Cloak vs Google Docs

Google Docs is great for collaboration but has no security controls for external sharing. Anyone with the link can view, download, and redistribute your documents. Cloak adds the security layer that Google Docs is missing.

Feature	Cloak	Google Docs
View tracking	Per-viewer analytics	Last viewed only
Email gate	Yes	No
Dynamic watermarks	Yes	No
Link expiry	Yes	No
View limits	Yes	No
Password protection	Yes	No
Download blocking	Canvas-based	Viewer-only mode
Print protection	Yes	No
API access	Full REST API	Drive API (files only)
Webhooks	Yes	No
Custom domains	Yes	No
Video sharing	HLS streaming	Google Drive link
Self-hostable	MIT licensed	No
Page-level analytics	Yes	No
Starting price	$0 (free tier)	$0 (no security)

Know who viewed your documents

Google Docs shows when a document was last opened but not by whom. Cloak captures the viewer's email, device, location, time spent per page, and completion rate. Get real-time notifications when your pitch deck or proposal is opened.

Prevent unauthorized sharing

A Google Docs link can be forwarded to anyone. Cloak's email gate requires viewers to verify their identity before accessing the document. Dynamic watermarks with the viewer's email make screenshots traceable. Set expiry dates and view limits to control access over time.

Canvas-based viewer blocks downloads

Google Docs "viewer only" mode still exposes the document DOM, making it trivially easy to extract content. Cloak renders documents as images on an HTML Canvas — there's no text layer, no DOM, and no way to select, copy, or download the original file.

API-first integration

Generate secure links programmatically from your CRM, deal room, or onboarding flow. Receive webhook notifications when documents are viewed. Embed the secure viewer directly in your product. Google Docs has no equivalent API for secure sharing.

Try Cloak free