> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.storehouses.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Share Links

> Create secure, customizable share links to provide temporary or permanent access to your portfolio

<Badge icon="star" color="orange" size="md" shape="pill">Pro</Badge>

## Overview

Share Links allow you to create secure URLs to share your portfolio with trusted individuals such as financial advisors, family members, insurance agents, or accountants. Each link can be customized with password protection, expiration dates, view limits, and editing permissions.

## What are Share Links?

Share Links generate unique, secure URLs that grant access to your portfolio data. Recipients don't need a Storehouses account to view shared portfolios. You maintain complete control over what's shared and can edit or revoke access at any time.

### Key Features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="QR Codes" icon="qrcode">
    Each link includes a scannable QR code for easy mobile sharing
  </Card>

  <Card title="Password Protection" icon="lock">
    Optional password security for sensitive sharing
  </Card>

  <Card title="Expiration Dates" icon="clock">
    Set automatic expiration for temporary access
  </Card>

  <Card title="View Limits" icon="eye">
    Limit how many times a link can be viewed
  </Card>

  <Card title="Edit Permissions" icon="pencil">
    Choose between read-only and edit access
  </Card>

  <Card title="Search & Filter" icon="magnifying-glass">
    Easily find and manage multiple share links
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Common Use Cases

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Financial Advisors" icon="chart-line">
    Share portfolio data with wealth managers and financial planners
  </Card>

  <Card title="Insurance Purposes" icon="shield-halved">
    Provide insurance agents with asset inventories and valuations
  </Card>

  <Card title="Family Members" icon="users">
    Share collections with spouses or family members
  </Card>

  <Card title="Accountants & Tax Pros" icon="calculator">
    Share valuations for tax reporting and compliance
  </Card>

  <Card title="Appraisers" icon="magnifying-glass">
    Share specific collections for valuation purposes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Estate Planning" icon="file-contract">
    Share with executors and estate attorneys
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Accessing Share Links

Navigate to [storehouses.app/share-links](https://storehouses.app/share-links) or:

1. Go to Dashboard
2. Click "Share Links" in the sidebar
3. View and manage your share links

## Share Links Page Tabs

The Share Links page is organized into three tabs:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Portfolio Links">
    Share your entire portfolio or specific collections with customizable settings.

    **What you can share**:

    * **Entire portfolio** - All items across all collections
    * **Specific collections** - Select one or more collections to share (recipients only see items in those collections)

    **Features**:

    * Password protection (optional)
    * Expiration date (optional)
    * Maximum views limit (optional)
    * Edit permission toggle
    * QR code for easy sharing

    **Use cases**:

    * Share entire portfolio with financial advisor
    * Share only "Investment Coins" collection with a dealer
    * Share "Wine Cellar" collection with an insurance appraiser
    * Share multiple collections while keeping others private
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Item Links">
    Links created when sharing individual items from item detail pages. This tab shows all items you've shared publicly.

    **How to create**:

    1. Navigate to any item's detail page
    2. Click the "Share" button
    3. Configure sharing options (name, password, expiration, view limits)
    4. Copy the link or QR code
    5. The link automatically appears in this tab for management

    **Features**: Same options as portfolio links:

    * Password protection (optional)
    * Expiration date (optional)
    * Maximum views limit (optional)
    * QR code generation

    **What recipients see**:

    * Item title and description
    * All photos in the gallery
    * Category-specific details
    * Current valuation (if you choose to show it)
    * Attached documents (if you choose to include them)

    **Use cases**:

    * Share a specific watch with an appraiser
    * Send wine details to a potential buyer
    * Show a coin to a dealer for evaluation
    * Provide documentation for an insurance claim

    **Managing item links**:

    * View all shared items in one place
    * See view counts and access stats
    * Edit link settings (password, expiration)
    * Delete links to revoke access
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Shared With Me">
    Collections and portfolios that others have shared with you.

