FileGrab’s free plan is generous - 100MB of storage, secure file sharing, and no ads. But when you need to share larger files, keep links active indefinitely, or unlock advanced security features, FileGrab Pro takes your file sharing to the next level.
This comprehensive guide walks through every FileGrab Pro feature, explains when to use each one, and helps you decide if upgrading is right for you.
FileGrab Pro at a Glance
Price: $10/month or $100/year (save $20 with annual billing)
Core upgrades:
- 10GB storage (100x more than free)
- 2GB maximum file size (20x larger than free)
- Forever links (no 7-day expiry)
- Delete individual files
- End-to-end encryption
- Password protection
- Collaborative links
- Custom link expiry
- Bonus storage via redeem codes
Let’s explore each feature in detail.
Storage: 10GB Base + Expandable
What You Get
FileGrab Pro includes 10GB of storage - enough for:
- 10,000 photos (1MB each)
- 200 design files (50MB each)
- 5 HD video files (2GB each)
- Thousands of documents
Pricing: $10/month base includes 10GB. Need more? Add storage for $1/GB.
How Storage Works
Your storage quota applies across all your links:
[SCREENSHOT: Storage quota indicator showing “6.2 GB / 10 GB used”]
- Create as many links as you want
- Total storage across all links counts against your quota
- Files uploaded to your collaborative links count against your quota (not the uploader’s)
- Delete files or links to free up space
Storage Notifications
FileGrab automatically monitors your storage:
- 80% threshold - Friendly reminder email with upgrade option
- 95% threshold - Urgent warning that storage is almost full
- 100% threshold - Cannot upload new files until you free space
Emails have a 30-day cooldown to avoid spam. Flags reset when you drop below 75%/90%.
Bonus Storage (Redeem Codes)
Pro users can redeem promo codes for permanent bonus storage:
[SCREENSHOT: “Redeem Code” option in user menu dropdown]
- Click your avatar > “Redeem Code”
- Enter your promotional code (12-character alphanumeric)
- Click “Redeem”
- Bonus storage instantly added to your account
Key benefits:
- Bonus storage is permanent (survives plan changes)
- If you downgrade to Free, you keep earned bonus
- Combine multiple codes for cumulative bonuses
- Redeem codes are shareable (useful for promotions)
File Size: Upload Up to 2GB Per File
What You Get
Free users can upload files up to 100MB. Pro users can upload files up to 2GB.
What can you share with 2GB files?
- 4K video files (raw footage, renders)
- High-resolution design files (Photoshop PSDs, video projects)
- Large datasets and databases
- Software installers and distributions
- Complete photo albums (RAW images)
- Audio production files (multi-track sessions)
Technical Implementation
FileGrab uses smart upload technology:
Small files (under 10MB):
- Single HTTP PUT request
- Fast and simple
- Direct to R2 storage
Large files (10MB - 2GB):
- Multipart upload (chunked)
- Resumable if connection drops
- Progress tracking
- Parallel chunk uploads for speed
[SCREENSHOT: Upload progress bar showing chunked multipart upload]
You don’t need to do anything special - FileGrab automatically chooses the right upload method.
Upload Speed Tips
Uploading 2GB files takes time. Here’s how to optimize:
- Use wired internet - Wi-Fi can be unstable for large uploads
- Close bandwidth-heavy apps - Pause streaming, downloads
- Upload during off-peak hours - Faster network speeds
- Don’t close the tab - Uploads pause if you navigate away
FileGrab shows a warning if you try to close the tab during an active upload.
Forever Links: No Expiry
What You Get
Free plan links expire after 7 days. Pro users can create links that last forever - or set custom expiry dates.
