> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.opnform.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How to choose how long uploaded file links stay available

When a form submission includes an uploaded file, OpnForm can share a link to that file in notifications, exports, and integrations. You can choose how long those links stay available for your whole workspace.

Anyone with a file link can access the file until the link expires. Choose a duration that gives your team enough time to process submissions without keeping links available longer than needed.

## Before you start

You need to be a workspace admin to change this setting. New workspaces use a 24-hour validity period by default.

## Choose a validity period for uploaded file links

1. Open your workspace settings.
2. Select **Security & data**.
3. Under **External file links**, choose a value under **Link validity**.
4. Click **Save changes**.

You can choose **24 hours**, **3 days**, **7 days**, **14 days**, or **30 days**.

## Which duration should I choose?

- Choose **24 hours** when files are processed quickly and you want the shortest exposure window.
- Choose **3 days** when submissions often arrive before a weekend, so files submitted on Friday can still be opened on Monday.
- Choose **7, 14, or 30 days** when your review or approval workflow takes longer.

## Where this setting applies

The validity period applies to new uploaded-file links shared through:

- Email notifications
- CSV exports
- Webhooks
- Slack, Discord, and Telegram integrations
- Google Sheets

## Important details

- The setting only affects links generated after you save the change. Existing links keep their original expiry time.
- Internal file previews in your OpnForm dashboard are not affected.
- Form assets are not affected.

## Need more help?

If you are unsure which duration fits your workflow, start with 3 days for weekend coverage and adjust it as needed.