Sharing files publicly through a link

Content of the article:
• Sharing a file publicly
• Characteristics for end-to-end encrypted rooms
• Overview of all files shared to public
• Deactivate a public link

Individual files can be shared publicly via a link. This allows people without their own Stackfield account or without access to the corresponding room to access the file. They simply need to open the sharing link in their browser. For end-to-end encrypted rooms, entering a password may also be required.

Sharing a file publicly

To share a file publicly, open the Files module in the relevant room and select the file. Public sharing can be accessed in two ways:

• In the file overview, right-click the desired file.
• In the opened file, use the More button (icon: "three dots").

If the file has not yet been shared publicly, the "Share to public" option will be available in both cases.

The "Share file to public" dialog will then open. Select the "Disabled" (icon: "grey cross") button to change public sharing to "Enabled" (icon: "green checkmark"). This generates a public link for the file.

If public sharing has already been enabled for the file, the option will instead be called "Show public link". This allows you to access the existing link again.

The public link can then be copied and shared with others via your preferred method.

Characteristics for end-to-end encrypted rooms

If a file comes from an end-to-end encrypted room, an additional key is required to open the publicly shared file. This key can either be included directly in the public link or shared separately. For security reasons, it is recommended to keep the key separate from the public link and send it via a separate, secure communication channel.

If the key is shared separately, it must be entered when opening the public link. The file is only decrypted and made accessible once the key has been entered successfully.

Overview of all files shared to public

An overview of all publicly shared files can be accessed via the Reports function. To do so, select the "All shared files" filter under Files.

Alternatively, the overview can be accessed directly within a room. To do so, right-click any file and select "Share to public" or "Show public link" from the dropdown menu. Then select "All Shared Files" to open the overview.

Deactivate a public link

To disable a public link, open the "Share file to public" dialog for the corresponding file. This can be done in the following ways:

• In the file overview, right-click the file and select "Show public link".
• In the opened file, use the More button (icon: "three dots") and select "Show public link".
• Via the Reports function using the "All shared files" filter.

In the "Share file to public" dialog, click "Enabled" to switch the setting to "Disabled". The green checkmark will change to a gray cross. The file will then no longer be accessible via the public link.