[SCREENSHOT: Link settings showing expiry options including “Forever”]
Expiry options for Pro:
- Forever (100 years in the database)
- Custom date picker (any future date)
- Still use 7-day default if you prefer
When to Use Forever Links
Permanent file hosting:
- Portfolio pieces you’ll share long-term
- Documentation that needs stable URLs
- Public resources (open-source assets, templates)
- Reference materials for ongoing projects
Product links:
- Software downloads that shouldn’t break
- Customer delivery files with indefinite access
- Marketing assets shared across campaigns
Archival purposes:
- Family photos shared with relatives
- Historical documents
- Records that need long-term access
Custom Expiry Dates
Not everything should last forever. Set specific expiry dates:
[SCREENSHOT: Date picker for custom link expiry]
Use cases:
- Event files (expire 30 days after event)
- Temporary collaboration (expire when project ends)
- Time-sensitive shares (contract review period)
- Scheduled cleanup (expire at fiscal year end)
Combining with collaboration:
Create a collaborative link that expires in 7 days - perfect for “submit your files by Friday” scenarios.
KV TTL Capping (Technical Note)
Due to Cloudflare KV limitations, “forever” links are capped at 68 years in KV storage while Postgres stores 100 years. This is transparent to users - links work seamlessly and are automatically refreshed if accessed near the cap.
Delete Files: Full Content Control
What You Get
Free users cannot delete individual files from links. Pro users can delete any file they want:
[SCREENSHOT: File thumbnail with X delete button in top-right corner]
- Hover over any file thumbnail
- Click the X button that appears
- Confirm deletion
- File immediately removed
What Gets Deleted
When you delete a file, FileGrab removes:
- The file itself from R2 storage
- Thumbnails (for images)
- OG preview images
- Video streaming assets (HLS manifests and segments)
- GIF previews (for videos)
- All CDN cached copies
Your storage quota updates immediately to reflect the freed space.
Why This Matters
Fix mistakes:
- Accidentally uploaded the wrong file
- File contains a typo or error
- Newer version available
Manage collaborative links:
- Remove inappropriate uploads
- Delete duplicates
- Clean up test files
Free up storage:
- Delete old files you no longer need
- Make room for new uploads
- Stay under storage quota
Soft-Delete Architecture
FileGrab uses a two-phase deletion system:
- File marked for deletion (removed from UI immediately)
- Background cleanup removes R2 objects
- Database record deleted after R2 cleanup confirms
This ensures reliable cleanup even if the delete operation is interrupted.
End-to-End Encryption: Bank-Level Security
What You Get
Pro users can create encrypted links where files are encrypted in the browser before upload:
[SCREENSHOT: “New Encrypted Link” option in user menu]
Encryption specs:
- AES-256-GCM encryption (military-grade)
- Encryption key stored in URL fragment (after #)
- 4MB chunked encryption for large files
- HMAC-SHA256 integrity signatures
- Web Crypto API (native browser crypto)
Security guarantee: FileGrab’s servers never see your unencrypted files. Without the encryption key (the part after # in the URL), the files are mathematically impossible to decrypt.
How to Create Encrypted Links
[SCREENSHOT: First-time encryption modal explaining how it works]
- Click avatar > “New Encrypted Link”
- See welcome modal (first time only)
- Upload files (automatically encrypted in browser)
- Copy the complete URL (including #key)
- Share with recipients
Critical: You must share the complete URL including the #key. Without it, files cannot be decrypted.
Encrypted Link URL Structure
https://filegrab.link/AGCUPZGT#8Kx9mP2qR5vN7yT3wB6jL4nS1gF0hD
^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Link ID Encryption key (never sent to server)The encryption key exists only in the URL fragment, which browsers never send to servers.
Encryption UX Features
Shield badge:
[SCREENSHOT: Encrypted link showing shield icon next to link ID]
Encrypted links display a shield icon. Click it for encryption details.
Navigation warnings:
[SCREENSHOT: Warning modal when trying to leave encrypted link page]
If you try to navigate away, FileGrab warns you to save the URL first. Once you lose the key, it’s gone forever.
Missing key modal:
[SCREENSHOT: Blocking modal when accessing encrypted link without key]
If someone accesses an encrypted link without the #key, they see a blocking modal explaining files cannot be decrypted.
Lock icons for files:
Encrypted files show lock icons instead of thumbnails (since the server can’t decrypt them to generate previews).
