---
title: "PDF: Links, Bookmarks, Passwords, and Downloads"
lang: en
canonical_url: https://www.peony.ink/docs/file-types/pdf
description: "How PDFs behave in a Peony data room: page navigation, clickable links, bookmarks, password-protected PDFs, and watermarked downloads."
---

PDFs are the most common files in a data room. They open in the browser, carry the dynamic watermark while viewed, and track time per page. PDF is also the best format when you allow downloads and need every copy traceable.

## Reading a PDF

- Move between pages with the **arrows** or type a number in the **page box**.
- **Zoom** in and out, or switch to **full screen**.
- **Links to websites** are clickable.

## Page Links and Bookmarks

A PDF's internal links (for example a table of contents that jumps to page 12) and its bookmarks are **kept in the file**:

- **In the viewer**, visitors move between pages with the page box and arrows.
- **In a downloaded copy**, internal links and bookmarks work as usual.

If your document depends on a clickable table of contents (a CIM or a board deck, say), upload the original PowerPoint alongside or instead of the PDF export. See [PowerPoint](https://www.peony.ink/docs/file-types/powerpoint).

## Password-Protected PDFs

**Remove the open password before uploading.** Peony already controls who opens the file (email verification, link passwords, NDA gates), so visitors shouldn't need a second password for the file itself. See [Which protections to turn on](https://www.peony.ink/docs/concepts/access-control-layers).

PDFs that only **restrict editing or printing** (no password to open) upload and display normally.

## Large PDFs

A PDF of 100 MB or more skips preparation in your browser when you upload it. It still uploads and opens, but its card has no generated thumbnail, and Peony may not know its page count. **Analytics** then reads *Page count unavailable. Only the pages this visitor viewed are shown.* To give the card an image, use **Set Thumbnail** in its menu.

## Downloading a PDF

When a group has **Download** permission and the **dynamic watermark** is on, every downloaded PDF has that visitor's watermark (for example their email and the time) **written onto each page**. Bookmarks and links stay in the file. The first download can take longer while Peony prepares that copy, and the button reads **Preparing...** See [Which files carry the watermark](https://www.peony.ink/docs/features/security/dynamic-watermarks#which-files-carry-the-watermark).

## Removing Sensitive Content

To black out names, numbers or clauses before sharing, use [Redact a PDF](https://www.peony.ink/docs/features/security/redaction). The redacted text is removed from the file, not just covered.

## Common Questions

#### Do table-of-contents links in my PDF work?

Web links are clickable in the viewer. To move between pages, use the page box and arrows. Links that jump to another page, and bookmarks, are kept in the file and work in the downloaded PDF. For a clickable table of contents in the viewer, upload the deck as `.pptx`.

#### Can I upload a password-protected PDF?

Remove the open password first. Peony controls who can open the file, so visitors shouldn't need a file password. PDFs that only restrict editing or printing display normally.

#### Are downloaded PDFs watermarked?

Yes, when the group has the dynamic watermark on. The visitor's watermark is written onto every page of the downloaded PDF.

#### I fixed a typo in the file. How do I replace it?

Open the file and use **Upload new version**. The file keeps its place and its link. See [Upload a new version](https://www.peony.ink/docs/getting-started/upload-a-new-version).

## Related

- [PowerPoint](https://www.peony.ink/docs/file-types/powerpoint)
- [Excel & spreadsheets](https://www.peony.ink/docs/file-types/excel-and-spreadsheets)
- [Redact a PDF](https://www.peony.ink/docs/features/security/redaction)
- [Dynamic watermarks](https://www.peony.ink/docs/features/security/dynamic-watermarks)

---

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