Sometimes you need files from people — but only for a limited time. A wedding this weekend, a project deadline on Friday, a hiring round that closes next month. You don't want a permanent shared folder that lives forever. You want a link that works now and disappears later.
That's what a temporary file upload link does. You create it, share it, collect files, download everything, and the page self-destructs.
Why temporary is better
Permanent shared folders create problems: - They stay accessible forever unless you remember to change permissions - Files accumulate and the folder becomes a graveyard - Anyone who ever had the link still has access - You forget which folders are active and which are dead
A temporary upload link solves all of this: - It expires automatically — no manual cleanup - Files are collected for a specific purpose with a clear deadline - Once you download your ZIP, the collection is complete - No lingering access for people who shouldn't have it anymore
This matters especially for sensitive documents. HR collecting candidate IDs, accountants collecting tax forms, lawyers collecting case files — you don't want these sitting on a public link indefinitely.
How to create one
- Go to getfiles.app
- Type a title: "Project Files — Due Friday" or "Wedding Photos — Sarah & Tom"
- Set an expiration date in Advanced Settings (optional — default is 7 days)
- Click "Create upload link"
- Share the link
The page accepts uploads until expiration. After that, uploaders see "This page has expired." You have a few extra days to download the ZIP, then everything is deleted.
Setting the right expiration
Match the expiration to your use case:
Wedding or event: Set it for 3-5 days after the event. Guests who forgot to upload at the event can still send photos the next day.
Project deadline: Set it for the day after your deadline. Gives a small buffer without leaving it open forever.
Hiring round: Set it for the application closing date.
No deadline? Leave the default (7 days). You can always create a new link if you need more time.
What happens when it expires
- The upload page stops accepting new files
- Your dashboard still shows all received files
- You can download everything as ZIP for a few more days
- After the grace period, files are permanently deleted
No manual cleanup needed. No folder to remember to delete. No permissions to revoke.
Adding security
For sensitive collections, combine temporary links with:
Password protection: Add a password when creating the link. Share the password separately from the link itself (link by email, password by text).
File checklist: Specify exactly which documents you need. Uploaders can only attach files to the items on your list — no random uploads.
Both are optional and free on getfiles.app.
Temporary upload link vs permanent alternatives
| Feature | Temporary link (getfiles.app) | Google Drive folder | Dropbox File Request |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-expires | Yes | No | No |
| Uploader needs account | No | Yes (Google) | No |
| Auto-deletes files | Yes | No | No |
| Password protection | Yes | No | No |
| Free | Yes | Yes (15 GB) | Yes (2 GB) |
| Setup time | 10 seconds | 2-5 minutes | 2-5 minutes |
Use cases
Events: Collect photos from guests, then the link expires. No permanent folder cluttering your cloud.
HR: Collect candidate documents for a specific role, then the link expires. Sensitive data doesn't linger.
Education: One link per assignment, expires on the due date. Clean separation between assignments.
Finance: Collect receipts or invoices for a specific period, then the link expires.
Freelance: Collect assets from a client for a specific project. When the project starts, the link is already done.
Create your temporary upload link
Go to getfiles.app. Type a title, optionally set an expiration, click create. Share the link. Collect files. Download. Done.
Free, no account, works on any device.