When to Use Encryption
Use encrypted links for:
- Financial documents (tax returns, bank statements)
- Medical records
- Legal contracts and NDAs
- Personal identification documents
- Confidential business files
- Private photos and videos
When NOT to use encryption:
- Public files (encryption adds complexity for no benefit)
- Files you might want to preview (thumbnails don’t work)
- Sharing with non-technical users (might lose the #key)
Encryption Limitations
To maintain security, encrypted links have intentional limitations:
- No thumbnails - Server can’t decrypt files to generate previews
- No Download All - Server can’t create ZIP without decrypting
- Individual downloads only - Files decrypt in browser on download
- No file sharing buttons - Individual files can’t be shared without the key
Password Protection: Access Control
What You Get
Add password protection to any link (including encrypted links):
[SCREENSHOT: Link settings with password protection toggle and password input]
- Open link settings (gear icon)
- Enable “Password Protection”
- Enter a strong password
- Save changes
Password specs:
- PBKDF2-SHA256 hashing with 100,000 iterations
- Case-sensitive
- Minimum 6 characters (recommend 12+)
- Server-side verification
Recipient Experience
[SCREENSHOT: Password challenge modal for visitors]
When someone accesses a password-protected link:
- Modal appears requesting password
- Enter password and click “Unlock”
- Gain access to all files
- Password stored in session (cleared on tab close)
Owner Bypass
Link owners never see the password challenge on their own links:
[SCREENSHOT: Link owner’s view showing password visibility toggle]
Instead, you see a password show/hide toggle in settings to view or change your password.
When to Use Passwords
Add passwords for:
- Files shared through insecure channels (email, SMS)
- Group access control (team knows password)
- Public links that shouldn’t be totally open
- Extra security layer for sensitive files
Best practice: Combine with encryption for maximum security:
- Create encrypted link
- Add password protection
- Share link via one channel (email)
- Share password via different channel (text)
This provides defense in depth.
Collaborative Links: Two-Way File Sharing
What You Get
Enable collaboration to let anyone with the link upload files:
[SCREENSHOT: Link settings with “Allow Collaboration” toggle]
- Open link settings
- Enable “Allow Collaboration”
- Share link
- Recipients can upload files directly
Key features:
- Real-time sync (files appear instantly)
- No account required for uploaders
- Owner can delete files (Pro feature)
- Storage counts against owner’s quota
When to Use Collaboration
Collect files from clients:
- Design clients send source images
- Writers submit drafts
- Photographers collect raw photos
Team file gathering:
- Collect reports from team members
- Gather presentation slides
- Pool research documents
Event photo collection:
- Wedding guests upload their photos
- Conference attendees share pictures
- Party photos from all guests
Anonymous submissions:
- Job application portal
- Contest entries
- Feedback form attachments
Collaboration Best Practices
Set clear expectations:
Upload your Q4 reports by Friday 5PM:
https://filegrab.link/ABC123XY
Format: PDF only
Naming: YourName_Q4Report.pdfUse password protection:
Prevent random uploads if link leaks:
- Enable collaboration
- Add password protection
- Share link publicly, password privately
Monitor storage:
All uploads count against your quota. Watch the storage indicator and delete old files as needed.
Custom Link Labels and Descriptions
What You Get
Add context to your links with custom labels and descriptions:
[SCREENSHOT: Link settings showing label and description fields]
Label: Short title displayed in link bar and My Links dashboard
Description: Longer explanation shown on the link page
Use Cases
Professional client delivery:
- Label: “Smith Wedding Finals”
- Description: “High-resolution edited photos from your wedding day. Download all or select individual favorites.”
Team collaboration:
- Label: “Q4 Marketing Assets”
- Description: “Upload final versions of all Q4 campaign materials. Deadline: Dec 15.”
Public sharing:
- Label: “Free Design Templates”
- Description: “Royalty-free templates for your projects. Download and use commercially.”
