> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.silkline.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.silkline.ai/configuration/public-hosted-files.md).

# Public Files

Host static documents at a permanent public link anyone can open, no Silkline account required

## Overview

Public Files lets your organization host static documents — quality manuals, terms and conditions, certifications — at a permanent public URL. Anyone with the link can open the file in a browser without signing in, so you can reference it from email signatures, printed documents, or your own website.

Each published file gets a stable, human-readable link:

```
https://app.silkline.ai/files/<organization-slug>/<link-name>
```

The link never expires. You control availability entirely from Silkline: unpublishing or deleting a file makes its link stop working immediately.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Anyone with the link can read the file.** Only publish documents that are safe to share outside your organization. The link is not listed anywhere public, but it is not a secret either.
{% endhint %}

## Managing public files

Open **Organization Settings → Public Files**. The table lists every hosted file with its public link, publication status, and upload date.

### Publish a file

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Upload

Click **Upload File** and choose one or more documents. Each file is published immediately at a link name derived from its file name (for example, `Quality Manual.pdf` becomes `quality-manual`).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Copy the link

Click **Copy** next to the file's public link and share it anywhere.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Row actions

Each row's menu offers:

* **Open link** — opens the public URL in a new tab.
* **Publish / Unpublish** — toggles availability. An unpublished file keeps its link name, but the link returns "Not found" until you publish it again.
* **Edit name and link** — renames the file or changes its link name. Changing the link name changes the public URL, and links to the previous name stop working.
* **Delete** — removes the hosted file entirely. The public link stops working immediately.

Appending `?download` to a public link prompts the browser to download the file instead of displaying it.

## Permissions

Viewing the Public Files page is available to all organization members. Publishing, editing, unpublishing, and deleting require the **Edit organization hosted file** permission, which is granted to the **Admin** role. When role-based access control is disabled for your organization, all members can manage public files.