Guide

What is a public CDN URL?

A public CDN URL is a fetchable HTTPS URL served through a content delivery network so external systems can retrieve file bytes reliably.

Create a file URL View API docs

public CDN URLfile deliverycontent typecacheworkflow files

Guide frameAPI-ready

The URL should be public to the machine that fetches it.

SourceFileRelayPOSTOutputURL

Public: No browser session required
CDN: Served near the destination with stable headers
Controlled: Expiry and delete keep workflow files bounded

GET https://cdn.getfileurl.com/f/file_8ks41p/report.pdf
200 OK
Content-Type: application/pdf
Cache-Control: public, ...

Definition

A public CDN URL is a delivery endpoint, not a collaboration page.

The destination system should receive file bytes with the headers it expects. That is different from a share link, preview route, or app attachment page.

HTTPS access

External APIs can fetch the URL without your account session.

Stable headers

Content type and size help OCR, AI, social, document, and webhook systems process the file.

Edge delivery

CDN delivery reduces the chance that a slow origin or app page breaks a fetch.

Workflow fit

CDN URLs are useful when files are inputs to other systems.

A workflow might generate a PDF, image, screenshot, export, or document that another system can only fetch by URL.

AI and OCR

Model and extraction APIs often ask for a public URL they can fetch asynchronously.

Social publishing

Publishing APIs need image or media URLs that remain reachable until the platform has fetched the asset.

CRM and support

Automation tools can attach files by passing a direct URL into the destination API.

Controls

Public does not have to mean permanent.

Public workflow files should have an end state through expiry, deletion, or account retention policy.

Set expiry

Use retention windows that survive queue delays but do not leave files public forever.

Delete after fetch

Use `file_id` to remove public access after the destination confirms processing.

Keep customer files out of search

Uploaded files should not be treated as indexable product content.

FAQ

Answers before the workflow breaks

Is a public CDN URL safe for sensitive files?

Use short expiry, delete after processing, and avoid broad sensitive document use until account policy controls match the risk.

Can a public CDN URL expire?

Yes. A file URL service can expose an expiry window and remove access after the workflow no longer needs the file.

Do public CDN URLs get indexed by Google?

Marketing pages should be indexable, but customer-uploaded file URLs should not be treated as search content by default.

Keep building the file URL path

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