Advanced File Sharing
Go beyond the basics with advanced sharing techniques, security best practices, and workflows for different scenarios.Sharing Workflows
Quick Share
Generate a link and share immediately
Secure Share
Share with password and expiration
Team Share
Share with specific team members
Public Share
Make files publicly accessible
Sharing Scenarios
One-Time Document Sharing
Share a document for single-time access:1
Select File
Choose the file to share
2
Generate Link
Click Share → Generate Link
3
Set Restrictions
- Enable password protection
- Set download limit to 1
- Set expiration for 24 hours
4
Share Securely
- Send link via one channel (email)
- Send password via different channel (SMS/message)
Client Deliverables
Share final deliverables with clients:Step 1: Prepare Files
Step 1: Prepare Files
- Review all files for completeness
- Organize in clear folder structure
- Name files descriptively
- Remove any draft/internal files
Step 2: Create Deliverables Folder
Step 2: Create Deliverables Folder
- Create “Deliverables” folder
- Add all final files
- Include README with file descriptions
- Add any relevant documentation
Step 3: Share Folder
Step 3: Share Folder
Step 4: Notify Client
Step 4: Notify Client
- Send professional email
- Include share link
- Provide password separately
- Explain folder contents
- Include download instructions
Collecting Files from Others
Use file requests to collect files:1
Create Collection Folder
Create a folder for incoming files:
- Name it clearly (e.g., “Headshot Photos”)
- Organize any existing reference files
2
Set Up File Request
- Click “New File Request”
- Select destination folder
- Add clear title: “Submit Your Headshot”
- Add instructions: “Upload JPG, min 1000x1000px”
- Set deadline if needed
3
Share Request Link
Send the file request link to:
- Team members via email
- External parties
- Post publicly if needed
4
Monitor Submissions
- Get notifications for new uploads
- Review files as they arrive
- Follow up with non-submitters
- Collecting team photos
- Gathering document submissions
- Receiving client assets
- Consolidating files from multiple sources
Temporary File Sharing
Share files that should expire:| Duration | Expiration Setting | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Hour | 1 hour | Quick previews, urgent reviews |
| 24 Hours | 1 day | Daily reports, temporary access |
| 1 Week | 7 days | Project reviews, feedback periods |
| 1 Month | 30 days | Client review periods, drafts |
Security Best Practices
Multi-Layer Security
Implement multiple security layers for sensitive files:1
Layer 1: Password Protection
Always enable password protection:
- Use strong passwords (12+ characters)
- Include numbers, symbols, letters
- Avoid common words
- Don’t reuse passwords
2
Layer 2: Expiration Date
Set appropriate expiration:
- Short-term: Hours or days
- Medium-term: Weeks
- Long-term: Months (but set one)
3
Layer 3: Download Limits
Limit access attempts:
- Single download for one-time shares
- Limited downloads for controlled distribution
- Unlimited only for permanent shares
4
Layer 4: Access Monitoring
Track who accesses files:
- Enable access notifications
- Review access logs
- Revoke if suspicious activity
Password Management
Best practices for share passwords:Strong Passwords
Strong Passwords
Create strong, unique passwords:
- Minimum 12 characters
- Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols
- Avoid dictionary words
- Don’t use personal information
- Use password generator
Password Distribution
Password Distribution
Share passwords securely:
- Best: Separate channel (call, SMS, encrypted message)
- Good: Different platform than link
- Avoid: Same email as link
- Never: In link URL or filename
Password Rotation
Password Rotation
Update passwords regularly:
- Change for long-term shares
- Rotate after team member changes
- Update if suspected compromise
- Use different passwords for different shares
Sensitive Data Guidelines
Extra precautions for sensitive files:- Financial Data
- Legal Documents
- Personal Information
- Confidential Business
- Always use password protection
- Set short expiration (24-48 hours)
- Limit to 1-2 downloads
- Use view-only permission
- Enable access notifications
- Verify recipient before sharing
Permission Levels Deep Dive
Choosing the Right Permission
View Only
Recipient Can:
- View files online
- Download files
- Print files
- Edit files
- Delete files
- Re-share files
Can Edit
Recipient Can:
- Everything in View Only
- Upload new versions
- Edit in compatible apps
- Comment (coming soon)
- Delete originals
- Change permissions
- Invite others
Can Manage
Recipient Can:
- Everything in Can Edit
- Delete files
- Change sharing settings
- Invite others
- Full control
Permission Decision Matrix
| Scenario | Recommended Permission |
|---|---|
| Client review | View Only |
| External stakeholder feedback | View Only |
| Team member collaboration | Can Edit |
| Project co-owner | Can Manage |
| Public documentation | View Only |
| Contractor deliverable submission | Can Edit |
| Executive access | Can Manage |
Link Management
Organizing Your Shared Links
Track and manage all your shares:1
Review Regularly
Weekly or monthly:
- View “Shared by Me” section
- Check active links
- Review access analytics
2
Clean Up Old Links
Remove unnecessary access:
- Revoke expired project links
- Delete links no longer needed
- Update permissions if changed
3
Document Shares
Keep records:
- Why was it shared?
- Who has access?
- When should it expire?
- Any special conditions?
4
Audit Access
For important files:
- Review who downloaded
- Check access frequency
- Verify authorized users only
- Report suspicious activity
Link Analytics
(Pro/Enterprise) Track share performance:- Views: How many times link was opened
- Downloads: Number of downloads
- Geographic Location: Where access originated
- Device Types: Desktop vs. mobile
- Time of Access: When files were accessed
Sharing Etiquette
Professional Sharing
Make a good impression:Clear File Names
Clear File Names
Before sharing, rename files:
- Use descriptive names
- Include version/date
- Remove internal codes
- Professional formatting
Proposal_WebsiteRedesign_v2_2024-01-15.pdfOrganized Structure
Organized Structure
When sharing folders:
- Logical organization
- Clear folder names
- Include README if complex
- Remove unnecessary files
Appropriate Formats
Appropriate Formats
Share in compatible formats:
- PDF for final documents
- ZIP for multiple files
- Common image formats (JPG, PNG)
- Standard office formats
Professional Communication
Professional Communication
When sending share links:
- Clear subject line
- Explain what’s being shared
- Note any password/expiration
- Provide context
- Include next steps
Email Templates
Sample emails for different scenarios:Troubleshooting
Link not working
Link not working
Common causes:
- Link expired - Create new link
- Password incorrect - Verify password
- Download limit reached - Increase limit
- File deleted - Verify file exists
Recipient can't download
Recipient can't download
Check:
- File size vs. their connection
- Browser compatibility
- Download permissions
- Firewall/security software Suggest: Download smaller files individually
Security concerns
Security concerns
If link compromised:
- Immediately revoke access
- Create new link with new password
- Share via secure channel
- Review access logs
- Contact support if needed