Best Interactive PDF Examples

If you’re aiming to:

• Engage your audience beyond just passive scrolling,
• Offer clickable links that readers can explore at their own pace,
• Track which sections grab attention and which ones might need a boost,

Then interactive PDFs are your secret weapon. Tools like Flipbooks.me transform ordinary documents into engaging, trackable experiences that resonate with your audience.

Let’s jump into some examples and see why interactive PDFs blow their static counterparts out of the water—and how you can create your own for free.

Interactive PDF Examples

1. Interactive report example 

Zendesk’s interactive report is a fantastic example of how you can use interactive features to enhance your authority. 

In this report, they delve into their own research findings on the benefits of investing in exceptional customer experience (CX). It’s a compelling way to build a case for your product or service.

What makes this better than a static PDF: 

• You can toggle between different sections of the report. Imagine being able to compare different datasets side by side without having to flip back and forth—super convenient, right?

• Use of internal links that connect to resources within the report. It’s like having a mini-website inside your PDF. This not only helps streamline the information but also keeps readers engaged, just like using drop-down menus on a webpage. It’s a smart way to guide readers through the content while keeping everything neat and tidy.

2. Interactive brochure example 

This interactive brochure for school recruitment is a brilliant example of how to mix information with calls to action (CTAs) buttons seamlessly. It provides detailed information about the organization while incorporating buttons that allow readers to explore the content they’re most interested in.

Unlike static PDFs where you have to scroll through endless pages, this brochure uses interactive buttons that make navigating the content much more engaging. You can even track which sections your prospects are clicking on, giving you valuable insights into what they find most appealing.

What makes this better than a static PDF: 

• There’s an “Apply Now” button that links directly to a lead capture form. This streamlines the application process for potential team members, minimizing the friction between initial interest and conversion.

• The clickable “Learn More” buttons invite readers to dive deeper into specific topics. This not only keeps the reader engaged but also provides you with valuable data on which sections are capturing the most interest. 

3. Interactive catalog example 

This interactive catalog featuring Mazda cars is a fantastic example of how to use embedded videos to showcase products. The videos bring the cars to life, allowing users to see exactly what they’re getting. It’s a brilliant way to bridge the gap between traditional sales material and a hands-on demo.

What makes this so effective is the convenience it offers. Prospects can get a detailed look at the cars and gather all the information they need without having to take any additional steps. No need to schedule a demo or visit a dealership—they can see everything right there in the catalog. 

What makes this better than a static PDF: 

• The embedded videos make the sales pitch so much more engaging for customers. One of the biggest challenges with online shopping is that it’s hard for customers to get a real sense of the product. These videos provide a complete picture, helping users feel more confident in their purchase.
• Since it’s web-based, it automatically adapts to any device you’re using. No more fiddling with PDF sizes to make sure it’s readable on all screens, or asking clients to download files. It’s all about reducing friction points to get the materials in their hands quickly and easily.

4. Interactive pitch example 

Airbnb’s interactive pitch deck is a fantastic example of turning a static PDF into something dynamic and engaging. It shows just how much more impactful your presentations can be when they’re interactive.

If you’ve got documents that could use a fresh update, converting them into digital flipbooks is a breeze with online tools like Flipbooks.me. These tools let you take your existing content and add a touch of interactivity, making your documents more engaging and easier to navigate.

What makes this better than a static PDF: 

• Since it’s now an online PDF, you can track metrics like time spent on each page and other analytics that you just can’t get with a regular, static PDF.
• You can embed links, videos, and forms directly into the document, making it easier for investors or stakeholders to get all the information they need in one place.

5. Interactive business proposal example 

POS provider Comosense’s interactive business proposal is a stellar example of how to create an engaging business primer. It offers a concise overview of their POS system, outlining what’s included and sharing impressive statistics on the benefits customers experience after using their service.

This proposal is a perfect fit for early-stage presentations, where the goal is to showcase your products and services without drowning your audience in too much detail. 

It strikes a great balance, giving just enough information to spark interest and convey value, while still leaving room for follow-up discussions and deeper dives into specifics.

What makes this better than a static PDF: 

• They embed links for the pricing and model features. Since links in interactive PDFs are trackable, you can see if prospects are actually interested in taking the next step in their buyer journey with you. This not only helps you gauge interest but also allows you to follow up with more tailored information.