    **What you'll see**:

    * Account holder's name and shared content
    * First accessed and last accessed dates
    * Number of times you've accessed the share
    * Expiration status and remaining views
    * Active/Inactive status badges

    **Actions**:

    * **View**: Open the shared portfolio or collection
    * **Remove**: Remove the share from your list (doesn't affect the original share)

    <Note>
      This tab replaces the previous standalone "Shared With Me" page. All shares from others are now consolidated here for easier access.
    </Note>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Creating a Share Link

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Share Links Page">
    Navigate to the Share Links page
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click '+ Create Share Link'">
    Click the yellow "Create Share Link" button
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Link Name">
    Provide a descriptive name (required) - e.g., "Financial Advisor Access" or "Insurance Appraisal 2026"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose What to Share">
    Select what to include in the share:

    * **Entire Portfolio** - Share all items across all collections
    * **Specific Collections** - Select one or more collections to share
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Permissions">
    Toggle "Allow Editing" if you want recipients to modify items and collections
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Optional Expiration">
    Choose a date when the link should automatically expire (leave blank for permanent)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add View Limit (Optional)">
    Limit how many times the link can be accessed (leave blank for unlimited)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Password (Optional)">
    Add password protection for extra security
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Link">
    Click "Create Share Link" to generate the secure URL
  </Step>

  <Step title="Share URL or QR Code">
    Copy the link or share the QR code with your intended recipient
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Sharing specific collections is useful when you want to share only relevant items - for example, sharing your "Gold Bullion" collection with a precious metals dealer while keeping your wine collection private.
</Tip>

## Share Link Configuration

### Name Field (Required)

Every share link must have a name for easy identification:

* **Purpose**: Helps you distinguish between multiple links at a glance
* **Display**: Shows with avatar initials (first letters of each word)
  * Example: "My Portfolio Share" → "MP" avatar
* **Searchable**: Use the search box to quickly filter links by name

**Naming Best Practices**:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Be Descriptive" icon="tag">
    **Good Examples**:

    * "Morgan Stanley Advisor - John Smith"
    * "Insurance Renewal 2026"
    * "Estate Attorney Review"
    * "Share with Spouse"

    **Poor Examples**:

    * "Link 1"
    * "Share"
    * "Temp"
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Permission Settings

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Read-Only (Default)">
    Recipients can view all shared data but cannot make changes:

    **What recipients can do**:

    * View portfolio overview and statistics
    * Browse all shared items and collections
    * View item details, images, and metadata
    * Export data to PDF
    * Generate print-friendly views

    **What recipients cannot do**:

    * Add, edit, or delete items
    * Modify collections
    * Change account settings
    * Create new share links

    **Best for**:

    * Insurance agents
    * Appraisers
    * Accountants
    * Casual viewing
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Editable">
    Recipients can view and modify your shared items and collections:

    **Additional capabilities**:

    * Add new items to your portfolio
    * Edit existing item details
    * Delete items
    * Create and modify collections
    * Update valuations

    **Best for**:

    * Trusted family members managing joint portfolios
    * Professional portfolio managers
    * Collaborative collection tracking

    <Warning>
      Only grant edit access to people you fully trust. They will have full control over your shared portfolio data.
    </Warning>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Expiration Settings

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Temporary Links">
    Links that automatically expire after a set date:

    **Use cases**:

    * One-time consultations
    * Temporary advisor access
    * Time-limited sharing
    * Enhanced security needs

    **How it works**:

    * Choose any future date
    * Link becomes inactive at midnight on that date
    * Recipients see an "expired" message after that date
    * You can extend expiration by editing the link

    ```
    Example: Share with appraiser for 7 days while evaluation is conducted
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Permanent Links">
    Links that remain active indefinitely until manually revoked:

    **Characteristics**:

    * No automatic expiration
    * Requires manual deletion to revoke
    * Link remains valid until you delete it
    * Data updates in real-time

    **Best for**:

    * Ongoing advisor relationships
    * Long-term family sharing
    * Regular insurance updates
    * Continuous collaboration

    ```
    Example: Share with financial advisor for ongoing portfolio management
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Tip>
  For security, use temporary links when possible. Only create permanent links for trusted, long-term relationships.
</Tip>

### View Limits

Control how many times a link can be accessed:

<ParamField path="Unlimited Views" type="default">
  Leave the "Max Views" field blank for unlimited access
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Limited Views" type="number">
  Set a specific number (e.g., 5, 10, 50) to restrict total views
</ParamField>

**How it works**:

* Each time someone opens the link, the view count increases
* Once the limit is reached, the link becomes inactive
* Current view count is displayed for each link
* You can increase the limit by editing the link

**Best for**:

* One-time consultations
* Preventing link sharing beyond intended recipient
* Limiting exposure of sensitive data

### Password Protection

Add an extra layer of security:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="When to Use Passwords" icon="lock">
    **Recommended for**:

    * High-value portfolios
    * Links sent via email or unsecured channels
    * Sharing with people you don't know well
    * Extra protection against link interception

    **Not necessary for**:

    * Links sent via secure channels
    * Very short expiration periods (24 hours)
    * Non-sensitive collections
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How Passwords Work" icon="key">
    * Recipients must enter the password to view the share
    * Passwords are encrypted using bcrypt hashing
    * You must send the password separately from the link
    * Password can be changed by editing the link
    * Leave password field blank when editing to keep existing password
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Managing Share Links

### Visual Features

Each share link displays:

**QR Code**:

* 120x120 pixel QR code for easy mobile scanning
* Generated locally in your browser for security
* No third-party services used
* Gray ring border for visual clarity
* Scan with any smartphone camera app

**Name & Avatar**:

* Colored avatar with initials from the link name
* Full name displayed next to avatar
* Easy visual identification

**Clickable URL**:

* Link appears in a styled code block
* Click anywhere on the URL to copy to clipboard
* Shows "✓ Copied!" confirmation when copied
* Gray background with border for emphasis

**Status Badges**:

* **Editable** (yellow badge): Recipients can edit items
* **Active** (lime green badge): Link is currently valid
* **Inactive** (red badge): Link has expired or reached view limit

**Metadata**:

* Creation date
* Current view count / max views
* Expiration date (if set)
* Max views limit (if set)

### Search & Filter

Find share links quickly:

1. Use the search box at the top of the page
2. Filter by link name or URL
3. Results update in real-time as you type
4. Case-insensitive search

**Example searches**:

* "advisor" - finds all advisor-related links
* "2026" - finds all links created for 2026
* "estate" - finds estate planning links

### Editing Share Links

To modify an existing share link:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Find the Link">
    Locate the link in your list or use search
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Dropdown Menu">
    Click the three dots (⋮) next to the link
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select 'Edit'">
    Choose "Edit" from the dropdown menu
  </Step>

  <Step title="Modify Settings">
    Update any of the following:

    * Name
    * Edit permissions
    * Expiration date
    * Max views
    * Password (leave blank to keep existing)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save Changes">
    Click "Update Share Link" to save
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  The URL remains the same when editing. Recipients don't need a new link - changes take effect immediately.
</Note>

### Copying Share Links

**Two ways to copy**:

1. **Click the URL directly**:
   * Click anywhere on the link displayed in the code block
   * See "✓ Copied!" confirmation
   * Paste wherever needed

2. **Use the dropdown menu**:
   * Click the three dots (⋮)
   * Select "Copy"
   * Link is copied to clipboard

**Sharing the link**:

* Email
* Secure message
* Password manager (for long-term storage)
* Document sharing platform
* Text message
* Or scan the QR code with a phone

<Warning>
  Treat share links like passwords. Anyone with the link can view the shared data (unless password-protected).
</Warning>

### Deleting Share Links

To permanently delete a share link:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Dropdown Menu">
    Click the three dots (⋮) next to the link
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select 'Delete'">
    Choose "Delete" from the menu
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm Deletion">
    Review the custom confirmation modal showing the link name
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click 'Delete'">
    Confirm to permanently delete the link
  </Step>
</Steps>

**What happens**:

* Link immediately becomes invalid
* Recipients lose access instantly
* Existing open sessions are terminated
* Link cannot be reactivated (create new one if needed)
* Action cannot be undone

<Tip>
  Delete links immediately when they're no longer needed to maintain portfolio security.
</Tip>

