The selected area will become a clickable link to the PDF.
About the Author
Lidia Vijga is a seasoned professional with 10 years of first-hand experience in B2B sales and B2B marketing. She has a proven track record of driving growth for companies across various industries. Throughout her career, Lidia has led numerous successful sales campaigns and implemented innovative marketing strategies that have significantly increased revenue and reduced customer acquisition cost for her clients. Lidia regularly shares her insights and experiences on LinkedIn, webinars, and public speaking engagements. Lidia believes in the power of personal qualities such as kindness, empathy, and the willingness to understand others. She is committed to empowering client-facing teams with tools that enhance their talent instead of automating it, and she firmly believes that teams that show their human side grow companies much faster.
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