About & Security
A simple overview of who is behind SecureViewPDF, what the tool does, and how your files are handled.
Why SecureViewPDF exists
SecureViewPDF was built for freelancers, agencies, and consultants who share high-value PDFs with clients – architectural layouts, interior design concepts, brand proposals, reports, and contracts – but don’t want to lose control once the file leaves their inbox.
The idea is simple: instead of attaching a raw PDF in email or WhatsApp, you upload it once to SecureViewPDF and share a secure view-only link. That link can be set to expire after a few days, and you can revoke access if payment is delayed or the project changes.
This is an independent project, not a big SaaS company. The focus is on solving a real, narrow problem well: give you more control over how your PDFs are viewed.
How your PDF is handled
1. Upload & encryption
When you upload a PDF on the homepage, the server:
- Receives the file over HTTPS (encrypted in transit).
- Encrypts the PDF bytes using a symmetric key before storing anything.
- Stores only the encrypted version of the file in the database, never the plain original.
2. What is stored in the database
For each secure link, the system stores a small record:
- An internal ID and a randomly generated token (used in the URL).
- The project name and original filename (for your reference in the UI).
- The encrypted PDF data (binary blob).
- Status: active, revoked, or expired.
- Created timestamp and expiry timestamp.
The original unencrypted PDF is not stored on disk in plain text.
3. Viewing a document
When someone opens your secure link:
- The app checks whether the link is still active and not expired.
- If allowed, the encrypted data is decrypted in memory and sent to the browser viewer.
- The viewer is configured without a normal “Download” button and printing is disabled by default.
No system can completely stop screenshots, but this flow makes casual downloading and saving harder for non-technical users.
4. Revoking & expiry
Every link can be:
- Revoked by pasting the link into the Revoke form on the homepage.
- Auto-expired once the timer (e.g., 1 day, 3 days, 7 days) reaches its end.
After revocation or expiry, the viewer will no longer serve the PDF for that token.
What SecureViewPDF is (and is not)
SecureViewPDF is:
- A way to share view-only links to PDFs instead of sending raw files.
- A small extra layer of friction before someone can copy or forward your work.
- A control panel for setting expiry and revoking access when needed.
SecureViewPDF is not:
- A replacement for legal contracts, NDAs, or payment terms.
- A 100% fool-proof DRM system that can stop all screenshots or advanced copying tools.
- A guarantee that a determined attacker can never extract content.
It is best used together with:
- Clear written agreements or contracts with your clients.
- Proper invoicing and payment workflows.
- Basic good practices (only share what is needed, watermark previews if required, etc.).
Roadmap & contact
This is an early beta version and actively evolving. Planned improvements include:
- Cleaner dashboards for managing multiple links.
- Better mobile experience for both freelancers and clients.
- Optional watermarks or subtle identification markers in PDFs.
- More transparent logs (when a link was opened and from where).
If you depend on this for your work and want to share ideas, edge cases, or concerns, you’re encouraged to send feedback using the form on the homepage. Feedback from real-world use is what drives the next features.