PPAD DRM lets data room guests download files while you stay in control of them. Every file a guest downloads is an encrypted .ppad file, so your permissions, tracking, and access controls stay in place, even offline or on another device.
PPAD (Persistent Protection After Download) applies Digital Rights Management (DRM) to your data room files.
❗Note: PPAD DRM is currently a preview feature.
Why use PPAD DRM
How PPAD DRM works in the Data Room
How to Turn on PPAD DRM
How guest open .ppad files
Tracking activity for PPAD DRM
Why use PPAD DRM?
Share for file download without losing control – Only the intended guest can open the file.
Keep full visibility – Track when protected files are opened, even outside the data room.
Revoke access anytime – Remove a guest's access and their downloaded files stop opening.
Availability: PPAD DRM for data rooms is available on Team plans and above. Legacy plans are not supported. See our pricing page for details.
How PPAD DRM works in a data room
Once PPAD DRM is turned on for a data room:
Guests can download any file they have access to.
All files download strictly in .ppad format.
Permissions (view, print, edit) still apply after download.
Protection stays active, including tracking, watermarks, expiry, and Screen Shield.
Removing a guest's access takes effect immediately, and their downloaded files stop opening.
How to turn on PPAD DRM
Start creating a data room.
Find PPAD DRM in the data room settings.
Select Turn on from the dropdown.
Finish setting up the data room and invite your guests as usual.
❗Note: PPAD DRM settings cannot be changed after the data room is created, so decide on your preferences before setup.
PPAD DRM data rooms do not support "Download as PDF" or "Download original" as guest permissions. This ensures files remain fully controlled and tracked even after download.
How Data room guests open .ppad files
Data room guests open .ppad files with the PPAD Viewer, a secure viewer that runs in Chrome or Edge.
Install the PPAD Viewer. This is a one-time setup. Once installed, future .ppad files open instantly. (Share How to open .ppad files)
Download the .ppad file from the data room.
Click the downloaded file to open it.
The file opens in a separate window in the PPAD Viewer.
Tracking activity on protected files
Data room owners and co-owners can track activity on downloaded .ppad files, just like files viewed inside the data room. If a guest opens a file offline, the activity is recorded and syncs when their device reconnects.
PPAD downloads are also labelled in the data room analytics view, analytics export logs, and download tracking emails.