6. Interactive primer example 

This interactive primer example from manufacturing company Wavin uses hyperlinking on the images and text to help readers navigate different sections of the primer. 

Instead of a traditional table of contents, it uses hyperlinks to help readers easily navigate different sections. This approach encourages readers to explore sections that pique their interest, making the experience much more interactive.

This non-linear storytelling format lets readers follow their natural curiosity, diving into the parts that matter most to them. Plus, because it’s online, your sales and marketing teams can easily track which sections readers are visiting. This gives you valuable insights into what potential customers are interested in, helping you tailor your follow-up communications more effectively.

What makes this better than a static PDF: 

• You can hyperlink images and text to navigate to specific sections of your interactive PDF. This greatly improves the user experience, making it easier and more intuitive to find the information they’re interested in. Plus, it encourages users to engage with the content in a way that piques their curiosity, rather than passively scrolling through pages.

7. Interactive lookbook example 

Turning your lookbook into an interactive experience is a smart move, especially with the growing popularity of Instagram and TikTok shopping. Today’s buyers have little patience for lengthy checkout processes or complicated CPQs.

Think of interactive lookbooks as a key part of your omnichannel strategy. They allow you to reach clients who aren’t active on social media, extending your brand’s reach. By embedding links to your e-commerce shop or website directly into the PDF, you streamline the checkout process, making it easier for customers to purchase—no matter where they start their journey.

What makes this better than a static PDF: 

• You can link products directly to your e-commerce page, making it super easy for customers to check out their favorite items. No more navigating away to search for products—it’s all right there at their fingertips.
• If your products involve pre-ordering, you can embed a live form right into the interactive lookbook. This way, you can gather leads and take pre-orders without making customers switch to another page.

8. Interactive cookbook example 

If you’re a fitness influencer or a brand in nutrition and training, an interactive cookbook is a fantastic way to deliver your content. This format lets you embed videos that link to your other channels, making it easy to expand your reach no matter where people find and download your books.

One of the best parts? You get access to metrics like time spent on each page, giving you valuable insights into what your audience loves. This helps you tailor your content even better next time.

What makes this better than a static PDF: 

• You can embed videos directly into your content. If most of your followers are on Instagram and aren’t familiar with your YouTube channel, this is a great way to cross-promote and grow your audience across multiple platforms.
• If you’re an affiliate partner for grocery stores or supplement brands, you can hyperlink ingredients to specific products with your affiliate marketing links. This not only provides a convenient shopping experience for your readers but also boosts your affiliate income.

9. Interactive newsletter example 

Girton School’s interactive newsletter is a fantastic example of how interactive PDFs can be incredibly useful beyond the business world. This newsletter highlights all the cool events and achievements happening at the school, making it a wonderful way to share what’s going on in your organization.

Instead of a traditional static newsletter, the interactive format allows readers to engage more deeply with the content. Imagine being able to click on photos to see galleries of school events or play embedded videos of student performances and speeches. 

What makes this better than a static PDF: 

• Readers can jump to different sections with just a click, exploring the topics that interest them most. This level of interactivity keeps the audience engaged and makes the information more memorable.

What is an interactive PDF? 

An interactive PDF is an online document that goes beyond the usual text and images you find in static PDFs. It’s packed with interactive elements like audio, video files, clickable buttons, animated GIFs, hyperlinks, and even fillable forms. 

What makes interactive PDFs especially valuable for sales and marketing teams is their ability to be tracked. 

Unlike static PDFs, which are pretty much a one-way street, interactive PDFs provide insights into how users are engaging with the content. You can see which links they click, how long they spend on each page, and even what forms they fill out. 

This data helps you understand user behavior better, allowing you to tailor your follow-up strategies and improve your content based on real user interactions.

How do you export your file as an interactive PDF? 

