How to Create a Secure Upload Link in 60 Seconds

You can create a secure upload link with SendMeSafe in under 60 seconds: create a client, set up the link, configure your options, and share it. That is the entire process. In this step-by-step guide, we walk you through everything from account setup to managing uploaded files, along with best practices that will save you time and keep your clients' documents safe.

What Is an Upload Link and Why Do You Need One?

An upload link is a secure, personalized URL that you send to clients, customers, or partners. The recipient opens the link in their browser and uploads files directly to your account -- no registration, no software installation, no technical knowledge required on their end.

If you have ever asked a client to "just email me the documents," you know the pain: oversized attachments that bounce back, files split across multiple emails, sensitive data traveling unencrypted, and no way to track what was received and when. A secure upload link solves all of these problems at once.

Here is what upload links offer over traditional methods:

Encrypted transfer and storage -- files are protected in transit and at rest
Optional password protection and expiry dates -- you control who can access the link and for how long
Automatic client assignment -- every uploaded file is tied to the right client record
Complete audit trail -- know exactly when files were uploaded and by whom
GDPR compliance -- built for European data protection standards from the ground up
Zero friction for clients -- no account, no app, no learning curve

Before You Start: Create Your Account

If you do not have a SendMeSafe account yet, the signup takes less than a minute:

Visit sendmesafe.com/auth/register.
Enter your name, email address, and a password.
Confirm your email address.
You are ready to go.

The free trial lasts 14 days and includes all features. No credit card required.

Already have an account? Log in and skip ahead to Step 1.

Step 1: Create a Client (15 Seconds)

After logging in, you land on your dashboard. The first step is to create a client record for the person or company you need documents from.

How to Create a Client

Click Clients in the sidebar menu.
Click New Client.
Enter the client's name (e.g., "Acme Corp" or "Jane Smith").
Optionally add an email address so you can easily contact them later.
Click Save.

Done. The client appears in your client list immediately.

Tip: Keep Clients Organized

The client management system lets you assign statuses to each client: Open, Partial, or Complete. This makes it easy to see at a glance which clients have submitted all their documents and which ones still have outstanding items -- even when you are managing hundreds of clients at once.

Step 2: Create the Upload Link (15 Seconds)

With the client created, you can now generate their upload link.

How to Create the Link

Navigate to the client's page, or click Upload Links in the sidebar.
Click New Upload Link.
Select the client this link is for.
Click Create.

The upload link is now live and ready to use. In the next step, you will configure the optional security settings.

Step 3: Configure Your Options (20 Seconds)

SendMeSafe provides several options to tailor the upload link to your specific needs. All of these are optional -- the link works perfectly fine with the default settings. But for sensitive documents or strict compliance requirements, these options give you full control.

Password Protection

Set a password that your client must enter before they can access the upload page. Share the password through a separate channel (phone call, SMS, or a messaging app) for maximum security.

When to use password protection:

For highly sensitive documents (tax returns, health records, ID copies)
When sharing the link through an insecure channel
When compliance requirements demand multi-factor access

Expiry Date

Set a deadline for the upload link. After the expiry date, no more files can be uploaded through that link.

Recommended timeframes:

One-time document requests: 7-14 days
Tax season document collection: until the filing deadline
Ongoing processes: no expiry or several months

File Size Limit

Restrict the maximum file size that can be uploaded through the link. This prevents unexpectedly large files from consuming your storage.

Recommended limits:

Standard documents (PDFs, scans): 10-25 MB
Photos and images: 25-50 MB
Videos or large files: adjust accordingly

Description / Instructions

Add a description that your client sees when they open the link. Use this to clearly communicate exactly which documents you need. Being specific here dramatically reduces back-and-forth.

Example:

Please upload the following documents:

2025 income tax return

Bank statements from January to December 2025

Receipts for business expenses

A clear description means fewer follow-up emails and faster turnaround.

Step 4: Share the Link with Your Client (10 Seconds)

With the link created and configured, it is time to share it.

Share via Email

Copy the link and paste it into an email. The link itself does not contain any confidential information -- it is simply the gateway to the secure upload area.

Sample email:

Subject: Secure Document Upload

Dear [Name],

Please submit the required documents through the following secure link:

[Paste upload link here]

The link is valid until [date]. You do not need an account -- simply open the link and upload your files.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Other Sharing Methods

By letter: Print the link and mail it. This works well for clients who prefer paper but are comfortable using a browser.
By messenger: Share the link through any messaging app your client uses.
QR code: Generate a QR code from the link URL. Clients can scan it with their smartphone camera and go directly to the upload page.

Tip: Getting Clients to Actually Use the Link

One of the most common challenges is not creating the link -- it is getting clients to use it. Here are a few tips:

Keep it simple. In your email, emphasize that they do not need an account or any special software. "Just open the link and upload."
Be specific. List exactly which documents you need. Vague requests lead to delays.
Set a deadline. A clear expiry date creates gentle urgency without pressure.
Follow up. If files have not been uploaded after a few days, send a friendly reminder with the link again.
Explain why. A brief note like "This secure link replaces email attachments to protect your data" helps clients understand the change.

Step 5: Receive and Manage Uploaded Files

Once your client uploads files, you will be notified through notifications. You can configure how you want to be notified: by email, in the dashboard, or through the desktop app.

View Uploaded Files

Navigate to the client overview or the upload links section.
You will see all uploaded files with the following details:
- File name and type
- Upload date and time
- File size
Download individual files or process them directly.

