How to Create a Link to a PDF: Free and Simple Method to Share Your Files

PDFs are supposed to be easy to share, but when a file is large, it can get tricky. A document with high-resolution images or lots of scanned pages can take up far more storage than expected, and sending it as an attachment isn’t always practical. Sharing a link gives others direct access to the document straight away. With the right app, you can create a PDF link for free from your phone and share it without worrying about file size.

Why Share a Link Instead of Sending Large Attachments

Sending a large PDF as an attachment isn’t the most convenient option for your recipient. They may be using mobile data, have limited storage, or just don’t want a large file taking up space on their device. A shared link gives them more control: they can open the document when they need it and download it if they want to keep a copy.

That makes knowing how to create a link to a PDF useful for everything from sending work documents to sharing files with friends.

How to Create a Link to PDF on iOS

1. Install the iScanner app if you don’t have it.
2. Open the file you want to share and tap the Share button in the top right. 
3. Next, tap Create Link. 
4. Tap the link in the box and it’ll be copied to your clipboard. 
5. Choose a messenger and paste the link. All done! 

How to Create a Link to PDF on Android

1. Install the iScanner app if you don’t have it.
2. Open the file you want to share and tap the Share button in the top right. 
3. Next, tap Create Link. 
4. Tap the link in the box and it’ll be copied to your clipboard. 
5. Choose a messenger and paste the link. All done! 

What Can Your Recipients Do with the File

On the receiving side, the flow will depend on whether the person has the iScanner app on their device or not. 

• If they do, the file will be imported to the app where they can edit, add comments and pages, sign, etc.—do all iScanner stuff. 
• If they don’t have the iScanner app installed, the link will open in their browser and take them to the web version of the app where they can download the file or print it. 

Share Without Limits

Why learn how to share a PDF as a link? File sharing via a link has several major benefits: 

• You can share the generated link with an unlimited number of users in any messenger—a much quicker and easier way compared to email attachments. If you have several related documents, you can merge PDFs into one file before creating a shareable link, so recipients only need to open one document.
• You’re not limited to PDFs—share any file format as a link from the app (works for ZIP files as well). 
• Workaround the limitations various platforms have regarding the size of the files you can share—links are accepted by all. 
• Your recipients can download or print the file regardless of the platform they use or whether they have the app installed or not. 

However, they will have way more options than download and print if they install iScanner—share a referral link with them and get yourself free premium access.

Brand and Protect Your Documents Before Sharing a PDF as a Link

Whether you’re sending an offer or sharing a piece of your content with a prospect, you could definitely make use of watermarks. It’s a super easy and free tool to protect your content and raise brand awareness in one go—here’s a short guide on how to make a watermark in the app. It doesn’t cost you anything, can be done in a few taps, and might save you loads of trouble.  

Erase and Rewind Cause I’ve Been Changing My Mind…

Have you changed your mind after sharing a PDF as a link with somebody? No worries, It happens to everyone! You can take the access away just as easily as you gave it to them. 

First, open the file in question and tap the Share button. You will see this switcher underneath the thumbnail that reads Link access—simply tap on it, and the file will no longer be accessible via the link you shared. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that if they download it before you disable the access, they’ll still have a copy.