How to cloak a link to a PDF file on Google Drive

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PDF files are not designed to be tracked. However, shortening PDF links allows you to monitor file clicks, views and downloads, which is invaluable in marketing and sales.

And with link cloaking you can mask the URL in order to protect the PDF file's original address.

How to upload a PDF file on Google Drive

1. Access Google Drive from your personal Google account or from your business Google Workspace account.

2. In the left panel click on My Drive:

   

3. Click on + New to display the menu:

   

4. Click on File upload and select a PDF file from your device.

5. After the successful upload click on to display the additional options:

   

6. Click on Share->Share.

7. In the Share dialog click on the arrow under General access and select Anyone with the link:

   

8. In the next screen click on Copy link and then on Done:

   

   The link is now copied and can be shortened and cloaked with Short.io.

For more information on the different types of Google Drive file sharing options please visit the following help page.

How to cloak a Google Drive PDF link

1. Sign in to your Short.io account.

2. Click on Branded links and select the domain which you want to use for link shortening/cloaking:

   

3. Add the copied Google Drive link of your PDF file in the Paste URL here field.

4. In the next screen enter a name for your short link and click on Save:

   

5. Click on Close.

6. Click on the pencil icon next to your shortened link:

   

7. In the Basic link editing panel replace the last part of the Original URL:

   view?usp=drive_link

   

   with preview:

   

8. Click on Save.

9. Click on Link cloaking and set Cloaking enabled:

   

10. Click on Save.

11. Copy the cloaked link and paste it in your browser:

    

    Result:

    

Enjoy PDF link cloaking with Short.io.