How to Share a File with an Expiring, Password-Protected Link
Open the file’s Share tab and select Create Link. Turn on Expiration, Download Limit, Password Protection or Require Email as needed, then select Create Link - the link is copied, and you can revoke it later.
You need permission to share the file.
Steps
- 01
Open the file’s sharing options
Choose Share / Manage Permissions from the file’s menu and open the Public link tab, or click the file once and use its Share tab.
- 02
Start a link
Select Create Link to open Create Public Share Link.
- 03
Set the limits
Enable Expiration (in hours), Download Limit or Password Protection as needed. Turn Require Email on to ask for an email address, or Allow Download off for a view-only link.
- 04
Create it
Select Create Link. The link is copied to your clipboard.
- 05
Send it
Paste the link anywhere, or select Send Email on the link and enter up to 20 recipients with an optional message.
Good to know
- Opening the link’s page does not count as a download; only downloads count toward the limit.
- People who open the link can preview the file in their browser, and download it if downloading is allowed.
- To stop a link working, select the trash icon on it. Revoking cannot be undone.
- Folders can be shared by link too, with options for a ZIP download and anonymous uploads.
Last updated 12 November 2026