What can I do with other people's files?
What you can do with other people's files depends on the access that they have given you to those files. To work with someone's file they must make the file public or share it with you.
About this task
When a file is public anyone can read and download it, even people who have not logged in. After they log in, people can also share the file, add it to a folder, comment on it, and get an email when someone edits it or comments on it.Note: An administrator can configure the system so that everyone must log in, or only a certain group of people can log in. In this case public files are only available to users who are able to log in.
When someone shares a file with you, they can give you Reader or Editor access:
- Reader access: Readers can read, comment on, download, and recommend a file, be notified of changes to the file, and share the file. They can add a file to one of their folders, or to a folder to which they have Contributor access.
- Editor access: Editors can read, edit, comment on, download, recommend, upload a new version of, and set properties on the file. They can be notified of changes to the file, and share it. Editors can also add a file to a folder of theirs, or to a folder to which they have Contributor access.
File owners can choose to not allow other people to share files. If the file cannot be shared, you cannot share it with people or communities, or add it to folders.
To see what access you have to a file, open the file page and click the Sharing tab. Look for your name in the Reader or Editor list. If Everyone (public) is in the Reader list, the file is public.
Option Description To recommend files In any list of files, find a file and click the recommend icon (a star) in its row to recommend the file. Click the star again and click You have recommended to remove your recommendation. You can also recommend files in the file page, below the title.
To comment on files Open the file page, click the Comments tab, and then click Add a comment. Type your comment, and then click Save. To download files Open the file page, click Download this file, and then save the file. To edit file properties Open the file page, and then click More Actions -> Edit Properties. Edit the name and description, change the file extension if you want, and then click Save. You must be an owner or have Editor access to edit the properties of someone's file. To add files to folders Open the file page, and then click Add to Folders. Select a folder, and then click Add to Folders. See How do I add files to folders?
Parent topic
Files overviews, how-tos, and FAQsRelated concepts
Welcome to Files
Who can work with files?
What happens to my file when someone edits it?
Related tasks
How do I add files to folders?
});