Downloading and Opening Files

Once files are in StretchDrive, getting them back out is simple and secure. This guide covers downloading, the difference between viewing and saving, and how download links stay protected.

Downloading a file

1. Select the file (or open its preview).
2. Choose Download.
3. StretchDrive generates a secure, temporary download link and your browser saves the file.

The download link is short-lived — it's valid for only a few minutes (about 5) and then expires. This keeps your files protected: even if a link were intercepted, it can't be reused later. You can always download again to get a fresh link.

Viewing inline vs. saving to disk

StretchDrive is smart about how it hands you a file:

• Images in common formats (PNG, JPEG, GIF, WebP, AVIF, BMP) can open inline in your browser so you can look without saving.
• Other files are delivered as a download (an "attachment") so they land in your Downloads folder.

For text, Markdown, CSV, and code files, you also have the option to Preview them as formatted HTML in the browser without downloading at all — handy for a quick look. See Previewing Files, Opening in Editors, and Managing Versions.

Downloading via a share link

If someone sent you a share link, whether you can download depends on how that link was configured:

• If the link has downloads allowed, you can save the file.
• If the link is view-only (downloads turned off), you can look at the file but the download option is blocked.
• If the link is password-protected, you'll need to enter the password first.
• If the link has expired or been revoked, it no longer works — ask the sender for a new one.

Getting an editable copy

Downloading gives you the raw file. If instead you want to work on a text or CSV file within StretchSuite, use Open in editor to load it into StretchDocs or StretchSheets rather than downloading — you'll get an editable copy without leaving the suite.

A realistic example

A client asks for the final signed contract. You open the Contracts folder, select Acme-signed.pdf, and choose Download — your browser saves it, using a link that expires minutes later. Separately, your designer wants to review a logo: you send them a view-only share link with downloads turned off, so they can see the image inline in their browser but can't save the source file. Later, you need to update a price list stored as prices.csv; instead of downloading it, you choose Open in editor, and it opens as a StretchSheets workbook ready to edit.

Tips

• If a download link seems not to work, it may have expired — just download again for a fresh one.
• Use Preview for a quick look at text and images instead of downloading.
• To collaborate on a file, Open in editor rather than downloading and re-uploading — it preserves version history.
• When distributing sensitive files, share a view-only link with downloads off rather than sending the file itself.

FAQ

Why did my download link stop working after a few minutes? Download links are deliberately short-lived for security. Generate a new one by downloading again.

A share link won't let me download. The link's owner turned downloads off (view-only). Ask them to enable downloads or send you the file another way.

Can I download a whole folder at once? Download individual files from within the folder; for team-wide access, consider sharing the folder so recipients can browse and download what they need.

*How do I get an editable version, not a static download? Use Open in editor* for supported text and CSV files to open them in StretchDocs or StretchSheets.