Skip to content

PDF Link Inspector

Inspect visible PDF links, external domains, JavaScript action hints, launch actions, and embedded file hints locally before sharing.

Last reviewed: June 11, 2026

About this tool

Inspect visible PDF links and action hints locally before sharing, uploading, publishing, archiving, or sending documents to clients and portals.

PDF Link Inspector checks visible links and action hints inside a PDF before the document is shared, uploaded, published, archived, or sent to a client. It reads the selected file locally in the browser and extracts common URI links, external domains, link annotation counts, JavaScript hints, launch actions, embedded file hints, and encryption signals.

  • Reads the selected PDF locally and extracts visible /URI links without uploading the document or opening the links.
  • Summarizes external hosts, link annotations, internal destinations, JavaScript hints, launch actions, embedded file hints, and encryption signals.
  • Classifies links as Clean, Review, or High so users know when to inspect a PDF in an authorized viewer before distribution.

How to use PDF Link Inspector

Choose a PDF and review the visible link list, unique hosts, risk labels, and action hints. Use the report to confirm that the PDF only links to expected domains and that unusual schemes, plain HTTP links, downloads, JavaScript actions, or launch actions are reviewed in an authorized PDF viewer before distribution.

When this tool is useful

  • Before publishing a brochure, report, white paper, press kit, manual, or public PDF that contains outbound links.
  • Before sending client packets, contracts, invoices, applications, or support documents where recipients may click embedded links.
  • Before uploading PDFs to portals, CMS libraries, help centers, or compliance archives that require link review.

Practical tips

  • Compare the unique host list with the domains that should appear in the document.
  • Review plain HTTP links, unusual URL schemes, downloads, JavaScript actions, launch actions, and embedded file hints before sending.
  • Use a full PDF editor or authorized viewer when links need to be rewritten, removed, or formally approved.

Examples you can test

These examples show the kind of real input and reviewed output this tool is designed to support. Use them as a starting point before pasting your own production content, then compare the output with the destination system that will use the result. The goal is not only to produce a value, but to make the input assumptions, output format, and review step clear enough that the result can be trusted in a real workflow.

Review a public PDF before publishing

Example input

Report.pdf with several https links and one old http link

Expected output

Lists each visible URI, groups the host names, labels the plain HTTP link as Review, and recommends a final viewer check.

The checker extracts visible links only; it does not open destinations or verify live status.

Check a client packet before delivery

Example input

Client-packet.pdf with a JavaScript action hint and external domains

Expected output

Reports High risk because action hints should be reviewed before the PDF is sent onward.

PDF action hints are not always malicious, but they should be deliberate and documented in business workflows.

Validation checklist

Run through these checks before copying the result into a CMS, codebase, spreadsheet, campaign, support ticket, or production document. Small formatting differences, unit assumptions, hidden whitespace, and platform-specific rules are common sources of mistakes in quick browser tools, so the final review should happen in the same context where the output will be used.

  • Confirm that every external host belongs to an expected organization or workflow.
  • Review plain HTTP links, unusual schemes, downloads, JavaScript actions, launch actions, and embedded file hints.
  • Open important files in an authorized PDF viewer when formal link approval is required.
  • Keep a clean final copy when link changes are part of a publishing, legal, or compliance workflow.

Why people use this tool

Links inside PDFs can become stale, point to the wrong domain, trigger a portal review, or send recipients to a destination that was not intended. A local PDF link checker gives teams a quick review step without uploading the document or opening any embedded links.

Related search intents

pdf link checker, pdf link inspector, check links in pdf, pdf external link checker, pdf hyperlink checker.

Frequently asked questions

What is a PDF link inspector?

It checks visible PDF URI links and action hints so users can review external domains, plain HTTP links, downloads, JavaScript hints, or launch actions before sharing a document.

Does this open links inside my PDF?

No. The checker extracts visible link strings locally. It does not visit links, download files, rewrite links, upload the PDF, or certify that a document is safe.

Does this upload my PDF?

No. The file is read locally in your browser using the File API. This component does not upload, store, or transmit the selected PDF.

Which PDF link signals should I review?

Review unexpected external hosts, plain HTTP links, unusual URL schemes, executable-looking downloads, JavaScript actions, launch actions, embedded file hints, and encrypted documents.

Is the link report complete?

It is a lightweight browser inspection of common visible PDF link objects. Encrypted, compressed, damaged, or complex PDFs may require a full PDF security review.

Review and privacy notes

Utiloom reviews tool pages for practical examples, validation checks, browser-side processing notes, and clear limitations before they are promoted in search. Read more about the editorial approach on the About page, check data handling in the Privacy Policy, or contact us if a tool needs correction.

Related tools

Keep the workflow moving

These tools are the closest next steps based on category, keyword overlap, and popular workflow paths.

PDF

PDF Accessibility Checker

Check PDF accessibility hints locally.

Browser tool
PDF

PDF Compression Planner

Plan PDF compression targets before upload.

Browser tool
PDF

PDF File Size Checker

Check whether a PDF is too large for upload or sharing.

Browser tool
PDF

PDF Merge Planner

Plan PDF order before merging files.

Browser tool