To turn a PDF into a URL, upload it to Pagelet, then copy the HTTPS link. The PDF opens in the recipient's browser, so you can send a URL instead of another attachment.
You can upload before signing up. Claim the PDF with a free account after uploading to keep it and manage it in your dashboard. You don't need Pro to keep a claimed document.
1. Prepare a PDF people can read
Use a descriptive filename, such as spring-menu.pdf or project-proposal-acme.pdf. Free hosting supports documents up to 5 MB each; Pro raises that limit to 50 MB.
Open the file on your phone before sharing. Small text on a page designed for print can be difficult to read on a screen. If the file is too large, export a smaller copy from your document editor. Our guide to reducing PDF size explains what to change.
2. Upload the PDF and copy its link
- Open free PDF hosting.
- Drop the PDF into the upload area or choose it with the file browser.
- Copy the publication link.
- Wait for the security checks to pass before sharing the public document.
The address uses your document's name where available, with a suffix if that name is already taken. Open the link to check the result. Browser settings determine whether a PDF is displayed or downloaded.
Want to see the format first? Open our sample café menu PDF. It is a fictional menu included with this guide.
3. Claim the PDF with a free account
After a guest upload, sign in with Google from the same browser to claim your document. A free account can keep up to 10 sites or PDFs in total, each up to 5 MB.
Your dashboard lets you copy the link, open its QR code, inspect view counts and delete the document. Pro adds custom domains, unlimited publications and a 50 MB limit per publication.
4. Share a link or print a QR code
Send the URL in a message, email or webpage. People don't need a Pagelet account to open an unprotected document.
For a printed flyer, table card or handout, get the QR code from the dashboard and test a printed copy with your phone before distributing it.
Each new PDF upload creates a separate publication and link. If you upload a revised menu or programme, update the links and QR codes that should point to that new version.
Choose the right document to share
- Restaurant menus: a phone-friendly PDF with a QR code for tables.
- Resumes and portfolios: a document you can link from an application or profile.
- Lecture notes: one clearly named PDF per topic or week.
- Event programmes: a schedule guests can open from an invitation.
- Project proposals: a link clients can open without an attachment.
- Spec sheets and manuals: versioned product documents for support.
Public links can be forwarded. For a document you own, password protection is available on Free and Pro. Enable it before distributing the link. Publication comes before protection is enabled, so don't use this flow for a file that must remain private from the moment of upload. View counts measure visits; they don't identify who read a document.