Viewing PDF Instructions on Checklists

Viewing PDF Instructions on Checklists

CLUE checklists can include PDF reference files right inside the inspection. This makes it easier for operators and mechanics to open service instructions, repair guides, or safety documents without leaving the checklist.

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What You’ll See

If a PDF has been attached to a checklist item, it appears directly under that item in the inspection. CLUE’s current guide says the normal instruction text still appears, and the PDF shows as a clickable file link with a PDF icon. Image attachments still appear inline the way they already do.

This is useful when a checklist item needs extra context, such as a service procedure or a manufacturer reference. If your team is still building or updating checklist layouts, this fits naturally with Template Manager: Creating Templates and Understanding Inspection Templates.

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Opening a PDF on the Web App

On the web, the PDF opens from the checklist item itself. This works well when a mechanic or operator needs to read instructions while completing a PM checklist or inspection from a work order.

• Open a work order that includes an inspection checklist
• Find the checklist item with the PDF attachment
• Click the PDF file name link
• The PDF opens in a new browser tab, where you can scroll, zoom, and move through pages.

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Opening a PDF on the Mobile App

On mobile, the PDF opens inside the CLUE app instead of sending the user out to a browser. This keeps the inspection flow simpler when the team is working in the field.

• Open the inspection checklist from the work order
• Tap the PDF file name link
• The PDF opens inside the app
• Swipe to move between pages
• Pinch to zoom
• Tap X to close the PDF and return to the checklist.

If your operators are already completing field forms in CLUE, this works naturally alongside Completing Daily Inspections (DVIR) because the checklist stays in the same workflow.

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Supported File Types

CLUE’s article for this feature says checklist reference attachments support both PDF files and image files. PDFs appear as clickable links, while images continue to show inline with click-to-zoom behavior.

• PDF files (.pdf) - shown as a clickable icon and filename
• Images (.jpg, .png, .gif, .svg) - shown inline.

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Setting Up PDF Instructions

PDF instructions need to be added to the inspection template first. CLUE’s live guide says this is done by contacting your Customer Success Manager or emailing support with the template, checklist item, and PDF you want attached. Once it is set up, the PDF appears automatically on future inspections that use that template.

If the checklist itself still needs work before adding documents, Template Manager: Creating Templates is the best place to start. If the file is something your team wants available on the asset outside the checklist too, Uploading Manuals and Documents to an Asset is also a good related article.

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Troubleshooting

If you do not see a PDF link on a checklist item, the most likely reason is that no PDF was attached to that item on the template. CLUE’s guide says only checklist items configured with a reference file will show an attachment.

If the PDF will not open on mobile, CLUE recommends checking that the app is up to date and that the device has an internet connection.