FAQ
File sharing FAQ
Clear answers about sending files for free, sharing large files with a link, and protecting downloads with private access controls.
This page expands the quick FAQ on the homepage and covers the questions people usually ask before they send files, share folders, or protect downloads with encryption and passwords.
How can I send files for free?
Upload one file, several files, or a whole folder, choose how long the share should stay available, and send the generated link. Depending on the tenant configuration, you can also add a password or end-to-end encryption.
Can I send large files?
Yes. PouchLinks is built for documents, images, archives, and other larger files that are awkward to send as email attachments. Actual limits depend on the configured quota and service settings.
Are files encrypted?
PouchLinks always uses HTTPS for transport. You can also enable optional end-to-end encryption so decryption happens in the browser and the decryption key stays in the share link fragment. This matters when you share contracts, medical records, identity documents, HR files, or other sensitive material that should not be readable by the service operator.
How is this different from a typical cloud storage share link?
With many traditional cloud-sharing services, the provider manages the encryption keys and can technically access the stored file contents. With optional end-to-end encryption in PouchLinks, the provider does not receive the decryption key because it stays in the link fragment and the decryption happens in the recipient's browser.
Can I protect a share with a password?
Yes. You can add a password to the share for an additional access check before the recipient can open the files.
Do recipients need an account to download files?
Usually no. Recipients typically only need the share link and, if configured, the password. They do not normally need to register just to open a shared download page.
How long do shared files stay available?
A share stays available until the selected expiry period ends or until the sender deletes it earlier. The sender chooses the validity period during share creation.
Can I send multiple files or full folders?
Yes. You can upload several files or complete folders and package them into one share link, which is often more convenient than sending many separate attachments.
Can a share be limited to a single download?
Yes. PouchLinks supports a single-download option so a share can stop being available after it has been downloaded once.
Can recipients preview images before downloading them?
Yes, for supported non-encrypted image files. Encrypted files and unsupported file types use a placeholder instead and can be downloaded normally.
What happens after a share expires?
Once a share expires or is deleted, access to the download page is removed and the stored files are scheduled for cleanup from storage.