To password protect a shareable document link in Docutracker: create a share link, turn on Require password, set the password, then send the link and password in separate messages. This keeps the document accessible to the right people while you still get view analytics.
Before you start (30 seconds)
- You’ll need the document uploaded in Docutracker (PDF or converted-to-PDF).
- Decide if you also want email verification (identity) and an expiration date (time-limited access).
Step-by-step: password protect a shareable document link
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Upload (or select) the document in your dashboard.
Result: You can see the file in your Docutracker files list. -
Click Share on that document to open link settings.
Result: A new share link is created (or an existing link is shown). -
Turn on Require password, then enter a password you can safely communicate.
Why it matters: The link alone isn’t enough to open the document anymore.
Result: Opening the link prompts for a password. -
(Recommended) Turn on Require email verification if you need to know exactly who opened it.
Why it matters: Passwords control access; email verification ties access to a specific viewer identity.
Result: Viewers must verify an email before seeing the document. -
(Optional) Add time-based control and distribution controls:
- Set expiration date if access should end automatically.
- Disable downloads if you’re sharing view-only material.
- Add watermark if screenshots are a concern.
Result: The share link enforces the extra rules you enabled.
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Test the link in an incognito/private window.
Why it matters: You’ll catch missing settings (like forgetting to require a password) before sending it to a client.
Result: You’re prompted exactly as a recipient would be. -
Send the link and password separately.
- Message 1: the link
- Message 2 (different channel if possible): the password
Result: The recipient can open the document, but forwarding just the link won’t work.
Troubleshooting (if it doesn’t work)
- Recipient says “Wrong password”: confirm there are no leading/trailing spaces; resend the password as plain text.
- Recipient can’t access after a few days: the link likely has an expiration date; extend it or create a new link.
- You need proof of who opened it: enable email verification; password-only access can still be shared between people.
- You need to reduce copying: disable downloads and add a watermark (you can’t fully prevent screenshots on the web, but you can make them unattractive and attributable).
Quick checklist (copy/paste)
- Require password enabled
- Password shared separately from the link
- Email verification enabled (if identity matters)
- Expiration date set (if time-limited)
- Downloads disabled (if view-only)
- Watermark enabled (if screenshots matter)
- Tested in incognito