# Send Files with Shared Links

## Introduction

Shared Links in Couchdrop offer a secure and easy way to share and send files to external parties via the web. A shared link is a URL that can be shared and can then be used to download individual files or share a directory of files inside Couchdrop.

Shared Links have two modes:

* **Send Files -** This method creates a copy of the file that can be only downloaded using the generated link. Couchdrop stores the file temporarily in specific storage. 
* **Share File -** This method references an existing file inside Couchdrop. This file can be located in any storage platform or connection.

Shared links include various security controls and features to support secure file sharing and offer a one click easy method of sharing and/or sending files without exposing internal resources. 

## Creating a new Shared Link

To use shared links, you can simply create one by selecting an existing file or by uploading a file from the Couchdrop dashboard**.**

1. **Create Shared Link** from the **+ Create** menu in the Couchdrop dashboard. 
2. Upload or select the file to send
3. Couchdrop will then create a new shared link, with a unique url
4. You can customize the shared link, with a **Password** or other security options when creating it - or after it has been created.

To access the shared link, copy the link provided in the Couchdrop App. 

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## Supported Security Features&#x20;

Shared links by default work similar to any other download link. For high security environments - this is not ideal - so we include a bunch of security options that are available to ensure that the data is safe and only accessible by the intended party. &#x20;

{% hint style="warning" %}
As an administrator - you can configure default security options to ensure that end-user created shared links are secure.
{% endhint %}

<table><thead><tr><th width="249.2628173828125">Option Name</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Password</td><td>Set a password for the shared link. When accessing the link - users will be prompted for the password</td></tr><tr><td>Restrict Allowed Emails</td><td>Restrict link access to specific emails with email verification. If enabled - when accessing the shared link, users will be prompted for an email address and asked to verify the email address with an MFA code. <br><br>This security feature offers an additional level of security. </td></tr><tr><td>One Time Use </td><td>Shared links can be turned into single use. Once the file has been downloaded - it will no longer be available</td></tr><tr><td>Expire</td><td>Similar to One Time Use - but with a timer. When creating the shared link you can set an expiry. Links that have expired will no longer allow use. </td></tr></tbody></table>

## Frequently asked questions

<details>

<summary>Are Shared Links encrypted and secure?</summary>

Yes - shared links are accessed by a TLS 1.3 web link.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Is there reporting and auditing available on Shared Links?</summary>

Yes - All actions in Couchdrop are audited and access to a shared link is included in standard auditing for Couchdrop. The creator of the Shared Link can view events for the shared link and administrators can view and manage the link as well. \
\
Included in all reporting is:

* The file/s downloaded
* The IP address of the downloader
* The email address

</details>

<details>

<summary>Who can create shared links?</summary>

By default - administrators, owners and managers can create shared links. You can enable shared links for external users as well.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can we white label the link?</summary>

Yes - you can control the logo and title used on the download link portal. You can also adjust the domain if needed. &#x20;

</details>