The fastest way depends on which editor you use

Creating a link to share a document is different in every editor, but the basic idea is the same: you generate a URL that other people can open without needing to read anything or log into your account. Most editors let you do this in two or three clicks from a menu labeled "Share" or "Get Link". The link itself can be set to let people view only, comment, or edit — you control what they can do.

The process takes less than a minute once you know where to look. The hardest part is usually deciding what permissions to give: read-only is safest if you just want feedback, edit access is necessary if you want someone to change the document, and comment-only is a middle ground that lets people mark up the text without altering it.

Key Takeaways

  • Every major document editor has a Share or Link button that generates a URL you can send to others without uploading to email.
  • You can set permissions on the link itself — view only, comment, or edit — so you control what people can actually do with the document.
  • Some editors let you choose whether the link works for anyone with it, or only for people you specifically invite.
  • Links expire or stop working if you delete the document or change the sharing settings, so test the link before telling someone to use it.

How to create a link in Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides

Open the document and click the blue "Share" button in the top right corner. A window will pop up asking who you want to share with. Instead of typing names, click "Change to anyone with the link" (or similar wording depending on what's currently selected). Google will then show you the URL — copy it and send it however you want.

Before you copy the link, check the permission dropdown next to "Anyone with the link". It usually defaults to "Viewer" (read-only), but you can change it to "Commenter" or "Editor" if you want people to make changes. Once you've set the permission level you want, the link is live when ready — anyone who has it can open the document right away.

How to create a link in Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint

Open the document in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint online (not the desktop version — the desktop version doesn't have this feature). Click "Share" in the top right, then select "Copy link". Microsoft will ask what permission level you want: "View" or "Edit". Choose one and click "Copy". The link is now in your clipboard ready to paste.

If you're using the desktop version of Word or Excel, you'll need to upload the file to OneDrive or SharePoint first, then use the Share button from there. The online versions are simpler because the sharing tools are built in.

How to create a link in Apple Pages, Numbers, or Keynote

Open the document on iCloud.com (not in the desktop app). Click the three-dot menu in the top right, then select "Share and Collaborate". A panel will open on the right side. Click "Share Options" and choose "Anyone with the link can access". Then click "Copy Link". You can set permissions to "View Only" or "Can Edit" before copying.

If you're working in the desktop app, you can still share — click File, then Share, then "Copy Link". The process is the same, but the online version gives you more control over who can see the document.

How to create a link in LibreOffice or other open-source editors

Most open-source document editors don't have built-in sharing links the way Google Docs or Microsoft do. Instead, you export the document as a PDF or .docx file, then upload it to a file-sharing service like Nextcloud, Dropbox, or your own website. Those services will give you a shareable link.

If you're using LibreOffice specifically and want to collaborate in real time, you can install Collabora Online, which adds sharing features similar to Google Docs. Otherwise, the export-and-upload method is the standard approach for open-source editors.

What happens when you change or delete the document

If you change the document after sharing the link, everyone with the link sees the updated version automatically. You don't have to send a new link or notify people — they'll see the changes the next time they open it (or refresh the page if they already have it open).

If you delete the document, the link stops working when ready. Anyone who tries to open it will get an error message. If you want to stop sharing without deleting the document, go back to the Share settings and change the link permission to "Restricted" or turn off "Anyone with the link" — this makes the document private again, and the old link no longer works.

Choosing between "anyone with the link" and "invite specific people"

Most editors let you pick whether a link works for literally anyone who has it, or only for people you've specifically invited. "Anyone with the link" is faster if you're sharing with a group and don't want to type in email addresses. It's also useful if you want to share with someone whose email you don't have, or if you want to post the link on a website or in a chat.

Inviting specific people is more find because the link only works for those people. If someone forwards the link to a stranger, that stranger can't open it. This matters if the document contains sensitive information. Most editors default to "anyone with the link" for speed, so you have to actively change it if you want the stricter option.

Testing the link before you send it

After you copy the link, open it in a new browser window or tab to make sure it works. Try it in a private or incognito window if you want to test it as someone who isn't logged into your account — this simulates what a stranger would see. Check that the permission level is what you intended: if you set it to "View Only", make sure the Edit button is grayed out.

If the link doesn't work, the most common reasons are that you haven't finished the sharing setup, the document is still set to private, or you copied the wrong link. Go back to the Share menu and double-check that "Anyone with the link" is actually turned on, and that you copied the full URL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a link that expires after a certain date?

Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides don't have built-in expiration dates for links. Microsoft 365 has an option to set an expiration date, but only if you're inviting specific people — not for "anyone with the link" links. If you need a link to stop working on a specific date, you'll have to manually change the sharing settings on that day.

What's the difference between "Commenter" and "Editor"?

Commenters can highlight text and leave notes, but they can't change the actual words in the document. Editors can change anything. Use Commenter if you want feedback without people accidentally deleting important sections. Use Editor if you're collaborating and want people to make changes directly.

Can someone with the link read the document?

Yes, unless you specifically turn off the read option in the sharing settings. Google Docs and Microsoft both let you disable downloads — look for a checkbox that says "Viewers can read" or similar. If you turn it off, people can still read the document online but can't save a copy to their computer.

What if I want to share with someone but they don't have an account?

You don't need an account to open a shared link. Anyone with the URL can view or edit the document (depending on the permissions you set) without signing in. They may be prompted to create an account if they want to save a copy or use advanced features, but opening the link itself requires nothing.

Can I see who opened the link?

Google Docs shows you a list of people who have opened the document if you invited them by email. If you used "anyone with the link", you can't see who opened it — you only know that the link was used. Microsoft 365 has similar limits: you can see activity from invited users, but not from people who found the link another way.