Open a shared Doc

A shared Doc link opens a public read-only document page. Use it when someone outside the Space needs to read a doc without joining the app.

Public Doc viewers can:

1. Open the public /doc/… URL.
2. Read the published document content.
3. Scroll through the page.
4. Review the current public version of the doc.

Public Doc viewers cannot edit, comment, restore versions, or manage sharing from the public page.

Before you start

• The doc owner or editor must enable Publish to web for the doc.
• The public link must be active.
• The doc must not be archived or deleted.
• The viewer needs the correct /doc/… URL.
• The public page requires network access.

How public sharing works

1. The doc owner publishes the doc.
2. The owner copies the public doc link.
3. The viewer opens the link in a browser.
4. The app loads the public document content.
5. The viewer reads the doc in read-only mode.

Expected outcome: The viewer can read the shared doc without entering the Space.

Public Visibility Reference

Area	Public viewer behavior
Document content	Visible when the public doc loads and the doc still exists.
Links and embedded references	Can appear as read-only content when included in the doc.
Version restore controls	Hidden for public viewers.
Editing toolbar, comments, sharing settings, and member-only actions	Hidden or disabled.
Missing-content page	Shown when the URL is inactive, wrong, archived, deleted, or no longer shared.

Open the shared Doc

1. Open the public Doc link you received.
2. Wait for the document to load.
3. Confirm the content matches what you expected.
4. Scroll through the document.
5. Ask the sender for a new link if the page shows missing content.

Use the right link format

A public Doc link starts with /doc/. A signed-in app link starts with /p/d/ and may require Space membership and permissions.

Request changes

Public Doc pages are read-only. Send suggested changes to the doc owner or ask to be invited to the Space if you need to edit directly.

Troubleshooting

The Doc does not open

• Symptom: The page shows missing content.
• Cause: The public link may be inactive, incorrect, archived, deleted, or no longer shared.
• Resolution:
  1. Ask the sender to confirm Publish to web is still on.
  2. Ask them to copy the public link again.
  3. Confirm the URL starts with /doc/.
  4. Ask whether the doc was archived or deleted.

The Doc opens but cannot be edited

• Symptom: You can read the document, but editing tools are unavailable.
• Cause: Public Doc pages are read-only.
• Resolution:
  1. Send suggested edits to the owner.
  2. Ask to be invited to the Space if you need edit access.

The Doc content is outdated

• Symptom: The public doc does not reflect expected changes.
• Cause: The owner may not have updated the doc, the public page may need refresh, or the link may be old after a custom URL change.
• Resolution:
  1. Refresh the page.
  2. Ask the sender to confirm the current public link.
  3. Ask whether the doc was changed after the link was shared.

FAQ

Do I need an account to open a public Doc?

No. Public Doc links are intended for external viewing without sign-in.

Can I download or export a public Doc?

Use only actions available on the public page. If export is not available, ask the owner for the format you need.

Can public Doc access be revoked?

Yes. The owner can turn off Publish to web from the doc share settings.