How visible is the tracking ID?

The ID is designed to be near-invisible. You can adjust the opacity between 0.002 and 0.08 to make it blend into the document background.

Can I use my own tracking ID?

Yes, select the 'Custom' ID mode and enter your specific identifier in the Custom ID field.

How do I retrieve the ID from a document later?

You can use the companion 'pdf-usage-tracking-id-reader' tool to extract the embedded IDs and page serials from the document.

Does this tool modify the original file content?

It adds a small, low-opacity text overlay to the specified corner and updates the document metadata with the tracking information.

Can I rotate the tracking ID?

Yes, you can rotate the ID text between -45 and 45 degrees to match the document layout or add an extra layer of obfuscation.

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PDF Tools

PDF Usage Tracking ID

Embed near-invisible tracking ID/serial into page corners for distribution tracing

Details

What this tool helps you do

Embed a hidden trace identifier into PDF copies.

Features:

Auto or custom tracking ID
Optional per-page serial suffix
Near-invisible corner text overlay
Metadata stamp with tracking fields

Use pdf-usage-tracking-id-reader to extract IDs and per-page serials later.

Execution

Run this tool

Fill in the form, run the tool, and review the result in one place.

Prepared example runs

Click an example to fill the form automatically. File inputs still need an upload.

2 examples

Auto Tracking ID with Page Serial

Embeds timestamp-hash tracking id in bottom-right corner and appends serial per page

{
  "type": "file",
  "filePath": "/public/samples/pdf/pdf-usage-tracking-id-example1.pdf"
}

Custom Distribution ID

Uses a custom distribution tracking id in top-left corner with very low opacity

{
  "type": "file",
  "filePath": "/public/samples/pdf/pdf-usage-tracking-id-example2.pdf"
}

Inputs

Set the required fields, then run the tool.

8 options

FilesUpload source files for this workflow.1

Source PDF FilefileRequired

Single file max size: 100 MBSupported types: application/pdf

ContentPaste or type the main input values.1

Custom IDtextOptional

SettingsAdjust formats, ranges, numbers, and modes.5

Tracking ID ModeselectOptionalEmbed CornerselectOptionalOpacitynumberOptionalFont SizenumberOptionalRotation (deg)numberOptional

TogglesEnable or disable optional behavior.1

Append Page SerialcheckboxOptionalEnabled when checked

Result

Ready for a run

Run the tool to preview files, text, structured data, or streamed output here.

Samples

PDF Usage Tracking ID

What this tool helps you do

Run this tool

Prepared example runs

Inputs

Result

Examples that match this tool

Continue with connected tools and hubs

Prepared example runs

Inputs

Result

Learn when to use this tool, what it supports, and how real users apply it.

Key facts

Overview

When to use

How it works

Use cases

Examples

1. Auto Tracking ID with Page Serial

2. Custom Distribution ID

FAQ

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