Files extension
When “password and expiry” are not enough
A confidential quote, a due diligence, a contract before signing: the link must work only once, or for twenty minutes, or only after accepting a non-disclosure agreement. These are the public link’s “Advanced” options, unlocked by a dedicated permission.
In the same window, not in a separate flow
Password, expiry and email verification are basic and sit in the link form. The advanced options appear as an “Advanced” section below, for those with the “Advanced link security” permission on the folder: download limit, single-use link, timed session, NDA acceptance. Four things only, the ones that really change the risk. The NDA comes from a per-company library the administrator uploads in Settings — PDF, with a default — and whoever opens the link reads and accepts it before seeing the content: name, email, date, time, time zone and IP address stay recorded for evidential purposes.
How it works
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Upload the NDA to the library
Settings → Link security: the administrator uploads the PDF non-disclosure agreements and marks one as default. Each document is encrypted and kept apart from the file archive.
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Open “Advanced” on the link
When creating the public link, below the basic options: at most N downloads, single-use, N-minute session, NDA required — with which document. Combine them as needed: single-use and NDA for the contract draft, 3 downloads for the brochure.
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Whoever opens goes through the gate
The public page shows the NDA to read, asks for name and email and the “I have read and accept” tick. Only then does the content appear, for the time and downloads allowed. The second opening of a single-use link finds the door closed, even from the same browser.
The confidential document is seen once, for twenty minutes, after signing. The rest is good intentions.
What you can do
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Download limit
The link stops delivering the file at download N+1. Useful with quotes: one for the client, not one for every forward.
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Single-use link
One opening only. Reloading or reopening it grants no more access; a new link is needed. For the document to be seen once and no more.
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Timed session
From the first opening access stays valid for the minutes given, then the link closes. Empty = no limit. It is the reading room, not the archive.
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NDA with proof of acceptance
Document of your choice from the library or the default one. Acceptance is recorded with email, date, time, time zone and IP, with the GDPR notice on the page.
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A permission per folder
“Advanced link security” sits in the access level: everyone has it in “Legal”, nobody in “Marketing”. Requires the Public links extension to be active.
Frequently asked questions
Does an NDA accepted online hold?
Acceptance is recorded with declared identity and verified email, date, time, time zone and IP: it is the proof that that person saw that document and clicked “accept” before accessing. For a signature with full value there is kSign, and the two can be combined.
Is a single-use link consumed even if the recipient closes it at once?
Yes: the opening counts, not the reading. If the recipient closed by mistake, you send them a new link — that is the price of single use. For some extra margin, use the timed session.
Where are the print and screenshot blocks?
They are a separate, platform-level feature and apply inside Files too, not only on links: print, screenshot, right-click and copy hindered, with the screen covering itself when the window loses focus. You find them on the Security and preservation page.
The other Files features
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Alex