## What Recipients Can See

### Included Information

Recipients with a share link can view:

<ParamField path="Portfolio Overview" type="section">
  * Total portfolio value
  * Asset category breakdown
  * Number of items
  * Value allocation charts
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Item Details" type="section">
  * Item names and descriptions
  * Category-specific metadata
  * Purchase and current values
  * Images and documents
  * Locations
  * Notes and descriptions
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Collections" type="section">
  * Collection names and organization
  * Items within shared collections
  * Collection-level statistics
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="Reports" type="section">
  * Ability to export shared data to PDF
  * Print-friendly views
  * Summary reports
</ParamField>

### Excluded Information

Recipients cannot see:

* Account settings or personal information
* Billing and subscription details
* Email address or contact information
* Items or collections not included in share
* Alert configurations
* Heir access settings
* Other share links you've created

<Note>
  All shared access is read-only by default. Recipients cannot modify, add, or delete any data unless you've granted edit permissions.
</Note>

## Security Features

<Card title="Secure by Design" icon="lock">
  * **Unique URLs**: Each link is cryptographically secure and unique
  * **No Account Required**: Recipients don't need passwords or accounts (unless you set a link password)
  * **Read-Only Default**: No modification capabilities unless explicitly granted
  * **Instant Revocation**: Disable access immediately at any time
  * **Expiration Options**: Automatic time-based access removal
  * **QR Code Security**: Generated client-side, never sent to third parties
  * **Password Encryption**: Uses bcrypt hashing for password-protected links
</Card>

### QR Code Security

Share Links QR codes are generated with security in mind:

* **Client-Side Generation**: QR codes are created in your browser using the `qrcode` npm package
* **No Third Parties**: Your share links are never sent to external QR code services
* **Local Storage**: QR codes are stored only in your browser session
* **Fresh on Every Load**: QR codes regenerate each time you visit the page
* **No Tracking**: No analytics or tracking embedded in QR codes

### Best Security Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Use Temporary Links" icon="clock">
    * Set expiration dates when possible
    * Choose shortest appropriate duration
    * Review and clean up expired links
    * Create new links for repeat access
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Use Descriptive Names" icon="tag">
    * Name links clearly so you remember their purpose
    * Include recipient name or purpose in the name
    * Makes it easier to audit active links
    * Helps you identify links to delete when no longer needed
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Share Securely" icon="envelope-circle-check">
    * Send links via secure channels
    * Don't post links publicly
    * Verify recipient before sharing
    * Consider password-protecting emails containing links
    * Send passwords separately from links
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Monitor Active Links" icon="eye">
    * Regularly review active share links
    * Use search to audit specific types of links
    * Check view counts for unusual activity
    * Revoke unused or outdated links
    * Limit number of simultaneous active links
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Revoke When Done" icon="xmark">
    * Delete links after use
    * Don't leave expired links active
    * Revoke if recipient no longer needs access
    * Revoke if link may have been compromised
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Share Link Scenarios

### Financial Advisor Access

**Setup**:

```
Name: "Smith Financial Advisors"
Allow Editing: No
Expiration: None (permanent)
Max Views: Unlimited
Password: No
```

**Rationale**: Permanent read-only link for trusted, ongoing relationship with real-time portfolio updates

### Insurance Appraisal

**Setup**:

```
Name: "Insurance Renewal 2026"
Allow Editing: No
Expiration: 30 days
Max Views: Unlimited
Password: Yes
```

**Rationale**: Temporary password-protected access for insurance appraisal period

### Estate Attorney Review

**Setup**:

```
Name: "Estate Planning - Wilson Law"
Allow Editing: No
Expiration: 90 days
Max Views: 10
Password: Yes
```

**Rationale**: Extended temporary access with view limits for comprehensive estate planning work

### Family Member Collaboration

**Setup**:

```
Name: "Share with Spouse"
Allow Editing: Yes
Expiration: None
Max Views: Unlimited
Password: No
```

**Rationale**: Permanent editable access for joint portfolio management

### One-Time Consultation

**Setup**:

```
Name: "Christie's Appraisal"
Allow Editing: No
Expiration: 7 days
Max Views: 3
Password: Yes
```

**Rationale**: Short-term, limited-view access for specialized appraisal

## Real-Time Updates

Share links display real-time data:

