SGNLSGNL

Direct PDF vs Smart Preview

Understand the difference between direct PDF sharing and SGNL Smart Preview.

SGNL supports two ways to open a PDF: Direct PDF and Smart Preview.

Direct PDF

  1. 1QR code or link opened
  2. 2SGNL records the interaction
  3. 3The PDF opens or downloads depending on the visitor browser and device behavior
Important

Browser and device behavior can differ. Some browsers open PDFs inline, while others download or hand the file to a PDF app.

Analytics available in Direct PDF mode

  • QR scans.
  • Total scans.
  • Unique visitors.
  • Returning visitors when available.
  • Basic source and device context.

Smart Preview

Smart Preview opens the PDF inside SGNL’s viewer so SGNL can measure deeper reader engagement.

Additional analytics that Smart Preview can support

  • Reading time.
  • Pages viewed.
  • Completion rate.
  • Reader return behavior.
  • Tracked downloads from the viewer.

Which mode should you use?

Tip

Use Direct PDF when speed and simplicity matter most. Use Smart Preview when the business question is about reader engagement, not just opens.