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GetSafeDocs User Guide

Welcome to GetSafeDocs, the secure document sharing platform that protects your files and communications. This comprehensive guide will help you get started and make the most of all available features.

Table of Contents

  1. Getting Started
  2. Account Management
  3. Sending Documents
  4. Receiving Documents
  5. Document Requests
  6. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
  7. Account Tiers and Features
  8. Security Features
  9. Troubleshooting
  10. Best Practices

Getting Started

Creating Your Account

  1. Visit GetSafeDocs.com and click "Register" or "Create Account"
  2. Enter your email address and create a strong password (minimum 8 characters)
  3. Accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
  4. Check your email for a verification code
  5. Enter the verification code to activate your account

Logging In

You can log in using:

  • Email and password (standard login)
  • Google account (OAuth integration)
  • Access token (for accessing specific documents)

Account Verification

After registration, you'll receive an email with a verification code. Enter this code to complete your account setup. If you don't receive the email:

  • Check your spam/junk folder
  • Use the "Resend verification email" link
  • Contact support if issues persist

Account Management

Profile Settings

Access your profile by clicking your email address in the top navigation. Here you can:

  • Update your email address
  • Change your password
  • Manage subscription settings
  • View account usage statistics
  • Access billing information

Password Management

Changing Your Password:

  1. Go to your Profile page
  2. Click "Change Password"
  3. Enter your current password
  4. Enter your new password (minimum 8 characters)
  5. Confirm the new password

Resetting a Forgotten Password:

  1. Click "Forgot your password?" on the login page
  2. Enter your email address
  3. Check your email for reset instructions
  4. Follow the link to create a new password

Sending Documents

Basic Document Sending

  1. Log in to your account
  2. Click "Send Documents" or "New Document"
  3. Upload your files:
    • Drag and drop files or click to browse
    • Multiple files can be selected
    • Files are automatically scanned for malware
  4. Add recipient information:
    • Enter recipient email addresses (comma-separated)
    • Or leave blank to generate a manual access code
  5. Compose your message:
    • Add a subject line
    • Write your message (optional)
  6. Configure settings:
    • Set message expiry (Premium/Enterprise only)
    • Choose notification preferences
    • Enable preview-only mode (recipients can view but not download)
  7. Send the message

File Upload Process

GetSafeDocs uses a secure multi-step upload process:

  1. File Selection: Choose files from your device
  2. Security Scan: Files are automatically scanned for malware
  3. Upload Progress: Real-time progress tracking
  4. Scan Results: View security ratings and reports
  5. Confirmation: Files are ready to attach to your message

Supported File Types

For complete file type listings, see: File Types Reference

Summary:

  • Free Tier: 60+ file types including documents, images, archives, text files, and code files
  • Premium/Enterprise: All free tier types plus video, audio, and design files (20+ additional types)
  • Forbidden: Executable files and scripts are blocked for security reasons across all tiers

File Size Limits

  • Free: 10 MB per file
  • Premium: 100 MB per file
  • Enterprise: 1 GB per file

Recipient Management

After sending a message, you'll be redirected to the Recipient Management page where you can:

  • View all recipients and their access tokens
  • Copy access tokens for manual sharing
  • Copy full URLs for easy sharing
  • Resend email notifications
  • Track message activity (Premium/Enterprise)

Sharing Options

Email Notification:

  • Recipients receive an email with access instructions
  • Includes your message and download links
  • Automatic notifications for account holders

Manual Sharing:

  • Copy the access token or full URL
  • Share via secure messaging apps, SMS, or other methods
  • Recipients can access without email notifications

Receiving Documents

Accessing Documents via Email

  1. Check your email for a GetSafeDocs notification
  2. Click the access link in the email
  3. Enter the access token if prompted
  4. View or download the documents

Accessing Documents via Token

  1. Visit GetSafeDocs.com
  2. Enter the access token in the main form
  3. Click "Retrieve Document"
  4. View or download the files

Document Viewing

Preview Mode:

  • View documents directly in your browser
  • No download required for supported formats
  • Secure sandboxed viewing environment

Download Mode:

  • Download files to your device
  • Full access to original file formats
  • Available for all file types

Your Inbox

If you have a GetSafeDocs account, you can:

  • View all received messages in your inbox
  • Archive messages for organization
  • Reply to senders (if enabled)
  • Track message activity
  • Access expired messages (if still available)

Document Requests

Document requests allow you to create a secure upload page for clients to send you files.

Creating a Document Request

Note: Document requests are available for Premium and Enterprise users only.

  1. Go to "Document Requests" in your account
  2. Click "Create Request Page"
  3. Configure your request:
    • Request Name: Descriptive title for your request
    • Description: Instructions for submitters
    • File Settings:
      • Maximum file size
      • Maximum number of files per submission
      • Allowed file types
    • Submission Requirements:
      • Require submitter email
      • Require subject line
      • Require message
    • Expiry Settings: How long the request stays active
  4. Save the request

Sharing Document Requests

After creating a request, you'll receive:

  • Access Token: For manual sharing
  • Full URL: Direct link to the upload page
  • QR Code: For easy mobile sharing

Managing Submissions

  • View all submissions in your Document Requests page
  • Download submitted files
  • Track submission activity
  • Archive completed requests

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account.

