- Pages
- time spent on each one
- 10 MB
- maximum PDF size
- 100
- PDF files per user
- OTP
- one-time access code by email
Availability. HawkOpen is in a controlled launch. PDF tracking, proposals and e-signature only work once external file scanning is switched on; without it, the server does not accept files.
Attachment or link?
| PDF attachment | HawkOpen link | |
|---|---|---|
| See when the document is opened | No | Yes, each session separately |
| Time on pages | No | Yes, for every page, with the reader’s consent |
| Revoke access | No, the file is already with the recipient | Yes: expiry, open limit, access code |
| Watermark | Only if you add it yourself | Overlay in the document viewer (not saved in the file) |
How to send a tracked PDF
Add the PDF to HawkOpen
Files up to 10 MB. Before it is stored, the file goes through an external antivirus scan.
Set access rules
Expiry date, open limit and an optional access code sent by email.
Send the link
Paste the link into your email instead of attaching the file.
Read the history
You see opens, sessions and, if the reader agreed on the page, time spent on each page.
What we don’t measure
- We don’t know what happens to the document after it is downloaded, if you allow downloads.
- Time on a page is measured only after the reader agrees on the page; it is the time the page was visible in an active tab, not a guarantee that it was read.
- For proposals with acceptance, forwarding and confirmations, use proposal tracking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see if someone opened a PDF attachment?
Not if you send a regular attachment. Neither Gmail nor Outlook shows this. Send the PDF as a HawkOpen link instead, and you will see opens and, with the reader’s consent, time on pages.
Does the recipient need an account?
No. They open the link in their browser. If you set an access code, they receive it by email.
Which plan includes PDF tracking?
The Business plan. The feature works once external file scanning is switched on for the service.