File Sharing
Share files securely with public links and collaboration features. Control access with passwords, expiration dates, and download limits.
Table of Contents
File Sharing Overview
MegaVault provides flexible and secure file sharing capabilities that allow you to share individual files or entire folders with anyone, while maintaining complete control over access permissions and security settings.
Secure Sharing
Multiple security layers protect your shared content
- ✅ Password protection
- ✅ Expiration dates
- ✅ Download limits
- ✅ Access logging
Flexible Access
Control exactly how recipients interact with files
- ✅ View-only mode
- ✅ Download permissions
- ✅ Folder browsing
- ✅ Bulk operations
Analytics & Tracking
Monitor how your shared files are accessed
- ✅ Access statistics
- ✅ Download tracking
- ✅ Visitor analytics
- ✅ Usage reports
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Sharing Philosophy
MegaVault sharing is designed with security-first approach:
- All shares are private by default
- Recipients need the exact link to access content
- No search engine indexing of shared content
- Complete control over access duration and permissions
Public Sharing Links
Public sharing links provide the easiest way to share files with anyone, whether they have a MegaVault account or not.
Creating Share Links
- Select File: Choose the file or folder you want to share
- Share Option: Right-click and select "Share" or use the share button
- Generate Link: Click "Create Public Link" to generate a secure URL
- Configure Options: Set password, expiration, and access permissions
- Copy & Share: Copy the link and share it with recipients
Link Anatomy
Example Share Link
https://yourdomain.com/share/abc123def456ghi789
└─── Unique file identifier
Complete URL components:
├── Protocol: https:// (always encrypted)
├── Domain: yourdomain.com (your MegaVault instance)
├── Path: /share/ (sharing endpoint)
└── Token: abc123def456ghi789 (unique 18-character ID)Link Features
Security Features
- Cryptographically Secure: Unguessable link tokens
- HTTPS Only: All links use encrypted connections
- No Indexing: Links are not discoverable by search engines
- Access Logging: All access attempts are logged
User Experience
- No Login Required: Recipients don't need accounts
- Responsive Design: Works perfectly on all devices
- Preview Support: In-browser preview for many file types
- Batch Downloads: Download multiple files as ZIP
Link Management
- View Active Links: See all your currently shared links
- Edit Link Settings: Modify permissions and security options
- Regenerate Links: Create new link while invalidating old one
- Revoke Access: Instantly disable link access
- Usage Statistics: Monitor link access and downloads
Link Security Options
Protect your shared content with multiple security layers that can be combined for maximum protection.
Available Security Options
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
password | string | Optional | Password protection for the shared linkMySecurePassword123 |
expiration | datetime | Optional | When the link should expire and become invalid2024-12-31 23:59:59 |
download_limit | number | Optional | Maximum number of downloads allowed10 |
view_only | boolean | Optional | Allow viewing/previewing but prevent downloadsfalse |
Password Protection
Password Requirements
- Minimum Length: 8 characters
- Recommended: 12+ characters
- Character Types: Letters, numbers, symbols
- No Dictionary Words: Avoid common passwords
Password Features
- One-Time Entry: Password stored in browser session
- Change Anytime: Update password without new link
- Remove Protection: Disable password requirement
- Failed Attempts: Temporary blocking after failures
Expiration Settings
Preset Durations
- 1 Hour: For urgent, temporary shares
- 24 Hours: Daily collaboration needs
- 7 Days: Weekly project work
- 30 Days: Monthly access periods
- Custom Date: Specific expiration time
Expiration Behavior
- Automatic Disable: Links stop working at expiration
- Grace Period: 1-hour warning before expiration
- Extend Access: Modify expiration before it expires
- Notification: Email alerts before expiration
Download Limits
- Count-Based Limits: Maximum number of downloads (1, 5, 10, 25, 100)
- User-Based Limits: Unique users who can download
- Size-Based Limits: Total bandwidth allocation
- Reset Options: Reset counters or extend limits
- Exceeded Behavior: Block access when limits reached
⚠️
Security Best Practices
For sensitive files, always use:
- Strong passwords (12+ characters with mixed types)
- Short expiration times (24-48 hours maximum)
- Download limits appropriate to recipient count
- Regular monitoring of access logs
Folder Sharing
Share entire folders to provide access to multiple files and maintain organizational structure for recipients.
