Retention for files that only need to exist until the workflow finishes
Most workflow files are temporary. Read the returned expiry, pass the URL onward, then delete access when the job finishes.
- Reviewed by
- GetFileURL technical team
- Updated
- Upload
- Send file plus visibility
- Use
- Pass url to OCR, AI, social, APIs, or automations
- Cleanup
- Call delete with file_id or let expiry handle it
What this page answers
No. GetFileURL is positioned around lifecycle-controlled handoffs. Use expiry and delete controls instead of permanent public storage by default.
- Reviewed by
- GetFileURL technical team
- Last updated
Public file URLs should have an end state.
A workflow file usually exists for a job: parse this invoice, publish this image, send this report, enrich this CRM record. Retention should follow that job.
Returned expiry
Store `expires_at` from upload so the workflow knows the current access window.
Account defaults
Teams should be able to set default retention so public files do not live longer than intended.
Manual deletion
Use the file ID to delete a URL as soon as the downstream step no longer needs it.
Retention should be visible to users and workflow logs.
Returned metadata should make expiry and file identity easy to inspect, map, and debug in automation builders.
expires_at
Expose the expected expiry time in the response so workflows can branch or log it.
file_id
Use a stable ID for lookup, delete, and support conversations.
No indexing by default
Uploaded customer files should not be treated as indexable marketing content.
Common questions
Are uploaded files permanent?
No. GetFileURL is positioned around lifecycle-controlled handoffs. Use expiry and delete controls instead of permanent public storage by default.
Can I delete a file before it expires?
Yes. The upload response includes a file ID so an authenticated delete call can remove public access earlier.
Should uploaded files be indexed by search engines?
No. Customer-uploaded files should not be indexed by default. Public marketing pages and docs are the indexable surfaces.