How To Use HoldTheFile

Your secure, phrase-based file sharing solution

🚀 Quick Start

1

Create a Workspace

Enter any phrase and a 4-digit PIN. This combination becomes your unique workspace identifier. Anyone with the same phrase and PIN accesses the same files.

2

Upload Files

Click "Upload File" to add any file type. There's no size limit - upload documents, images, videos, or any other files.

3

Share Your Phrase

Share your phrase and PIN with anyone who needs access. They'll instantly see all your uploaded files.

💡 Use Cases

📱💻

Cross-Device Transfer

Need to send a file from your phone to your computer? Upload it on one device and download it on another using the same phrase. No cables, no email attachments, no cloud accounts needed.

Example: Use phrase "my quick transfer" with PIN "1234" on both devices.
👥

Team Collaboration

Share project files with your team without setting up accounts. Everyone uses the same phrase to access shared resources.

Example: Team uses "project alpha files" with PIN "2024" for all project documents.
🎓

Classroom Materials

Teachers can share course materials with students. Just announce the phrase in class - instant access for everyone.

Example: "biology 101 spring" with PIN "5678" for all course materials.
🎉

Event Photo Sharing

At weddings, parties, or events - guests can upload and download photos using a shared phrase. No apps to install!

Example: "john mary wedding 2024" with PIN "0621" for all guests.
🔧

Tech Support

Need to share logs or screenshots with support? Create a temporary workspace and share the phrase - they can see your files instantly.

Example: Support ticket #12345 → phrase "support ticket 12345" PIN "0000"
🏠

Family File Vault

Share important documents, photos, and files with family members. Everyone knows the family phrase!

Example: "smith family files" with a PIN only family knows.

🛡️ File Protection

Protect important files from accidental deletion with a protection phrase.

How Protection Works:

  • Set Protection: When uploading, enter a protection phrase. This phrase is required to delete or move the file.
  • Visual Indicator: Protected files show a shield icon 🛡️
  • Folder Safety: When deleting a folder, protected files are automatically moved to the root folder instead of being deleted.
  • Move Protection: Moving a protected file to another folder requires the protection phrase.
  • Rename Freedom: You can rename protected files without the phrase - protection stays intact.
💡 Pro Tip: Use different protection phrases for different sensitivity levels. Critical files get unique phrases, while general protected files can share a common phrase.

📁 Organizing Files

Folders

  • Create folders to organize your files
  • Nested folders are supported (folders within folders)
  • Navigate using the breadcrumb trail at the top

Multi-Select

  • Use checkboxes to select multiple files
  • "Select All" checkbox in the header selects all files
  • Delete multiple files at once with "Delete Selected"

Drag & Drop

  • Drag files onto folders to move them
  • Works on both desktop and mobile

Sorting

  • Click column headers to sort by name, size, or date
  • Click again to reverse the sort order

🔐 Security Tips

Choose Strong Phrases

Avoid common words. Use unique phrases that others won't guess. "my files" is bad; "purple elephant dancing 42" is better.

Temporary Workspaces

For one-time shares, use random phrases and delete files after sharing. The workspace disappears when empty.

Protect Sensitive Files

Always use file protection for important documents. Even if someone accesses your workspace, they can't delete protected files.

Share Wisely

Only share your phrase with people you trust. Anyone with the phrase has full access to upload and download.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a file size limit?

No! Upload files of any size. Large uploads show a progress bar with speed information.

What file types are supported?

All file types are supported. Upload documents, images, videos, archives, or any other files.

Do I need to create an account?

No account needed! Just use a phrase and PIN. Your workspace is created automatically.

How long are files stored?

Files remain until deleted. There's no automatic expiration.

Can someone guess my phrase?

The combination of phrase + PIN creates billions of possibilities. Use unique phrases for security.

What happens if I forget my protection phrase?

Protected files cannot be deleted or moved without the protection phrase. There's no recovery option, so remember your phrases!