Folder Share Features
- Directory Browsing: Recipients can navigate folder structure
- Bulk Downloads: Download entire folders as ZIP archives
- Individual File Access: Access specific files within folders
- Nested Permissions: Different permissions for subfolders
- File Previews: Preview files without downloading
Folder Sharing Options
Access Modes
- Browse & Download: Full folder access
- List Only: See file names, no downloads
- Direct Links: Access specific files only
- Subfolder Restrictions: Limit access to certain areas
Display Options
- Grid View: Thumbnail-based file browser
- List View: Detailed file information table
- Custom Branding: Add your logo and colors
- Custom Messages: Welcome text for recipients
Folder Organization for Sharing
Shared Project Folder Structure
Shared-Project-Alpha/
├── README.txt ← Instructions for recipients
├── 01-Project-Overview/
│ ├── Proposal.pdf
│ ├── Timeline.xlsx
│ └── Budget-Summary.pdf
├── 02-Resources/
│ ├── Brand-Assets/
│ │ ├── Logo.png
│ │ └── Style-Guide.pdf
│ └── Templates/
│ ├── Document-Template.docx
│ └── Presentation-Template.pptx
├── 03-Deliverables/
│ ├── Phase-1/
│ ├── Phase-2/
│ └── Final-Delivery/
└── 04-Communication/
├── Meeting-Notes/
└── Email-Archive/Expiration and Limits
Manage the lifecycle of your shared links with automatic expiration and usage limits to maintain security and control costs.
Expiration Strategies
Time-Based Expiration
- Fixed Duration: Set specific time periods
- Business Hours: Access only during work hours
- Weekdays Only: Exclude weekend access
- Rolling Expiration: Extend automatically with use
Usage-Based Expiration
- Download Limits: Expire after N downloads
- View Limits: Expire after N views
- Unique User Limits: Expire after N different users
- Bandwidth Limits: Expire after N GB transferred
Limit Configuration
Example Link Configuration
{
"expiration": "2024-12-31T23:59:59Z",
"download_limit": 50,
"unique_visitors": 10,
"password_required": true,
"permissions": {
"view": true,
"download": true,
"bulk_download": false
},
"restrictions": {
"countries": ["US", "CA", "GB"],
"business_hours_only": true
}
}Automatic Management
- Cleanup Jobs: Automatically remove expired links
- Notification System: Warn before expiration
- Extension Requests: Allow recipients to request extensions
- Batch Operations: Manage multiple links simultaneously
- Audit Trails: Complete history of link lifecycle
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Limit Recommendations
Choose limits based on your use case:
- Internal Team: 7-day expiration, 25 downloads
- Client Delivery: 48-hour expiration, 5 downloads
- Public Resources: 30-day expiration, unlimited downloads
- Sensitive Data: 4-hour expiration, 1 download, password required
Sharing Best Practices
Follow these best practices to ensure secure, efficient, and user-friendly file sharing experiences.
Security Best Practices
Access Control
- Principle of Least Privilege: Grant minimum necessary access
- Time-Limited Access: Set appropriate expiration times
- Strong Passwords: Use complex passwords for sensitive files
- Regular Reviews: Audit active shares monthly
Content Protection
- Classify Sensitivity: Different security for different data
- Watermark Important Files: Add identification to downloads
- Version Control: Share specific versions, not live files
- Backup Considerations: Consider data residency requirements
User Experience Best Practices
- Clear File Names: Use descriptive, professional file names
- Organize Folders: Structure shared folders logically
- Include Instructions: Add README files for complex shares
- Test Links: Always test shares before sending
- Provide Context: Explain what recipients will find
Communication Best Practices
- Professional Messages: Include context when sharing links
- Set Expectations: Explain expiration and limits
- Provide Support: Include contact information for questions
- Follow Up: Confirm receipt and successful access
- Document Sharing: Keep records of what was shared when
Compliance and Legal
- Data Classification: Follow organizational data handling policies
- Retention Policies: Respect data retention requirements
- Geographic Restrictions: Consider data sovereignty laws
- Terms of Use: Include appropriate usage terms
- Audit Trails: Maintain records for compliance needs
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Sharing Success Checklist
Before sharing any file, verify:
- ✅ File contains only information intended for recipients
- ✅ Appropriate security settings are configured
- ✅ Expiration date matches business need
- ✅ Recipients understand how to access and use the files
- ✅ Sharing complies with organizational policies