Labels appear in:
- The link bar (instead of generic link ID)
- My Links dashboard
- Browser tab title
- OG preview cards (when shared on social media)
My Links Dashboard: Organize Everything
What You Get
Pro users (and free users) both have access to the My Links dashboard, but Pro unlocks more management features:
[SCREENSHOT: My Links dashboard showing multiple links with metadata]
Features:
- View all your links in one place
- See creation date, file count, size, expiry
- View and download count statistics
- Drag-and-drop reordering
- Inline label and description editing
- Delete links (Pro only)
- Quick access to link settings
Link Information Display
Each link card shows:
- Creation date - Relative format (“2d ago”) with full date on hover
- File count and size - “5 files • 234 MB”
- Expiry countdown - “5d 12h remaining” or “Forever”
- Statistics - View count, unique visitors, downloads
- Badges - Collaborative, Password Protected, Encrypted
Reorder Links
[SCREENSHOT: Dragging a link card to reorder in My Links]
Your first link (top position) becomes your default link when you visit filegrab.link:
- Drag link cards to reorder
- Drop in desired position
- Order saves automatically
- Top link is your homepage default
This lets you set your most important link as the default.
Delete Links
Pro users can delete entire links:
[SCREENSHOT: Delete button on link card]
- Click trash icon on link card
- Confirm deletion
- Link becomes inaccessible
- All files removed from storage (background cleanup)
- Storage quota updated
Free users cannot delete links (they expire automatically after 7 days).
Link Statistics: Track Engagement
What You Get
All users get basic statistics, but Pro users benefit most from tracking long-lived links:
[SCREENSHOT: Link statistics showing views, visitors, and downloads]
Metrics tracked:
- View count - Total page views
- Unique visitors - Deduplicated by IP address (hashed for privacy)
- Download count - Total downloads across all files
- Per-file downloads - Individual file popularity
Privacy-Preserving Tracking
FileGrab tracks visitors without storing personal data:
- IP addresses are hashed with SHA-256
- Only the hash is stored (original IP never saved)
- Provides deduplication without privacy violation
- No cookies or tracking pixels
Owner views excluded: When you view your own links, FileGrab doesn’t count you in statistics. This prevents inflated numbers.
Using Statistics
Monitor engagement:
- See if recipients opened your link
- Track which files are most popular
- Understand usage patterns
Measure campaigns:
- Share link in marketing campaign
- Track views and downloads
- Measure campaign effectiveness
Client reporting:
- Show clients how many people accessed deliverables
- Prove file delivery and access
Stripe Billing Portal: Manage Subscription
What You Get
Pro users have full control over their subscription via Stripe’s billing portal:
[SCREENSHOT: “Manage Subscription” button in upgrade modal for Pro users]
Access:
- Click avatar > “Upgrade to Pro” (or “Manage Subscription”)
- Opens Stripe portal directly to plan selection
- Update payment method, billing info, or cancel
What you can do:
- Switch between monthly and annual billing
- Update credit card information
- Download invoices
- View billing history
- Cancel subscription (access until period end)
Subscription Changes
Upgrade from Free:
- Choose monthly or annual
- Immediate access to Pro features
- Storage quota updates instantly
Switch monthly to annual:
- Save $20/year
- Prorated credit applied
- Immediate switch
Downgrade to Free:
- Access until current period ends
- Keep bonus storage earned from redeem codes
- Links over 100MB become inaccessible (not deleted)
- Cannot upload new files if over 100MB
Cancellation Policy
Cancel anytime:
- Keep Pro access until period ends
- Automatic downgrade to Free at period end
- Bonus storage from redeem codes persists
- Links don’t disappear, but Pro features become unavailable
No penalties, no questions asked.
Real-World Pro User Stories
Videographer: 2GB File Uploads
Sarah shoots 4K wedding videos. Each final edit is 1.5GB. With FileGrab Pro:
- Uploads full-quality videos directly
- Clients download without compression artifacts
- Forever links for client archives
- Professional branded labels
Before Pro: Had to use WeTransfer (expired in 7 days) or compress videos (quality loss).
