Updated June 12, 2026
Share a PDF without download buttons
Share a PDF in a browser viewer with downloads off by default, so recipients can read page by page before any file handoff.
Sometimes a PDF should be easy to read but not casually downloaded. CueSlate can show the PDF through a viewer-only path and keep download controls off unless the owner enables them.
What CueSlate reduces
When downloads are disabled, CueSlate does not expose download buttons, print buttons, or a public original-PDF URL in the viewer. Recipients read the document one page at a time in the browser.
- Download controls are off by default.
- The viewer focuses on page-by-page reading.
- The owner can manage download behavior per share link.
Important limitation
This is not digital rights management. CueSlate cannot prevent screenshots, screen recording, browser extensions, or every possible copy path. It reduces direct-open and casual download flows, but it should not be treated as complete content protection.
When to use this mode
Use this approach for previews, proposals, internal reviews, and customer handoffs where a cleaner viewing flow matters. For legally sensitive content, pair the link with your own access policy and operational controls.
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 Share a PDF without download buttons?
Share a PDF in a browser viewer with downloads off by default, so recipients can read page by page before any file handoff. 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.
Share a cleaner PDF viewer
Create a link that opens in the browser with downloads disabled by default.
Create viewer link