Sharing SharePoint Files

SharePoint files and folders can be shared with other people regardless of whether they are affiliated with Penn State.  You can share files and folders directly from a SharePoint site or from within File Explorer if you have added a shortcut to your site. Additionally, SharePoint folders can be set up in such a way that the contents are available to anyone who has the link to the folder.

NOTE: This is also how you can share files for use with CVENT events.

Sharing Directly from the SharePoint Site

1. Using your preferred browser, open the SharePoint site that contains the files or folders you wish to share (or open File Explorer if the site has been linked)
2. Click the Documents link from the Quick Launch bar on the left
3. Click the circle to the left of the file or folder you wish to share
4. Click the Share button from the ribbon
5. SHARING TO ANYONE WITH LINK
   1. If you want to make the folder or file available to anyone who has the link (they will not need to have a Microsoft account), click the top button and select the Anyone with the link option.
      
      • NOTE: if this option is grayed out, you will need to contact the Ag IT Helpdesk to request that feature be turned on.
   2. OPTIONAL - uncheck the Allow Editing box if you want to share the file or folder as read only.
   3. OPTIONAL - Set an expiration date and password
   4. Click Apply
   5. Click Copy Link
   6. Click the Copy button to copy the link URL to your clipboard
   7. You can paste the link into an email message (or cvent form) to share it
6. SHARING WITH SPECIFIC PEOPLE
   1. If there are specific people that will need access to your file or folder, click the top button and select the Specific people option.
   2. OPTIONAL - uncheck the Allow Editing box if you want to share the file or folder as read only.
   3. Click Apply
   4. Enter the email addresses for the individuals to whom the file or folder should be shared
   5. Click in the Add a message field and include a personalized message, if desired
   6. Click Send

Sharing from File Explorer

If you have your SharePoint site linked to File Explorer, you can easily share from there.

1. Open File Explorer and select the file or folder you wish to share
2. Right click and select the Share option
3. SHARING TO ANYONE WITH LINK
   1. If you want to make the folder or file available to anyone who has the link (they will not need to have a Microsoft account), click the top button and select the Anyone with the link option.
      
      • NOTE: if this option is grayed out, you will need to contact the Ag IT Helpdesk to request that feature be turned on.
   2. OPTIONAL - uncheck the Allow Editing box if you want to share the file or folder as read only.
   3. OPTIONAL - Set an expiration date and password
   4. Click Apply
   5. Click Copy Link
   6. Click the Copy button to copy the link URL to your clipboard
   7. You can paste the link into an email message (or cvent form) to share it
4. SHARING WITH SPECIFIC PEOPLE
   1. If there are specific people that will need access to your file or folder, click the top button and select the Specific people option.
   2. OPTIONAL - uncheck the Allow Editing box if you want to share the file or folder as read only.
   3. Click Apply
   4. Enter the email addresses for the individuals to whom the file or folder should be shared
   5. Click in the Add a message field and include a personalized message, if desired
   6. Click Send

Unsharing Files or Folders

1. With the file or folder selected, right click and select the Share option
2. Click the ellipsis (...)
3. Click Manage Access
4. In the Links giving access area, below the URL, you will see icons for those with whom you have shared.
5. Click the arrow to expand the list of users and click the X to remove someone