How to create a download link for a file
Step-by-step instructions for the common ways to make a download link, plus a quicker option when a short code will do instead of a URL. The ShareQuik tool is right below.
- 100 MB per share
- 8-character code
- 3 days, extendable to 15
- No account
Find
Enter a share code to access shared content.
The 8-character code from the sender: 2 letters, then 6 digits.
A download link is a URL that lets someone fetch a file you’ve stored online. The most common way to make one is with a cloud drive you already use. Each one has a sharing setting that decides whether the link works for anyone or only for people you invite.
If all you need is to get a file to someone quickly, and a URL isn’t essential, the ShareQuik panel above gives you an 8-character code in a few seconds with no account.
How ShareQuik works
- Step 1
Add files or text
Drop files into the Share panel above, up to 100 MB in total, or paste up to 3,000 words of text.
- Step 2
Generate a share code
Select Generate Code. ShareQuik uploads everything and shows a code like BX678095 that you can copy, text or read out.
- Step 3
The recipient enters the code
On any ShareQuik page they type the code into the Find panel, enter an email address, and download the files.
Link from a cloud drive, or code from ShareQuik?
Cloud drive link
A clickable URL that can stay online indefinitely. Needs an account and the right sharing setting.
ShareQuik code
No account and ready in seconds. A code rather than a URL, up to 100 MB, expires within 15 days.
Transfer service link
Good for large files sent once. Free tiers limit size, count or how long the link works.
Create a download link in Google Drive
- Upload the file to Google Drive.
- Right-click it and choose Share.
- Under General access, change “Restricted” to Anyone with the link if people outside your list need it.
- Select Copy link and send it.
The link opens a preview page with a download button. Anyone who has an “Anyone with the link” link can open the file, so switch it back to Restricted when you’re done.
Create a download link in Dropbox
- Hover over the file and select Share.
- Choose to copy a link (create one first if it doesn’t exist yet).
- Check the link settings to decide who can open it.
Dropbox links normally open a preview. Changing the end of the link from “dl=0” to “dl=1” makes it download the file directly.
Create a download link in OneDrive
- Select the file and choose Share.
- Open the link settings and pick who the link works for, such as anyone with the link.
- Select Copy link.
Without any account: use a code instead
Every method above needs an account and leaves a link that keeps working until you remove it. When you just need someone to download a file in the next few days, upload it in the ShareQuik panel at the top of this page. You’ll get an 8-character code to send instead of a link, and the share deletes itself after 3 days (or 15 if extended). More on the difference in share files with a link.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a link that downloads instead of opening a preview?
It depends on the service. On Dropbox, change dl=0 to dl=1 at the end of the link. Google Drive and OneDrive links open a page with a download button.
Can I create a download link without an account?
Cloud drives all need an account. ShareQuik needs none, but gives an 8-character code instead of a URL.
How do I stop a download link from working?
On a cloud drive, change the sharing setting back to restricted or delete the link. ShareQuik codes stop working automatically when the share expires.
Related ShareQuik pages
- Share files with a link, or something simplerWant to share files with a link? ShareQuik gives you an 8-character code instead, easier to type and read out. When a code beats a link, and when it doesn’t.
- Share files with a codeUpload files, get a code like BX678095, and let anyone type it on any device to download. Unlike 10-minute pairing codes, it keeps working while you’re offline.
- How to send files without emailHow to send files without email: share an 8-character code instead of an attachment, or use cloud links and messaging apps, and when each one makes sense.
Need it done now, without an account?
Upload your file in the panel above and send the 8-character code instead of a link.