What are Shareable Links?
Shareable links are URLs that give anyone with the link access to your files or folders. Unlike direct sharing where you invite specific people by email, shareable links can be sent to anyone - they don't need to have a PixelCloudStorage account to access the content. This is perfect for sharing files publicly, posting links on websites, or sending to people who don't use the platform.
Creating a Shareable Link
Step 1: Select Your File or Folder
- Navigate to the file or folder you want to share
- Right-click on the item to open the context menu
- Select "Get Link" or "Create Shareable Link"
Step 2: Configure Link Settings
In the link creation dialog, you can set:
- Permissions: What people with the link can do
- Password Protection: Require a password to access the link
- Expiration Date: Set when the link should stop working
- Download Settings: Allow or prevent downloads
Step 3: Copy and Share
- Click "Create Link" to generate the shareable URL
- Copy the generated link
- Share it via email, messaging, social media, or any other method
Link Permissions
View Only
People with the link can:
- View the file or folder contents
- See file names and basic information
- Cannot download, edit, or share the content
Allow Download
People with the link can:
- View the file or folder contents
- Download files to their computer
- Cannot edit or share the content
Allow Edit
People with the link can:
- View and edit files
- Download files
- Make changes that are saved to your account
- Cannot share the link with others
Security Features
Password Protection
Add an extra layer of security:
- When creating the link, enable "Password Protection"
- Set a strong password
- Share both the link and password with intended recipients
- Anyone accessing the link will need to enter the password
Link Expiration
Set automatic expiration for sensitive content:
- Choose a date when the link should stop working
- After expiration, the link becomes invalid
- You can extend the expiration date if needed
- Expired links can be reactivated by creating a new one
Access Tracking
Monitor who uses your links:
- See how many times the link has been accessed
- View the date and time of access
- Track download activity
- Monitor link usage patterns
Managing Your Shareable Links
Viewing Active Links
To see all your shareable links:
- Go to your account settings or drive
- Look for "Shareable Links" or "Links" section
- You'll see a list of all active links
- Click on any link to see its details and usage
Editing Link Settings
Modify existing links:
- Find the link in your active links list
- Click "Edit" or the settings icon
- Change permissions, password, or expiration
- Save your changes
Disabling Links
Stop a link from working:
- Find the link in your active links list
- Click "Disable" or "Turn Off"
- Confirm the action
- The link will no longer work for anyone
Using Shareable Links
Accessing Content via Link
When someone sends you a shareable link:
- Click on the link in the email or message
- If password protected, enter the password
- View the shared content in your browser
- Download files if permitted
What You Can Do
Your actions depend on the link permissions:
- View Only: Browse files and folders, read documents
- Download Allowed: Save files to your computer
- Edit Allowed: Make changes to files (requires account)
Best Practices
Security Tips
- Use passwords for sensitive content
- Set expiration dates for temporary sharing
- Regularly review and disable unused links
- Be careful when sharing links publicly
- Use the minimum permissions necessary
Organization Tips
- Create descriptive link names
- Keep track of what each link is for
- Use different links for different purposes
- Set appropriate expiration dates
Sharing Tips
- Test links before sending them
- Include context when sharing links
- Let recipients know about any passwords
- Follow up if you need feedback
Common Use Cases
Sharing Documents
Perfect for:
- Sharing reports with clients
- Distributing meeting materials
- Providing access to forms or templates
- Sharing presentations or slides
File Distribution
Great for:
- Sharing photos with family
- Distributing software or tools
- Providing access to resources
- Sharing large files that email can't handle
Collaboration
Useful for:
- Team projects with external partners
- Client feedback on documents
- Sharing reference materials
- Providing access to shared resources
Advanced Features
Bulk Link Creation
Create multiple links at once:
- Select multiple files or folders
- Right-click and choose "Create Links"
- Set permissions for all selected items
- Generate links for everything at once
Link Analytics
Track link performance:
- See how many people accessed each link
- View download statistics
- Monitor link usage over time
- Identify your most popular content
Common Issues and Solutions
Link Not Working
- Check if the link has expired
- Verify the link URL is correct
- Ensure the file hasn't been deleted
- Try copying and pasting the link again
Can't Access Protected Link
- Double-check the password
- Make sure you're using the correct password
- Contact the person who shared the link
- Check if the password has changed
Link Expired
- Contact the person who created the link
- Ask them to create a new link
- Request an extension of the expiration date
- Consider alternative sharing methods
Can't Download Files
- Check if downloads are allowed for this link
- Verify you have permission to download
- Try a different browser or device
- Contact the link creator for permission
Privacy Considerations
What Link Creators Can See
- How many times the link was accessed
- When the link was last used
- Download activity (if enabled)
- They cannot see who specifically accessed the link
Protecting Your Privacy
- Use private browsing when accessing links
- Be careful with sensitive information
- Don't share passwords publicly
- Consider using a VPN for extra privacy
Tips for Link Creators
- Test your links before sharing them
- Use descriptive names for your links
- Set appropriate expiration dates
- Monitor link usage regularly
- Disable unused links to maintain security
- Use passwords for sensitive content
- Provide clear instructions when sharing links