Share a Nextcloud file or folder by choosing named users or groups for controlled access, or by creating a link with explicit permissions, expiry, and password settings.
Named shares and permissions
In your Nextcloud web interface, a named share targets a user or group that can authenticate. The owner can usually choose whether recipients may read, create, edit, delete, or reshare items; available controls depend on the item and server policy. Give the smallest permission set that supports the task. A read-only share is safer for reference material, while edit access is appropriate for a collaborative working folder.
Public links
A public link is convenient for people who do not have an account. Treat the link as a credential: anyone who obtains it may reach the content allowed by that link. Set an expiry date and a strong password where the interface offers those controls. Use separate links for separate audiences so one recipient can be removed without disrupting everyone else. Do not paste a private link into a public forum or an unprotected ticket.
Review and revoke access
Open the sharing panel for the file or folder and review every named share and link. Remove obsolete recipients, shorten an expiry date, or disable a link after delivery. If a collaborator no longer needs to edit, reduce the permission rather than leaving broad access in place. Activity information can help you notice unexpected changes, but it does not replace a regular permission review.
Folders and inheritance
Permissions on a parent folder can affect items below it. Explain the intended boundary before adding someone to a high-level folder, and create a narrower subfolder when only a subset should be visible. A user who can reshare may grant access to somebody you did not name, so reserve reshare permission for trusted collaborators. Keep sensitive files outside broadly shared folders.
Federated sharing
Nextcloud can support federated shares between compatible instances when the administrators allow it. Confirm the recipient address and the remote instance before sending an invitation, then apply the same least-privilege and expiry principles. If a share behaves differently from a local share, ask the remote administrator or inspect the share status in your web interface.
For the privacy and ownership context behind open sharing protocols, read the Nextcloud comparison guide. You can review service options at YourCloud products.