Upload a PDF and share it as a browser link
Upload a PDF and get a browser-ready HTTPS link with full-screen native viewing, a fixed project URL, optional password access, and no server setup.
Answer First
PreviewShip publishes a single .pdf file as a shareable HTTPS project URL. Upload report.pdf from the no-signup try page, console, CLI, MCP, VS Code, or Cursor. Opening the project root immediately navigates to the hosted PDF path and its full-screen browser-native reader. Zoom, search, print, and download controls depend on the visitor’s browser. PreviewShip hosts and shares the original file; it does not edit, convert, annotate, comment on, or electronically sign PDFs.
Deploy build artifacts, not source-code zips.
If you upload a zip, build the project first and zip the static output folder such as dist, build, out, or public with index.html and assets. Do not zip raw React/Vue/Next source folders with package.json and node_modules. Single .html, .md/.markdown, and .pdf files are supported directly by console upload, CLI, MCP, and the VS Code/Cursor extension.
Key takeaways
Recommended workflow
Open the PreviewShip try page or sign in to the console.
Upload one valid .pdf file, such as report.pdf. Guest uploads can be up to 5 MB; account limits depend on the plan.
Wait for deployment, then open the returned project URL, confirm it navigates to the hosted .pdf path, and verify the document in the full-screen reader.
Share the URL, or sign in to claim a guest project and manage the fixed link, access mode, and later versions.
Comparison snapshot
When a hosted PDF link is useful
A browser link is easier to open across devices than repeatedly sending a document attachment. It fits reports, proposals, portfolios, menus, handbooks, release notes, and review documents that are already finished as PDF.
Because the project URL stays fixed, a later deployment can update what the link serves without forcing reviewers to find a new message or attachment.
What full-screen native reading means
PreviewShip creates a minimal redirect entry. Opening the fixed project root immediately changes the address bar to the hosted .pdf path and lets the browser’s native PDF support fill the viewport. There is no PreviewShip document toolbar or badge layered over the file.
Browser capabilities differ. Common desktop browsers usually provide zoom, page navigation, search, print, and download controls, but PreviewShip does not guarantee that every browser or embedded webview exposes the same controls.
Supported input and important boundaries
Direct upload accepts one valid .pdf file. An uploaded archive can contain a single PDF or use index.pdf as its unambiguous entry document. Invalid PDF signatures and archives with multiple competing PDF files are rejected instead of publishing an unpredictable result.
PreviewShip is a publishing and sharing path, not a PDF editor, converter, annotation service, review-comment system, analytics suite, or e-signature product.
Publish sensitive documents deliberately
Guest and standard public links are accessible to anyone who has the URL. Review confidential information before uploading and use Pro password access when a project should not be publicly readable.
A password protects access to the fixed project URL, but it does not replace document-level rights management or a regulated document workflow.
FAQ
Can I upload a PDF directly without converting it to HTML?
Yes. Upload a valid .pdf file from the try page or console, or deploy it with CLI, MCP, VS Code, or Cursor. PreviewShip keeps the original document as PDF and creates a project entry that redirects the browser to it.
Do I need an account to share a PDF link?
No for the initial guest publish. The no-signup try page creates a public 24-hour link for files up to 5 MB. You can sign in or register to claim the same project URL when account limits allow.
Will the PDF URL stay the same after I upload a new version?
Yes when you redeploy to the same project. PreviewShip keeps a fixed project URL and updates the latest deployment behind it.
Can I password-protect a hosted PDF?
Yes on a Pro project. Public is the default access mode; Pro password access protects the fixed project URL before the PDF is served.
Can PreviewShip edit, annotate, convert, or sign my PDF?
No. PreviewShip hosts the original PDF behind a shareable browser URL. Editing, conversion, comments, annotations, e-signatures, and document analytics are outside this workflow.