One of the great advantages of interactive PDFs is how easily they can be shared with just a direct link. Here are some of the most common ways interactive PDFs are displayed and exported:

• Embed: This option allows you to display the content directly on your website. By copying and pasting a simple code, you can seamlessly integrate cookbooks, recipes, magazines, and similar content into your site. It’s a fantastic way to showcase your interactive PDFs right where your audience is already engaging with your brand.
• Direct Link: Since interactive PDFs are web-based, users don’t need to download anything to access the content. With just a click, they can view the PDF in their browser. Some interactive PDFs are designed to be responsive, meaning they adapt to different screen sizes, whether your audience is on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop. Tools like Flipbooks.me even offer link analytics, so you can see how prospects are interacting with your material. You can track views, clicks, shares, and downloads, giving you valuable insights into how your content is performing.
• Download: Downloading is still a popular option for interactive PDFs. With a simple click, users can download the file directly to their computer for offline access. This is handy for those who prefer to keep a local copy or need to refer to the document later without internet access.

How to create an interactive PDF? 

Creating an interactive PDF is easier than you might think, and there are two main ways to do it:

Import Existing Documents

1. Gather existing documents:
   Collect your brochures, catalogs, or any static PDFs that you want to transform into interactive PDFs.
2. Choose an interactive PDF tool:
   Select a tool like Flipbooks.me that specializes in converting static PDFs into interactive formats.
3. Upload your files:
   Log in to the tool and upload your existing PDF files. Most tools offer a simple drag-and-drop interface for this.
4. Let the tool format your content:
   Allow the tool to automatically format your content, adding smooth transitions and interactive features like clickable buttons and links.
5. Add hyperlinks:
   Enhance your document by inserting hyperlinks to specific sections, images, or external websites. This will make navigation easier for your audience.
6. Customize your interactive PDF:
   Make any necessary tweaks to the design, layout, and interactive elements to better suit your needs.
7. Preview and test:
   Review your interactive PDF to ensure all elements function properly and navigation is seamless.
8. Download or share your interactive PDF:
   Once everything looks good, download your new interactive PDF or share it directly through a link. 

Create from scratch using a drag-and-drop editor 

If you want to go a step further and include more advanced interactive elements like forms, drop-down menus, or video embeds, you can create an interactive PDF using an online editor. 

1. Select an interactive PDF editor:
   Choose an online editor that allows for advanced interactive elements, such as Flipbooks.me, which offers a range of templates and customization options.
2. Start a new project, or choose from a template:
   Flipbooks.me offers a variety of templates for business proposals, reports, pitch decks, and more. Pick one that suits your needs, or create your own from the ground up.
3. Customize the content:
   Replace the template’s placeholder text and images with your own information. Personalize the content to reflect your brand, message, and specific objectives.
4. Add interactive elements like photos, videos, and links:
   Enhance your PDF by embedding multimedia elements like videos, images, and hyperlinks. 
5. Add CTA buttons:
   Include CTA buttons throughout your PDF to guide readers towards specific actions, such as visiting your website, signing up for a service, or contacting your sales team. 
6. Preview your interactive PDF:
   Before finalizing, take some time to preview your document. Ensure that all interactive elements—like forms, drop-down menus, and videos—function properly and that the layout looks polished.
7. Publish and share:
   Once you’re satisfied with your interactive PDF, publish it. When you publish, Flipbooks.me will generate a shareable link that you can send directly to your clients or audience. This link also provides analytics, allowing you to track interactions, shares, and engagement with the interactive elements.

Key interactive PDF elements 

Interested in making your own interactive PDF? We’ve got you covered with a variety of pre-built elements that you can easily add to your document. It’s as simple as dragging and dropping them into place. 

Here are some interactive PDF elements you can play with using the Flipbooks.me editor: 

Clickable buttons and CTAs

Select the button from the elements tab, and simply input the link you want it to redirect to. You can guide users to your Google Calendar or Calendly link for booking a call, or direct them to a payment portal to quickly close the deal.

Hyperlinks for transition within the document 

Improve your document’s navigation by adding hyperlinks. These can link to different sections within the PDF or direct users to external websites. It’s a great way to help readers find the information they’re interested in quickly and easily, without having to scroll endlessly.

Interactive forms – dropdowns, fields 

Need to collect information or feedback? Interactive forms are your go-to tool. You can easily add dropdown menus, text fields, and checkboxes to gather data right within the PDF. This is perfect for surveys, registrations, or any scenario where you need to capture user input.

Multimedia integration 

Bring your content to life by embedding multimedia elements like videos, audio clips, and GIFs. These features can make your PDF much more engaging and interactive, providing a richer experience for your audience.