# 	preview files online before downloading

> Preview files online before downloading them. View documents, images, and videos directly in your browser without installing anything. Free and secure.

Canonical: https://goodsign.io/goodsendkb/preview-files-online-before-downloading
Source: GoodSign — pay-per-document electronic signatures (https://goodsign.io)

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# Previewing Files in GoodSend Before Downloading

## Overview

GoodSend allows recipients to preview files before downloading them, saving time and ensuring they're accessing the correct content. This feature helps recipients verify file contents without committing to a full download, especially useful for larger files.

## How File Preview Works

When you receive a GoodSend link, you can preview compatible file types directly in your browser before deciding to download them. This feature works seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices.

### Supported File Types for Preview

| Category | Supported File Types |
|----------|---------------------|
| Documents | PDF, DOCX, DOC, XLSX, XLS, PPTX, PPT, TXT |
| Images | JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, SVG |
| Media | MP4, MP3 (audio preview) |
| Other | CSV, HTML |

## Step-by-Step Preview Instructions

1. **Open the GoodSend email**: Click on the link in the email you received from the sender
2. **Access the secure download page**: The link will take you to a secure page showing all files shared with you
3. **Select file to preview**: Files with preview capability will show a "Preview" icon or option
4. **View the file**: The preview will open directly in your browser window
5. **Navigate multi-page documents**: Use the navigation controls to move between pages if applicable
6. **Download if desired**: After previewing, you can choose to download the file or close the preview

## Preview Limitations

- Some complex files may display differently in preview mode compared to their native applications
- Files larger than 100MB may have limited preview functionality
- Certain specialized file formats may not support preview
- Preview quality is optimized for viewing, not editing

## Mobile Device Previewing

When accessing GoodSend files on mobile devices:

1. Tap the file you wish to preview
2. The preview will automatically adjust to your screen size
3. Use pinch gestures to zoom in/out on documents and images
4. Rotate your device for landscape view of wider documents

## Security Considerations

- File previews maintain the same level of security as downloads
- No files are stored locally during preview unless you choose to download
- Preview activity is tracked and visible to the sender
- All preview activity occurs through encrypted connections

## Troubleshooting Preview Issues

If you encounter problems with file previews:

- **Preview not loading**: Try refreshing your browser or using a different browser
- **Slow preview**: For large files, allow additional time for the preview to generate
- **Formatting issues**: Some complex formatting may not display perfectly in preview mode
- **Preview unavailable**: Some file types don't support preview - download the file instead
- **Black screen or error**: Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again

## Sending Files with Preview in Mind

For senders wanting to ensure recipients can preview files:

1. Use common file formats when possible (PDF, JPG, etc.)
2. Keep files under 100MB for optimal preview performance
3. For presentations or documents, consider simplifying complex elements
4. Test the preview functionality by sending yourself the file first

## Quick Tips

- Preview is available without creating a GoodSend account
- Files still expire after 7 days, even if only previewed
- For critical documents, downloading provides the most accurate representation
- Preview feature works on all major browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
- Senders can see when recipients preview files in their tracking information
- Use preview to quickly verify you've received the correct files before downloading

Need to send your own large files securely? Visit [GoodSend](https://goodsign.io/goodsend) and send files up to 10GB for just $1.50 per send.