How to move private file URLs to your own storage

This applies to file upload, image upload, or signature form fields (i.e. upload questions), and to any form that generates a custom PDF.

We generate secure, private URLs to access files uploaded through your form questions and custom PDFs. These URLs are signed and valid for seven days from the time of generation.

• Within the first 7 days: The URL is accessible by anyone who has the link.
• After 7 days: The link becomes restricted. Only the account owner and team members logged into the platform can access it.

If you need to share these files beyond the 7-day period with external collaborators we recommend transferring the files to your own storage solution. Here are two ways to do so:

1. Use Our Native Dropbox Integration

You can automatically transfer uploaded files to Dropbox using our Direct Integration with Dropbox. This is the simplest way to retain access long-term.

2. Use a Third-Party Automation Tool (Zapier or Make)

You can use automation platforms to send uploaded files to storage services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or others.

Here is an example using a Make.com Scenario to store a signature in Google Drive and insert the file into a Google Document.

• Use the Paperform - New Submission module as the initial trigger.

• Add an HTTP - Make a Request module using the URL of the signature file from your form submission. Set the Method to GET and the Body type to Raw.

  

• Toggle on Show advanced settings and set Follow redirect to Yes. Paperform's private URLs are actually redirect endpoints that verify access before redirecting to a secure AWS-hosted URL. The HTTP - Make a Request module must follow redirects to fetch the actual file.

  

• Add a Google Drive - Upload A File module and set the File Name of your signature file and include the .png extension. Use the output Data from the HTTP module in the Data field.

  

*The next steps are not required if you only need to store files in Google Drive.

Here is how to insert the signature file into a Google Doc:

The Google Docs module needs a publicly accessible image URL to insert into a new template.

• Add a Google Drive - Get A Share Link module. Set the File ID to the output from the Google Drive - Upload A File module. Set the Role to Reader and the Type to Anyone.

  

• Add a Google Docs - Create A Doc From A Template module. Replace your placeholder values with data from the submission. Replace the placeholder image in your template body with the Web Content Link output from the Google Drive - Get A Share Link module.

  

Best Practices

• Automate Quickly: Set up automations to move files immediately after submission to avoid missing the 7-day window.
• Store Public Copies Separately: For long-term or external access, use your cloud storage’s public share links, not the original Paperform URL.
• Secure Your Data: Avoid posting private Paperform URLs in public documents or websites, especially within the first 7-day window.

Gotchas

• 7-Day Window: Files must be fetched or copied within 7 days of form submission. After that, accessing the URL will require a logged-in session.
• Final URLs and Image Embeds: If your Make scenario needs a public URL (e.g. for embedding an image in a Google Doc), you must move the file to a service like Google Drive and generate a public share link there.
• Manual Recovery After 7 Days: Once the signed URL expires, you'll need to log in, manually download the file from your Paperform dashboard, and move it to your storage system.