Why ManualHQ?

The better tool for protected documentation

Existing solutions are either too complex, too expensive, or don't offer real access control. ManualHQ was built specifically for manufacturers who want to securely deliver documentation.

Why not just use...?

Common alternatives — and why they're not ideal for protected documentation.

SharePoint / OneDrive

Requires Microsoft 365 licenses for external users
No chapter-level access for PDFs
No watermarks on downloads
Complex permission management

Google Drive

Downloads cannot be reliably prevented
No document-level audit log
No watermarks
Servers in the US — GDPR risk

Confluence / Notion

Wiki tool, not built for PDF delivery
PDF viewer rudimentary or non-existent
No granular chapter-level access
No personalized watermarks

Self-hosted / FTP

High maintenance effort, IT team required
No online viewer — download only
No integrated user management
Security updates are your responsibility

Feature Comparison

ManualHQ vs. common alternatives in direct comparison.

Feature	ManualHQ	SharePoint	Google Drive	Confluence	Self-hosted
PDF upload + chapter detection
Chapter-level access
Protected online viewer
Watermarked downloads
GDPR-compliant audit log
Invitation system (email link)
No uncontrolled downloads
2FA (TOTP + backup codes)
REST API with OpenAPI spec
No IT department needed
GDPR: Servers in Germany
From 29 EUR/month

Full support

Partial / requires effort

Not available

ManualHQ does it differently

Built for a single purpose: securely delivering your documentation.

Upload PDF — done

Chapters are automatically detected. No converting, no reformatting.

Real access control

Chapter-level access with expiry dates. Revocable at any time.

Protected viewer

No uncontrolled downloads. PDFs are displayed in the browser.

Watermarks

Every download carries the recipient's name. Transparently traceable.

GDPR compliant

Servers in Germany. Audit log. No data sharing with third parties.

REST API included

Programmatically manage documents, access, and invitations.