# How to Create and Deploy PDF Shortcuts in Android Kiosk Mode Hexnode UEM allows administrators to easily deploy a PDF in kiosk mode by creating document shortcuts. These shortcuts enable users to view files securely using the built-in Hexnode Document Reader or an allowlisted third-party viewer. Prerequisites & Specifications ----------------------------------- - **Supported OS**:Hexnode Document Reader requires Android 5.0+. - **File Availability**: If the PDF is not on the target device, push it beforehand via a [File Management policy](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-transfer-files-to-devices-using-hexnode-mdm/). - **App Maintenance**: Regularly update Hexnode apps on enrolled devices to ensure feature compatibility. - **Limitations**: The Hexnode Document Reader cannot open PDF files with embedded fonts. Create PDF File Shortcut -------------------------- 1. Navigate to **Content** > **Kiosk File Shortcuts** > **Documents**. 2. Click **Add a File** and configure the following: - **File Type**: Select PDF. - **Display Name**: Enter the name visible on the device shortcut. - **Choose File Source**: - **Upload File**: Direct upload from your current device. - **Hexnode Repository**: Select a file previously uploaded to **Content** > **My Files**. - **Device Storage**: Enter the local path (e.g., ./storage/emulated/0/Download/filename.pdf). - **File Icon**: Upload an image fo r the shortcut icon. - **Open With**: Select the viewing app (Hexnode Document Reader is the default). 3. Click **Create**. [![Directly upload the PDF file in Hexnode to create shortcuts in kiosk mode](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Create-PDF-file-shortcuts-in-kiosk-mode.png)](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Create-PDF-file-shortcuts-in-kiosk-mode.png) Notes: If using an app other than Hexnode Document Reader, it must be added as a [Background App](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-hide-apps-in-android-kiosk-mode-with-mdm/) in the Kiosk policy and granted storage permissions. For devices enrolled as Device Owners (Android Enterprise), the player must be a [Managed Google Play app](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-add-managed-google-play-apps-in-android-enterprise-enabled-devices/) with [app permissions](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/set-up-permissions-and-configurations-for-an-app-using-hexnode-mdm/#) pushed via the Hexnode UEM portal. Add PDF Shortcuts to Android Kiosk ----------------------------------- You can deploy these shortcuts in either [Single App](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/lock-android-devices-single-app-kiosk-mode/) or [Multi App](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/enable-multi-app-kiosk-mode-android-devices/) Kiosk mode. #### Single App Kiosk Mode 1. Go to **Policies** > Select or create a policy. 2. Navigate to **Kiosk Lockdown** > **Android Kiosk Lockdown** > **Single App**. 3. Click **Configure** > Click the **+** button > **Select File Shortcut**. 4. Select the required PDF shortcut file from the list > **Done**. #### Multi App Kiosk Mode 1. Go to **Policies** > Select or create a policy. 2. Navigate to **Kiosk Lockdown** > **Android Kiosk Lockdown** > **Multi App**. 3. Click **Configure** > Click the **+** button > Select File Shortcut. 4. Select the PDF shortcut(s) and add any other required applications > **Done**. Configure Auto-Launch Settings ------------------------------- - **Single App Kiosk**: The shortcut [auto-launches](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-set-up-kiosk-launcher-on-android-devices-with-hexnode/) by default (0-sec delay). To adjust, go to Launcher > Auto-launch and set the App auto-launch delay. - **Multi App Kiosk**: Default auto-launch is 30 seconds. Configure this under Launcher > Auto-launch by adding the PDF shortcut and setting the specific delay. [![Android kiosk mode launch delay for files in kiosk mode](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Lauch-delay-for-PDF-files-in-kiosk-mode.png)](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Lauch-delay-for-PDF-files-in-kiosk-mode.png) Associate Policies with Targets ------------------------------- - **For New Policies**: Go to **Policy Targets** > **+Add Devices** > **Select targets** > **Save**. - **For Existing Policies**: Go to **Policies** > Select the policy checkbox > **Manage** > **Associate Targets** > Select devices > **Associate**. Apart from devices, you can also associate the policies with device groups, user and user groups. Android 11+ Permissions & Storage Access: For devices running Android 11 or higher, specific storage permissions are required for the Hexnode UEM app to access and open PDF shortcuts: - **Required Permission**: The ‘Manage All Files’ permission is mandatory. This should ideally be granted during enrollment. - **Error Handling**: If denied permission, users will see: “The storage access provided is insufficient to perform this action.” - **Kiosk Activation**: If the policy includes a screensaver or digital signage and permission is denied, activation will fail. Grant permission when the ‘Kiosk Activation Failed’ prompt appears on the device. - **App Updates**: If the permission is revoked after an app update, the user must grant it via the in-app prompt or manually via the device Settings page under Special App Access > All Files Access. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) --------------------------------- 1. **Where are my created shortcut files stored in the portal?** Any PDF added via the Documents section of Kiosk File Shortcuts will automatically appear in **Content** > **My Files**. 2. **Can I use the Hexnode Document Reader for all PDFs?** It is supported on Android 5.0+, but note that it cannot render PDF files containing embedded fonts.