Setting Up 2FA

Note: 2FA is available for Premium and Enterprise users only.

  1. Go to your Profile page
  2. Click "Set Up Two-Factor Authentication"
  3. Choose your verification method:
    • Authenticator App (Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.)
    • Email Verification

Authenticator App Setup

  1. Select "Authenticator App"
  2. Scan the QR code with your authenticator app
  3. Enter the 6-digit code to verify setup
  4. Save your backup codes in a secure location

Email Verification Setup

  1. Select "Email Verification"
  2. Check your email for a verification code
  3. Enter the code to complete setup

Using 2FA

After setup, you'll need to enter a verification code when logging in:

  • Authenticator App: Enter the 6-digit code from your app
  • Email: Enter the code sent to your email
  • Backup Codes: Use one-time codes if you lose access to your primary method

Managing 2FA

  • Change verification method (requires current code verification)
  • Remove 2FA (if not required by your organization)
  • Regenerate backup codes

Account Tiers and Features

Free Tier

Included Features:

  • Basic document sending and receiving
  • Malware scanning
  • 10 MB file size limit
  • 5 messages per month
  • 60+ file types (documents, images, archives, text/code files)
  • 7-day message expiry

Limitations:

  • No 2FA
  • No document requests
  • No advanced tracking
  • No video, audio, or design files (Premium only)

Premium Tier

Additional Features:

  • 2FA support
  • Document requests
  • Advanced tracking and analytics
  • 100 MB file size limit
  • 50 messages per month
  • 80+ file types including video, audio, and design files
  • Custom message expiry (up to 2 years)
  • Mailing lists
  • Enhanced security features

Enterprise Tier

Additional Features:

  • All Premium features
  • 1 GB file size limit
  • Unlimited messages
  • Team management
  • Company administration
  • Advanced security controls
  • Priority support
  • Custom integrations

Security Features

Malware Protection

Automatic Scanning:

  • All uploaded files are scanned for malware
  • Real-time threat detection
  • Detailed security reports
  • Automatic quarantine of threats

Security Ratings:

  • Clean (0): No threats detected
  • Suspicious (1): Potential issues found
  • Malicious (2): Confirmed threats detected

Data Protection

Encryption:

  • AES-256 encryption at rest
  • TLS 1.3 for data in transit
  • Secure key management

Data Residency:

  • Data stored in Canada (Toronto)
  • PIPEDA compliance
  • GDPR alignment

Access Controls

Token-Based Access:

  • Unique access tokens for each recipient
  • Time-limited access
  • Revocable permissions

Audit Logging:

  • Complete activity tracking
  • IP address logging
  • User action monitoring

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

"File upload failed"

  • Check file size limits for your tier
  • Ensure file type is allowed
  • Verify internet connection
  • Try uploading one file at a time

"Invalid access token"

  • Verify the token is correct
  • Check if the message has expired
  • Ensure you're using the full token

"Email not received"

  • Check spam/junk folder
  • Verify email address is correct
  • Use "Resend" option
  • Contact support if persistent

"2FA setup failed"

  • Ensure you're on Premium/Enterprise tier
  • Check authenticator app is working
  • Verify email address for email 2FA
  • Try regenerating QR code

Getting Help

Support Options:

  • Help Center: Check documentation and FAQs
  • Email Support: Contact support team
  • Community: User forums and discussions

Before Contacting Support:

  • Check this user guide
  • Verify your account tier and limits
  • Note any error messages
  • Include relevant details about the issue

Best Practices

Security Best Practices

  1. Use strong passwords (minimum 8 characters, mix of letters, numbers, symbols)
  2. Enable 2FA for Premium/Enterprise accounts
  3. Keep access tokens secure and don't share publicly
  4. Regularly review your account activity
  5. Log out from shared computers

File Sharing Best Practices

  1. Scan files before uploading (additional layer of security)
  2. Use descriptive subjects for easy identification
  3. Set appropriate expiry dates for sensitive documents
  4. Use preview-only mode for documents that shouldn't be downloaded
  5. Archive old messages to keep your inbox organized

Document Request Best Practices

  1. Provide clear instructions for submitters
  2. Set appropriate file size limits based on your needs
  3. Use descriptive request names for easy identification
  4. Monitor submissions regularly
  5. Archive completed requests to maintain organization

Account Management Best Practices

  1. Keep your email address updated for important notifications
  2. Monitor your usage to stay within limits
  3. Upgrade your plan if you need additional features
  4. Regularly review your security settings
  5. Keep backup codes safe for 2FA recovery

Additional Resources

  • API Documentation: For developers and integrations
  • Security Documentation: Detailed security information
  • Terms of Service: Legal terms and conditions
  • Privacy Policy: Data handling and privacy information
  • Contact Support: Get help with specific issues

This user guide is regularly updated. For the latest information, visit GetSafeDocs.com or contact our support team.