Document Review and Approval
Use this workflow when a PDF needs structured review before it is finalized. Invite reviewers, collect comments and anchored feedback, request revisions, and keep approval decisions tied to the correct document version instead of spreading feedback across email threads.
Why use this tool
- Invite multiple reviewers for one shared approval request
- Collect comments, review notes, and document feedback in context
- Track approve, reject, and request-changes decisions by reviewer
- Keep document revisions attached to the same approval thread
- Email notifications and reviewer access through a shared workflow
- Encrypted storage for collaborative review and version handling
How it works
Upload the document
Add your PDF and provide the context reviewers need.
Invite reviewers
Name the people who should approve, reject, or comment on the document.
Collect decisions
Reviewers give feedback and decide — you track everything from one dashboard.
Better than email attachments
- Comments and decisions tied to the document
- Encrypted server-side storage for all revisions
- Revision handling when feedback requires changes
- Works for contracts, policies, offers, and internal sign-offs
About this tool
The UnblockPDF Approval workflow provides a structured process for sending PDF documents to one or more reviewers, collecting their feedback, and tracking approval decisions in a centralized interface. Like the eSignature tool, this workflow uses encrypted server-side processing because it must coordinate a multi-participant review process across different people, devices, and sessions. The workflow starts when you upload a PDF document, define a title and description for the review request, and invite reviewers by entering their names and email addresses. Each reviewer receives an email notification with a link to access the document and provide their feedback. The system supports adding context and instructions for reviewers so they understand what aspects of the document require their attention. Reviewers can open the document in a web-based viewer, read through the content, and leave comments and feedback directly in the approval interface. Each reviewer then records their decision: approve the document, reject it, or request changes with specific revision notes. All decisions and comments are tracked per reviewer, giving the document owner clear visibility into who has responded, what their decision was, and what feedback they provided. When changes are requested, the document owner can upload a revised version that is linked to the same approval thread. This keeps all feedback, decisions, and revisions connected in one place rather than scattered across email threads and separate file versions. Reviewers can then review the updated version and update their decision accordingly. The dashboard provides a summary view showing the current status of each reviewer, the overall approval progress, and the history of all comments and decisions. Email notifications keep participants informed when new comments are added, decisions are made, or revised documents are uploaded. Common use cases include contract review before execution where legal and business stakeholders need to approve the terms, internal document sign-off processes where multiple managers must approve before publication, design and creative review where stakeholders provide visual feedback, policy document approval requiring compliance and management review, and academic paper review where committee members provide structured feedback. The tool is designed for practical review scenarios where tracked decisions and centralized feedback are more important than informal email-based review.
Common use cases
Tips for best results
- Add clear review instructions and context when sending the approval request so reviewers understand what to focus on.
- Upload revised documents to the same approval thread to keep all feedback and decisions connected in one place.
- After final approval, use the Watermark tool to add an Approved stamp to the document before distributing the final version.
- For documents that need signatures after approval, use the eSign tool to collect formal signatures from the approved parties.
Good to know
The approval workflow tracks decisions and comments but does not provide legally binding approval certification. Formal sign-off may require additional processes.