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Security & Access Control

How to Set Expiration Dates on Shared Documents

2 min read

To set expiration dates on shared documents in Docutracker: create (or edit) a share link, enable Expiration, pick a date/time, then test the link. After that time, the link stops working automatically.

Recommended expiration windows (use these defaults)

  • 3–7 days: contracts under review, job offers, sensitive pricing
  • 14 days: proposals, RFP/RFI responses
  • 30 days: long review cycles, complex documents
  • No expiration: evergreen public resources (only if you truly want ongoing access)

Step-by-step: set an expiration date

  1. Open the document in your dashboard and click Share.
    Result: You’re looking at the share-link settings.

  2. Turn on Expiration (or Set expiration date).
    Why it matters: You don’t have to remember to revoke access later.
    Result: A date/time picker appears.

  3. Choose the expiration date and time.
    Result: The link shows an expiration value (and will stop working at that moment).

  4. (Recommended) Combine with security settings that match your risk:

    • Require password for access control.
    • Require email verification for identity.
    • Disable downloads for view-only distribution.
      Result: The link enforces the full stack you enabled.
  5. Test the link in an incognito/private window.
    Result: The document opens normally now, and will be blocked after expiration.

Troubleshooting

  • Link “stopped working early”: double-check the time zone you selected and whether you edited the correct share link (teams often create multiple links per document).
  • Recipient needs more time: extend the expiration or create a new link with a new window.
  • You need a hard deadline: use a short expiration (e.g., 7 days) and pair with password + email verification.

Quick checklist

  • Expiration enabled
  • Correct date/time selected
  • Tested in incognito
  • Password enabled (if needed)
  • Email verification enabled (if identity matters)
  • Downloads disabled (if view-only)

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