Updated June 12, 2026
Password protect a PDF link and set an expiry date
Add a password, an expiry date, or an email gate to a shared PDF link so only the right people open it, for as long as you choose.
Sometimes a public link is too open. CueSlate lets you keep the stable share URL while adding lightweight access controls: a password, an expiry date, or a visitor email gate.
Access controls you can add
Each control is optional and set per link, so you can keep most links open and lock down the sensitive ones.
- Password: visitors enter a password before the viewer loads; five wrong tries lock that IP for an hour.
- Expiry date: the link stops working after a date you choose, with a clear expired page.
- Email gate: ask for a visitor email before viewing, which also identifies them in your analytics.
How it stays simple
Passwords are stored as salted hashes, never in plain text. The owner can change or remove a password or expiry at any time without re-entering the old one, and downloads remain off by default.
- Change or clear the password and expiry anytime.
- Combine with download-off viewing for a cleaner handoff.
- Pair with email gating to know who opened the link.
What it is not
These are access controls, not full DRM. Hiding downloads and adding a password reduce casual sharing, but they do not stop screenshots or guarantee control after a file is downloaded. Use your own policy for legally sensitive documents.
Common questions
Can people open this PDF link without a CueSlate account?
Yes. Recipients can open the public share link in a browser without a CueSlate account. The owner manages PDF upload, replacement, and deletion from a private workspace.
What changes when I use CueSlate for Password protect a PDF link and set an expiry date?
Add a password, an expiry date, or an email gate to a shared PDF link so only the right people open it, for as long as you choose. The URL can stay the same while the owner uploads or replaces the PDF later, so already-sent emails and meeting notes do not need a corrected link.
Does turning off downloads fully protect the PDF?
Disabling downloads reduces direct download and unnecessary file handoff paths, and keeps browser viewing first. Documents that require screenshot or external copy controls should use separate access policies too.
Lock down a PDF link
Create a share link, then add a password or expiry when you need it.
Create a secure link