Designer: Collaborative Client Links
Mike collects client assets for design projects. With FileGrab Pro:
- Creates collaborative, password-protected links
- Clients upload logos, photos, brand guidelines
- All assets in one organized location
- Deletes duplicates and wrong files
Before Pro: Email attachments scattered across threads, missing files, version confusion.
Legal Firm: Encrypted Document Sharing
A law firm shares confidential contracts with clients. With FileGrab Pro:
- End-to-end encrypted links
- Password protection for extra security
- Forever links for case archives
- Complete audit trail via statistics
Before Pro: Relied on encrypted email attachments (cumbersome) or insecure general file sharing.
Photographer: Forever Portfolio Links
Jessica maintains a portfolio of her best work. With FileGrab Pro:
- Forever links never expire
- Shares stable URLs on her website
- Updates files without changing URLs
- Professional labels and descriptions
Before Pro: Links expired, required updating website constantly, broken URLs.
Event Organizer: Collaborative Photo Collection
Tom organizes corporate events and collects photos from attendees. With FileGrab Pro:
- Collaborative links for each event
- Password protection (event code)
- 10GB storage for hundreds of photos
- Download all as ZIP for archives
Before Pro: Google Drive required accounts, complex permissions, external users hesitant to use.
Free vs Pro: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Free | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | 100 MB | 10 GB (+ expandable) |
| Max file size | 100 MB | 2 GB |
| Link expiry | 7 days | Forever or custom |
| Delete files | No | Yes |
| End-to-end encryption | No | Yes |
| Password protection | No | Yes |
| Collaborative links | Yes | Yes |
| Custom labels | Yes | Yes |
| Statistics | Yes | Yes |
| My Links dashboard | Yes | Yes |
| No ads | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Free | $10/mo or $100/yr |
Is FileGrab Pro Worth It?
You should upgrade to Pro if:
- You regularly share files over 100MB
- You need links to last longer than 7 days
- You want to delete old files to free storage
- You share sensitive files requiring encryption
- You collect files from clients or team members
- You need to control access with passwords
- You want more storage than 100MB
You can stay on Free if:
- You only share small files occasionally
- 7-day expiry is sufficient
- You don’t need advanced security features
- 100MB storage meets your needs
- You’re okay with no file deletion
Try Pro Risk-Free
FileGrab Pro comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee (via Stripe):
- Subscribe monthly or annually
- Use all Pro features for 30 days
- If not satisfied, cancel for full refund
- No questions asked
Annual billing saves $20:
- Monthly: $10/mo = $120/year
- Annual: $100/year (equivalent to $8.33/mo)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade mid-month?
Yes. You’re charged immediately and get Pro access right away. If you switch from monthly to annual later, you receive a prorated credit.
What happens to my files if I downgrade?
Files remain in storage but become inaccessible if you exceed the free plan’s 100MB limit. Upgrade again to regain access. Bonus storage from redeem codes persists.
Do collaborative link uploads count against my quota?
Yes. All files uploaded to your links (by anyone) count against your storage quota, not the uploader’s.
Can I use Pro features on free plan links?
No. You must create new links while on Pro to access Pro features. Existing free links remain limited to free plan features.
Is there a team or business plan?
Not yet. FileGrab Pro is currently individual-focused. Business plans with team management are on the roadmap.
Can I pay annually from the start?
Yes. During checkout, select annual billing to pay $100/year upfront and save $20.
Start Your Pro Trial Today
FileGrab Pro unlocks the full potential of modern file sharing - larger files, permanent links, military-grade encryption, and complete control over your content.
Ready to upgrade? Get FileGrab Pro and transform how you share files.
What you get:
- 10GB storage (100x more than free)
- 2GB file uploads (20x larger than free)
- Forever links (no 7-day expiry)
- End-to-end encryption (bank-level security)
- Password protection (access control)
- Delete files (full content control)
- Collaborative links (two-way sharing)
- Custom expiry dates (flexible timing)
- Bonus storage codes (permanent increases)
Pricing:
- Monthly: $10/mo
- Annual: $100/yr (save $20)
Upgrade now and experience file sharing without limits.