How do I share a file with ProVide’s Share feature?

ProVide’s Share feature lets a user share a single resource with someone else through a link. Right-click the file (or use the checkmark to its left), choose Share, and ProVide generates a link you can send to anyone. Share links support password protection, time restrictions so the link only works during dates you choose, and an optional limit on how many times the resource can be downloaded.

Share is for a single file. You can’t share multiple files or entire folders this way, for folders, use Collaborate, and to let someone send a file to you, use Receive.

Creating the share link #

1. Right-click the resource you want to share, or click the checkmark to the left of its name and icon.
2. Choose Share, either from the right-click menu or the header menu.

Setting a password and restrictions #

When you click Share, a window opens with options for the link:

• Private link sets a password specific to this share.
• Limited availability restricts the link to a certain date/time interval and/or a maximum number of downloads.

Both are optional. If you want a link with no password, time, or download limits, just enable it as-is.

Getting the link #

Once you enable the share, a dialog appears with the link. Copy it and reuse it as many times as your chosen options allow.

Editing or disabling a share #

To change the options later or copy the link again, open Share links on the left. This lists everything you’ve shared; click a link to edit it. Editing the options keeps the same link (the URL doesn’t change). To turn a share off, click Disable, after which the link can no longer be used.

Using the share link #

Send the link however you like, such as by email or SMS. When someone opens it:

• With no restrictions, the download starts immediately.
• With a password, they’re prompted to enter it before they can access the resource.
• Outside any date restrictions, the link won’t work.

Publish files on a web page without uploading to a web server #

Share links can also publish a file directly on your website, straight from the source, with no separate upload to a web server. Because the link points at the file itself, a published document (say, a manual) is always available online in its latest version, your staff just update the file as usual and it’s instantly current.

• Add ?web to the link (for example, https://secure.domain.com/share/link.jpg?web) to let the browser decide how to handle the file; for images and simple resources, it will usually display them in the browser.
• Add ?download or ?attachment to force the browser to download the file instead of displaying it.

To publish a collection of files this way, use folder Collaboration with the read-only limitation enabled.