* Current portfolio values
* Latest spot prices for precious metals
* Recently added items
* Updated valuations
* Current collection organization

<Tip>
  Recipients see the same data you see in your dashboard, updated in real-time.
</Tip>

## Recipient Experience

### What Recipients See

When someone opens your share link:

1. **Password Entry (if protected)**
   * Simple password form
   * Access granted after correct password

2. **Portfolio Overview**
   * Landing page with portfolio summary
   * Total value and statistics
   * Category breakdown charts

3. **Item List**
   * Browsable list of shared items
   * Thumbnail images
   * Key details for each item

4. **Item Details**
   * Click any item for full details
   * View all images and documents
   * See complete metadata

5. **Export Options**
   * Export to PDF button
   * Print-friendly view
   * Summary report generation

### Recipient Limitations (Read-Only Links)

Recipients with read-only access cannot:

* Edit or add items
* Delete anything
* See account owner information
* Access account settings
* Create their own share links
* View other share links
* Change view settings permanently

## Export from Shared View

Recipients can export shared data:

### PDF Export

* Complete portfolio report
* Formatted for printing
* Includes images and values
* Professional layout

### Print View

* Printer-optimized layout
* Clean formatting
* Item details and images
* Summary statistics

[Learn more about exports →](/portfolio/export-reporting)

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Link Not Working" icon="link-slash">
    If a share link isn't working:

    * Verify the complete URL was copied
    * Check if link has expired
    * Confirm link wasn't deleted
    * Check if view limit was reached
    * Try opening in different browser
    * Check for URL encoding issues
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="QR Code Won't Scan" icon="qrcode">
    If QR code isn't scanning:

    * Ensure good lighting
    * Hold phone steady
    * Try zooming in/out slightly
    * Use a dedicated QR scanner app
    * Make sure QR code image loaded fully
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can't Edit Link" icon="pencil-slash">
    If you can't edit a share link:

    * Verify you're the owner of the link
    * Check that you have Pro subscription
    * Refresh the page
    * Try from different device
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Recipient Can't See Items" icon="eye-slash">
    If shared items aren't visible:

    * Confirm link is active (not expired or view-limited)
    * Check that items exist in your portfolio
    * Ensure link wasn't deleted
    * Have recipient clear browser cache
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Values Not Updating" icon="refresh">
    If recipient sees outdated values:

    * Have them refresh the page
    * Verify your portfolio is updated
    * Check for browser caching issues
    * Confirm link is active (not expired)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Comparison with Heir Access

| Feature               | Share Links                         | Heir Access                                 |
| --------------------- | ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| **Purpose**           | Voluntary sharing                   | Emergency access                            |
| **Recipient Account** | Not required                        | Required (Pro subscription)                 |
| **Waiting Period**    | None                                | 14-90 days (or immediate with pre-approval) |
| **Pro Requirement**   | Account holder only                 | Both users must have Pro                    |
| **Duration**          | Custom (temp or permanent)          | 180 days after approval                     |
| **Setup**             | Create & share link                 | Designate heir in advance                   |
| **Notifications**     | None                                | Multiple during waiting period              |
| **Revocation**        | Instant deletion                    | Instant, with notifications                 |
| **Best For**          | Advisors, appraisers, professionals | Estate planning, emergencies                |

[Learn more about Heir Access →](/advanced/heir-access)

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Create Share Link" icon="share-nodes" href="https://storehouses.app/share-links">
    Start sharing your portfolio
  </Card>

  <Card title="Organize Collections" icon="folder-tree" href="/features/collections">
    Set up collections for sharing
  </Card>

  <Card title="Export Data" icon="file-export" href="/portfolio/export-reporting">
    Generate reports
  </Card>

  <Card title="Set Up Heir Access" icon="users" href="/advanced/heir-access">
    Configure emergency access
  </Card>
</CardGroup>