Get Public Link
Generates a public sharing link for a file or folder in pCloud.
Common Properties
- Name - The custom name of the node.
- Color - The custom color of the node.
- Delay Before (sec) - Waits in seconds before executing the node.
- Delay After (sec) - Waits in seconds after executing node.
- Continue On Error - Automation will continue regardless of any error. The default value is false.
If the ContinueOnError property is true, no error is caught when the project is executed, even if a Catch node is used.
Inputs
- Client Id - The client identifier returned from the Login node.
- Path - The full path to the file or folder to share (e.g., "/Documents/report.pdf" or "/Projects/WebApp").
Options
- Type - The type of item to share. Choose "File" or "Folder" based on what you're sharing.
Output
- Link - A public URL that can be used to access the shared file or folder. Anyone with this link can view or download the item.
How It Works
The Get Public Link node creates a shareable public URL for files or folders in pCloud. When executed, the node:
- Validates the Client Id
- Validates the path is not empty
- Determines whether to generate a file or folder link based on Type option
- Retrieves the authenticated pCloud client
- Requests a public link from pCloud's API
- Returns the generated public URL
The link allows anyone with the URL to access the file or folder without requiring pCloud authentication.
Requirements
- An active pCloud connection (Client Id from Login node)
- File or folder must exist at the specified path
- Appropriate permissions to share the item
- Valid path format
- Correct Type selection (File or Folder)
Error Handling
The node will return specific errors in the following cases:
- Empty or invalid Client Id
- Empty path
- File or folder does not exist at the specified path
- Type option not selected or invalid
- Insufficient permissions to share the item
- Network connectivity issues
- pCloud API errors
Usage Notes
- The Type option must match the actual item (File or Folder)
- Public links do not expire by default (check pCloud's current policies)
- Links can be shared via email, chat, or embedded in websites
- The path is not normalized for this operation (use exact path)
- Anyone with the link can access the shared item
- Consider security implications before sharing sensitive files
- Links can typically be revoked through pCloud's web interface
Type Selection
| Type | Use For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| File | Individual documents, images, etc. | /Reports/Q1_Summary.pdf |
| Folder | Collections of files, project folders | /Projects/WebDesign |
Best Practices
- Verify the file or folder exists before generating links
- Use meaningful file/folder names for better link context
- Document generated links for future reference
- Consider security before sharing sensitive data
- Use folder links to share multiple related files
- Test links after generation to ensure accessibility
- Track which links have been shared and to whom
- Periodically review and revoke unused links
Example: Share a Report
Generate a public link for a report file:
Inputs:
- Client Id: (from Login node)
- Path: "/Reports/Monthly_Analysis.pdf"
- Type: "File"
Output:
The link can be shared with stakeholders for easy access.
Example: Share Project Folder
Generate a link for an entire project folder:
Inputs:
- Client Id: (from Login node)
- Path: "/Projects/ClientDeliverable"
- Type: "Folder"
Output:
The link provides access to all files in the project folder.
Example: Automated Sharing Workflow
Complete workflow for uploading and sharing:
- Login - Authenticate with pCloud
- Upload File - Upload the report
- Get Public Link - Generate sharing link
- Send Email - Email the link to recipients
This automates the entire upload and share process.
Common Automation Scenarios
Document Distribution:
- Upload reports and generate sharing links
- Send links to stakeholders via email
- Share deliverables with clients
- Distribute team documents
Automated Reporting:
- Generate reports automatically
- Upload to pCloud
- Create public links
- Notify recipients with links
Client Deliverables:
- Upload completed work
- Generate sharing links
- Send to clients
- Track deliverable distribution
File Sharing Automation:
- Process files (convert, compress, etc.)
- Upload to pCloud
- Generate sharing links
- Log link distribution
Example: Report Distribution System
Automated report distribution:
- Generate Report - Create report file
- Upload File - Upload to
/Reports/Auto/ - Get Public Link - Generate sharing link
- Format Email - Create email with link
- Send Email - Send to distribution list
- Log - Record link and recipients
This fully automates report creation and distribution.
Example: Batch Link Generation
Generate links for multiple files:
- Set Variable - Create array of file paths
- For Each - Loop through files
- Get Public Link
- Path:
${filePath} - Type: "File"
- Path:
- Store Link - Save link and path mapping
- Send Summary - Email all links
This creates sharing links for multiple files at once.
Example: Conditional Sharing
Share files based on approval:
- Process File - Process and review file
- Decision - If approved
- Upload File - Upload to pCloud
- Get Public Link - Generate link
- Send Link - Share with authorized users
Only approved files get public links generated.
Security Considerations
Public Link Security:
- Anyone with the link can access the shared item
- Links are not password-protected by default
- Consider sensitivity of shared data
- Monitor and revoke unused links
- Use pCloud's link management features
- Consider alternative sharing methods for sensitive data
Link Management
After generating links:
- Store links in a database or spreadsheet for tracking
- Document who received each link
- Set reminders to review and revoke old links
- Use pCloud's web interface to manage active links
- Consider implementing link expiration policies
Troubleshooting
File/Folder Not Found:
- Verify the path is correct
- Check if the item exists in pCloud
- Ensure path format is exact (case-sensitive)
- Verify spelling
Type Mismatch:
- Ensure Type option matches the actual item
- Use "File" for individual files
- Use "Folder" for directories
- Verify the item type before generating link
Link Generation Fails:
- Check internet connectivity
- Verify pCloud service status
- Ensure you have sharing permissions
- Check if item is shareable
Invalid Client ID:
- Ensure Login node executed successfully
- Verify Client Id is being passed correctly
- Check if connection is still active
Link Not Working:
- Test the link in a browser
- Check if link was generated successfully
- Verify pCloud service availability
- Link may have been revoked
Advanced Example: Client Portal
Automated client file sharing portal:
- Trigger - New file in client folder
- Login - Authenticate
- Upload File - Upload to
/Clients/${clientName}/ - Get Public Link - Generate sharing link
- Store in Database - Save link with metadata
- Send Notification - Email client with link
- Log Activity - Record sharing event
This creates an automated client file distribution system.
Link URL Format
Generated links typically follow this format:
- Europe:
https://e.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=... - US:
https://api.pcloud.com/publink/show?code=...
The exact format depends on your pCloud region and pCloud's current URL structure.
Output Usage
The generated link can be:
- Sent via email to recipients
- Posted on websites or portals
- Shared in chat applications
- Embedded in documents
- Stored in databases for tracking
- Used in automated notifications