How to share files with external users?

DAM (Media Storage)
1

I’ve just wrapped up a big product photoshoot. While my design team is in-house, my ad agency works remotely with no DAM access. I need to share my product files with this external user who doesn’t have access to my DAM media library. How do I do it?

2

One of the best ways to share files with external users without DAM access is through ImageKit’s public links. They’re secure, easy to generate, and work for any file type.

This method is especially useful when you need to share large files with external users, like high-resolution photos or long videos, since there are no size limits or login barriers. Recipients get instant access with a single link, making it a fast and reliable option for external collaboration.

Steps to create a public link

  • In your Media Library, right-click the asset, folder, or media collection you want to share, and select Public Links from the menu.

  • (Optional) Configure the validity timeframe by setting the start and end dates during which the asset can be accessed.

  • (Optional) Add a password to secure the link.

  • If you select Expose unpublished assets, any draft files in the shared folder or collection will also be accessible. (Note: This requires that you have the Draft assets feature enabled.)

What do public links entail for external users?

While the external user has view access to the file, folder, or media collection, they will also be able to:

  • View basic file metadata (dimensions, file size, embedded metadata).

  • Download the files or the shared collections.

  • Access private files within that folder.

  • Access draft files in shared folders if the expose unpublished files option was selected while creating the public link, and the Draft assets feature is enabled.

They cannot:

  • See internal tags, AI tags, custom metadata, ownership details, or comments.

  • Access anything other than the current version of a file.

Also, if the shared file or folder is deleted or moved, the public link stops working automatically.

To learn more about the limits set on public links, read our documentation here.