Track Client Status

The client management system shows the status of each client:

Open: No documents submitted yet.
Partial: Some documents submitted, but not everything you need.
Complete: All required documents received.

This status tracking is invaluable during busy periods like tax season, when you might be waiting on documents from dozens or even hundreds of clients simultaneously.

Security Features You Can Configure

SendMeSafe gives you granular control over the security of every upload link. Here is a summary of what you can configure and when each feature matters most.

Feature	What It Does	When to Use
Password protection	Requires a password to access the upload page	Sensitive documents, compliance requirements
Expiry date	Disables the link after a set date	Time-bound requests, reducing long-term exposure
File size limit	Caps the maximum file size per upload	Preventing storage overuse, standardizing submissions
Description	Displays instructions to the uploader	Every time -- clarity reduces errors

All uploaded files are transferred over TLS-encrypted connections and stored encrypted on EU-based servers. For full details on our security architecture, visit the security page.

Use Cases: Who Benefits from Upload Links?

Upload links are not limited to one industry. Any business that regularly receives documents from external parties can benefit.

Tax and Accounting Firms

Tax season means collecting documents from every single client: income statements, bank statements, receipts, and more. Instead of drowning in emails and attachments, create an upload link for each client with a clear list of required documents. Track who has submitted and who needs a reminder.

Law Firms and Legal Departments

Client onboarding in legal often requires identity documents, contracts, and case-related files. Upload links with password protection and expiry dates ensure that sensitive legal documents are handled securely and in compliance with GDPR.

HR and Recruiting

Hiring processes involve collecting resumes, certificates, reference letters, and identity verification documents. An upload link provides a professional, secure way for candidates to submit their materials without back-and-forth emails.

Real Estate and Property Management

Lease applications, proof of income, identification documents, insurance certificates -- the list of documents in real estate transactions is long. Upload links streamline the collection process and keep everything organized per tenant or buyer.

Healthcare and Medical Practices

Referral letters, lab results, insurance documents, and patient forms. Healthcare providers can use upload links to collect documents from patients or referring physicians in a GDPR-compliant manner.

Freelancers and Consultants

Even solo professionals benefit. If you regularly receive project briefs, brand assets, or signed contracts from clients, an upload link is faster and more professional than "just email it to me."

Best Practices for Upload Links

Create One Link Per Client, Per Purpose

Do not reuse upload links across multiple clients or projects. Create a dedicated link for each client and each request. This keeps documents properly organized and makes your audit trail meaningful.

Communicate Passwords Separately

If you set a password on an upload link, always share the password through a different channel than the link itself. Send the link by email and the password by phone or SMS. This way, someone who intercepts one communication still cannot access the upload.

Choose Expiry Dates Thoughtfully

Too short: Clients who do not respond immediately will find a dead link and contact you for a new one, creating extra work.
Too long: The link remains active and accessible far beyond when it is needed, increasing exposure.
A good rule of thumb: 14 days for standard requests, 7 days for urgent ones, and up to 3-6 months for ongoing document collection.

Enable Notifications

Turn on notifications so you know the moment a client uploads a file. Prompt acknowledgment reassures clients that their documents arrived safely and builds trust.

Write Clear Descriptions

The description field is your chance to tell clients exactly what you need. Be specific. Instead of "Please upload your documents," write "Please upload your 2025 W-2 form, last three bank statements, and a copy of your photo ID." Specificity reduces confusion and speeds up the process.

Summary: Upload Link in 60 Seconds

Step	Action	Time
1	Create a client	~15 seconds
2	Create the upload link	~15 seconds
3	Configure options	~20 seconds
4	Share the link with your client	~10 seconds
Total		~60 seconds

After these four steps, your client has a secure, GDPR-compliant way to send you documents. You maintain full control and visibility -- from the moment of upload to eventual deletion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my client need a SendMeSafe account?

No. Your client only needs a web browser. No account, no app, no registration. They open the link, upload their files, and they are done.

Do upload links work on mobile devices?

Yes. Upload links work on any device with a modern browser: desktop, tablet, and smartphone. Clients can upload photos directly from their camera or select files from their device storage.

How secure is the file transfer?

All files are transmitted over a TLS-encrypted connection and stored encrypted on EU-based servers. You can add password protection for an extra layer of security. Full details are available on our security page.

Can I see if my client has opened the link?

Yes. The audit trail logs all actions: when the link was opened, when files were uploaded, and which files were submitted.

What happens after the expiry date?

After the expiry date, the upload link can no longer be used. Files that were already uploaded remain stored and accessible in your account. You can create a new link if needed.

Can I modify the link after creating it?

Yes. You can update the password, expiry date, and description at any time. The link URL itself stays the same, so you do not need to send a new link to your client.

Is there a limit on the number of files?

There is no fixed limit on how many files can be uploaded through a single link. The available limits depend on your subscription plan.

Conclusion

Creating a secure upload link does not have to be complicated. With SendMeSafe, the entire process takes less than a minute -- and the result is a fully configured, GDPR-compliant channel for receiving documents from your clients. Your clients get a frictionless experience that requires zero technical skill, and you get organized, trackable, and secure document collection.

No more chasing attachments. No more worrying about data protection. No more "I sent it last week, didn't you get it?"

Try it yourself. Create your first upload link -- free and in under 60 seconds. 14-day trial, no credit card required.