Skip to main content
A
Anonymous
August 29, 2017
Question

Can PDF send the IP address of the computer where the document was opened.

  • August 29, 2017
  • 1 reply
  • 9323 views

Is there a way to have a PDF send the IP address of the computer where the document was opened to a specified email?  Trying to determine if someone forwards a PDF document, who was the reader of the material. Thanks,Scot

I'd appreciate all other perspectives on this type of functionality.

This topic has been closed for replies.

1 reply

T
Test Screen Name
Legend
August 29, 2017

A PDF can contain a reference to a web site. This connects to the site and like every web page, the IP address is sent and may be logged. However, this was very controversial some 15 years ago, and was held to be a violation of privacy. So, while Reader and Acrobat can still connect to a web site, the user will always get a warning message.

Of course, in 15 years much has changed. Most people are now opening PDF files without Adobe technology AT ALL, so you need to think about what will happen in Chrome, or FireFox, or Edge, or Safari; on an iPad an iPhone or Android device; on a ChromeBook; where the PDF is viewed inside some email app etc. etc.

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices