Articles on: Working with OpnForm

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.



  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.

Updated on: 14/07/2026

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