Temporary link or cloud drive link: which to use

Both put a file behind a link. They differ in how long the link lasts and who has to clean up afterwards.

What a cloud drive link does

A shared folder or file in a cloud drive stays available until someone changes the sharing settings or deletes the file. Most drives let you set an expiry date or a password on a link, but the defaults are often "anyone with the link can view", with no end date. The file stays in your account, which is useful when you keep working on it.

What a temporary link does

On multipleupload.com the link ends on its own: after one download, after 24 hours, or after 7 days. The file is then deleted from our server. There is no account to manage, and the recipient does not need one.

When a temporary link is the better choice

You are sending a finished file to someone and do not want a copy to stay available.
The recipient does not have, or does not want, an account with your drive.
You want the file gone without remembering to change a setting later.
The file is large and you do not need to keep editing it in place.

When a cloud drive link is the better choice

The file changes over time and the recipient should always see the latest version.
Several people collaborate on the same documents.
You need to keep the file for longer than a week, or keep a history of versions.
Your organization already requires the drive, for auditing or backups.

Check the link settings either way

Whichever you use, check who can open the link. A drive link set to "anyone with the link" can be forwarded. A temporary link can also be forwarded while it is active. Add a password for sensitive files; see password-protected links.

Create a temporary link