One-Time Download Links: Send Files That Self-Destruct After Download

You're sharing a contract, financial statement, or design mockup. You need the client to get it — but you don't want that file floating around forever on an open link anyone could stumble on.

That's what one-time download links are for. The recipient downloads the file once, and the link dies. Simple, secure, done.

How It Works

When you send files through GoodSend, you can enable the one-time download option. Here's what happens:

1. Your recipient gets an email with a secure download link
2. They click it and download the files
3. The link deactivates permanently — nobody else can use it

The link also expires after 7 days if they never download it. Either way, the file doesn't stay accessible indefinitely.

When You'd Actually Use This

Legal documents. Contracts, NDAs, settlement agreements — anything where redistribution would be a problem.

Financial records. Tax returns, invoices, payroll data. Your accountant needs it once; nobody else needs access.

Creative deliverables. Sending a client their final designs or video edit? A one-time link prevents them from sharing your download link with someone who hasn't paid.

HR and personal data. Employee records, medical documents, background checks — anything with privacy requirements.

You'll Know Exactly When They Download

GoodSend tracks every step:

• Delivered — the email reached their inbox
• Opened — they've seen the email
• Downloaded — they've got the files (with exact timestamp)

So when your client says "I never got it," you'll know whether that's true.

Setting It Up

1. Go to GoodSend and drop in your files (up to 10GB)
2. Enter your recipient's email
3. Toggle on One-Time Download in the security settings
4. Send — costs one credit ($1.50)

That's it. No subscriptions, no account needed on their end.

What If They Need It Again?

If your recipient accidentally closes the download before finishing, or needs the file re-sent, just send it again. It's a new credit, but it's also a new secure link — which is the point. You stay in control of every access.

Combine It With Other Security Options

One-time download works alongside GoodSend's other security features:

• Access codes — require a password to open the download page
• Expiration — standard 7-day link expiry as a backstop
• Download tracking — full audit trail of who accessed what and when

For sensitive files, stack these together. A one-time link with an access code means only someone with both the email and the password can download — and they can only do it once.

Try It Now

Send files that self-destruct after download. Try GoodSend — no account needed, no subscription, $1.50 per send.