DocSend doesn't have a download button. That's by design - they want senders to control who saves their documents.
If you're looking for document tracking alternatives, Ellty also provides view analytics and link sharing features.
Can you download DocSend documents?
Short answer: Not directly, unless the sender allows it.
DocSend has three permission levels:
- View only - You can't download
- Download enabled - You'll see a download button
- Print enabled - You can print to PDF
Most people use "view only" because that's the whole point of DocSend - controlling access.
How to save DocSend documents
Method 1: Ask the sender
The easiest way. Email them and ask for a downloadable version. Most will send you a PDF directly if you have a legitimate reason.
Method 2: Print to PDF
If printing is enabled:
- Open the DocSend document
- Press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac)
- Choose "Save as PDF" as your printer
- Save the file
This only works if the sender enabled printing. You'll know because the print option won't be grayed out.
Method 3: Screenshot each page
Tedious but works:
- Open the document in full-screen mode
- Take a screenshot of each page
- Combine screenshots into one PDF using any PDF tool
For Windows: Windows Key + Shift + S For Mac: Cmd + Shift + 4
Method 4: Browser developer tools
This is technical and doesn't always work:
- Open developer tools (F12)
- Go to Network tab
- Refresh the page
- Look for PDF or image files in the network requests
- Right-click and save
DocSend often splits documents into images, so you might get individual pages instead of one PDF.
What About DocSend downloaders?
You'll find browser extensions claiming to download DocSend documents.
Don't use them.
Here's why:
- They often don't work (DocSend updates their code)
- They might steal your data
- They could get your account flagged
- It's against DocSend's terms of service
When download is enabled
If the sender allows downloads, you'll see a download icon in the toolbar.
Click it and choose:
- Download as PDF
- Download original file
The PDF option is useful if the original was PowerPoint or Word.
Mobile downloads
On mobile, downloading is even more restricted.
If downloads are enabled:
- Tap the menu (three dots)
- Select "Download"
- File saves to your phone
If downloads are disabled, screenshots are your only option.
Why DocSend blocks downloads
DocSend's main selling point is control. They track:
- Who viewed the document
- Which pages they read
- How long they spent
Downloads break this tracking. Once someone downloads, you lose visibility.
Legal considerations
Just because you can screenshot or save doesn't mean you should. The document might be:
- Confidential
- Under NDA
- Copyrighted material
Always respect the sender's intent. If they disabled downloads, they had a reason.
Alternatives for senders
If you're sending documents and hate that people can't download them, consider:
- Enable downloads in DocSend - Settings > Link Settings > Allow Download
- Use email - Simple but no tracking
- Try Ellty - as DocSend alternative
- Share via cloud storage - Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.
Common issues
"Download disabled" message - The sender blocked downloads. Ask them directly.
PDF looks broken - Some DocSend documents don't convert well. Try printing instead of downloading.
Missing pages - DocSend might limit how many pages you can download at once.
Watermarks appear - Some accounts add watermarks to downloaded files.
For investors and VCs
You often receive pitch decks via DocSend. To save them:
- Most founders will send you a PDF if you ask
- Take notes instead of saving the whole deck
- Use your CRM to track companies, not saved files
Bottom line
DocSend is built to prevent downloads. That's its main feature. If you absolutely need to save documents regularly, you're using the wrong tool.
You can't easily download DocSend documents unless the sender allows it. Screenshots work but are tedious. The best solution is asking the sender directly for a downloadable version.
