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How to Create View-Only File Links in GoodSend
Overview
GoodSend's view-only file links allow you to share documents that recipients can view but not download. This feature is perfect for sharing sensitive information that needs to be referenced but not retained by the recipient. This article explains how to create and manage view-only links for your files.
Creating a View-Only Link
Step 1: Upload Your Files
Navigate to GoodSend
Click the upload area or drag and drop your files (up to 20 files, 10GB total)
Wait for the upload to complete
Step 2: Configure Link Settings
Once your files are uploaded, locate the "Link Settings" section
Toggle the "View-Only Mode" option to ON
You'll see a confirmation that view-only mode has been enabled
Step 3: Add Recipient Information
Enter your recipient's name and email address
Add any additional message in the notes field (optional)
Click "Send Files"
Managing View-Only Links
Viewing Link Status
After sending a view-only link, you can track its status from your GoodSend dashboard:
Log in to your GoodSend account
Navigate to "Sent Files" section
Find your file transfer in the list
View detailed analytics including:
Email delivery status
When the email was opened
When the link was accessed
How long the recipient viewed the file
Modifying or Revoking Access
If you need to change access permissions after sending:
Go to "Sent Files" in your dashboard
Find the specific file transfer
Click "Manage Link"
Select "Revoke Access" to immediately invalidate the link
Alternatively, select "Convert to Download Link" to allow downloading
Features and Limitations
Feature
Details
File types supported
All file types can be set as view-only
Expiration
Links automatically expire after 7 days
Credit usage
Uses 1 credit ($1.50) per send, regardless of view-only status
Recipient limit
Can be sent to multiple recipients in one transaction
Security
Files viewed in a secure, encrypted browser environment
Watermarking
Optional watermarking available for documents
Use Cases for View-Only Links
Sharing confidential contract drafts for review
Presenting financial statements without allowing downloads
Distributing sensitive company policies that shouldn't be saved locally
Showing design proofs that require approval but not retention
Sharing time-sensitive information that shouldn't persist beyond the review period
Troubleshooting View-Only Links
Recipient Can't View Files
If your recipient reports issues viewing files:
Verify they have a stable internet connection
Ensure the 7-day window hasn't expired
Check if they're using a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
Confirm the correct email address was used
Resend the link if necessary (will use an additional credit)
Browser Compatibility Issues
For optimal view-only experience, advise recipients to:
Use the latest version of their browser
Disable any browser extensions that might interfere with the viewer
Try an alternative supported browser if issues persist
Quick Tips
Preview First : Always test view-only links yourself before sending to important clients
Add Context : Include clear instructions in the message field about the view-only nature of the files
Remember Expiration : Remind recipients that links expire after 7 days
Bulk Send : If sending to multiple recipients, use the CC feature to save credits
Track Activity : Check the dashboard frequently to see who has viewed your files
Secure Setup : For highly sensitive documents, consider adding an access password
Mobile Friendly : View-only links work on mobile devices, but some complex documents display better on desktop