View-Only Document Links
Share documents securely with view-only access. Disable downloads, limit copying, and maintain control over your sensitive content while tracking engagement.
Complete Download Protection
DocBeacon enforces view-only sharing to keep files on the page. We strongly recommend turning off the Allow Download option for share links—this keeps recipients reading online and enables richer engagement tracking (opens, time on page, revisits). Turn off browser printing and limit common copy actions. For redistribution risk that browsers cannot fully block (e.g., screenshots), pair protection with dynamic watermarks and accountability features.
Disable downloads at the link level
Switch off Allow Download for a share link to keep content strictly view-only. Once disabled, downloads remain off for that link and cannot be turned back on. This reduces uncontrolled redistribution and improves on-page engagement tracking.
View-only reading experience
Recipients open the document in the browser without any export options. The embedded viewer intercepts typical saving flows so the original file stays protected. Clipboard usage for large selections is limited to reduce bulk copying of sensitive sections.
Printing disabled
Browser printing is disabled for view-only shares, preventing the print dialog from exporting the file to paper or PDF. While screenshots cannot be fully prevented by browsers, watermark overlays help deter misuse and provide attribution.
Layered protection with access controls
Strengthen view-only links with passcode gating and per-link expiration windows. Combined controls limit unauthorized forwarding and keep access time-bound for sensitive content.
Watermarks for accountability
Apply text or image overlays with viewer details and timestamps. Watermarks discourage screenshots and help attribute leaked visuals back to the source.
Audit trail and engagement analytics
Track opens, time on page, and repeat visits for every link. View-only enforcement keeps readers on the page, so you get better behavior data to inform follow-ups and internal reviews.
When You Need View-Only Protection
Confidential Business Documents
Share sensitive business plans, financial reports, and strategic documents while maintaining strict control.
- • Financial statements and projections
- • Strategic business plans
- • Confidential research reports
- • Internal company documents
Learn more: Document Analytics and Audit Trail.
Legal & Compliance
Protect legal documents, contracts, and compliance materials from unauthorized distribution.
- • Legal contracts and agreements
- • Compliance documentation
- • Regulatory filings
- • Intellectual property documents
Learn more: Audit Trail and Access Control.
Sales & Proposals
Share proposals and pricing information while preventing competitors from accessing your strategies.
- • Sales proposals and quotes
- • Pricing strategies
- • Product specifications
- • Competitive analysis
Learn more: Secure Document Sharing and Why Sales Proposals Get Ignored.
Investor Relations
Share pitch decks and investor materials with controlled access and detailed tracking.
- • Pitch decks and presentations
- • Due diligence materials
- • Financial models
- • Investor updates
Learn more: Pitch Deck Analytics and Document Tracking Software.
Learn more: Access Control, Watermark, and Disable Download.
How View-Only Links Work
Upload & Configure
Upload your document and enable view-only mode. Configure additional security settings like passwords, expiration, and watermarks.
Share Secure Link
Share the generated secure link with your recipients. They can view the document but cannot download the file; printing and copying are limited.
Track & Monitor
Monitor who accesses your document, when they view it, and how they engage with the content through detailed analytics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I disable downloads for a document?
Turn off Allow Download in share settings to enforce view-only access. Once disabled, downloads remain off for that link and cannot be re-enabled.
Can viewers still print or copy content?
Printing and copy attempts are limited under view-only mode. For screenshots, pair view-only sharing with watermark overlays to discourage redistribution.
Will disable-download affect engagement tracking?
No. Engagement analytics remain available and often improve because readers stay on the page. You can still see views, time, and per-section attention.
Can I combine view-only with access codes and expiration?
Yes. Add passcode gating and per-link expiration windows for layered protection. Watermarks further deter unauthorized redistribution.
How do I identify who viewed a view-only link?
Assign a contact to individual share links. Engagement is mapped to that identity, while public links provide aggregate analytics only.
Protect Your Documents Today
Create secure, view-only document links and maintain control over your sensitive content.