Workflow Cards · Sharing & Permissions

Sharing & Permissions Workflow Cards

What this deck covers

Master file sharing and permission management across Microsoft 365. Learn to share securely with internal and external users, control access levels, set expiry dates, manage passwords, and understand when to use OneDrive versus SharePoint.

Why it matters

Enable secure, controlled sharing while protecting sensitive information. Make sure the right people have the right access at the right time — and know how to revoke access when needed.

💡
Quick tip Always use “Specific people” links instead of “Anyone with the link” for sensitive files — it keeps access locked to named people even if the link is forwarded.

Want the full learning program + complete deck?

These card summaries are here to help, but the full Workflow Card Deck includes the downloadable PDFs, the mini guide, and the complete set of curated resources.

Tip: If you landed here from Google, start with the full deck so you get everything in one place.
Explore & Purchase
30+
Workflow Cards

Quick wins you can use instantly

300 DPI
High Resolution

Print-ready for physical decks

Complete
Companion Manual

Extra context and best practices

Workflow Card · P-01

Share a File Externally

Securely share files with external partners, clients, or contractors. This workflow helps users collaborate confidently without creating risk or confusion.

PurposeEnsure external users can access files while you maintain control over permissions and security. Review access before sharing to prevent overexposure.
Workflow Card · P-02

Revoke Someone’s File Access

Revoke access to a file you previously shared when it is no longer needed. This workflow helps maintain security and control over your documents.

PurposePrevent outdated access and reduce data exposure risks by removing permissions from users. Regularly review who has access to your files.
Workflow Card · P-03

See Who Has Access to a File

Check which people or groups can view or edit a specific file. This helps you audit permissions and ensure the security of your documents.

PurposeConfirm the right people have access and quickly spot any accidental oversharing of information. Audit permissions on sensitive files regularly.
Workflow Card · P-04

Change Permissions on a File

Update whether someone can view, edit, or have full control of a file after you have already shared it, adapting to changing project roles.

PurposeAdjust access as responsibilities change without needing to remove and re-add users each time. Use ‘view only’ for most shared files.
Workflow Card · P-05

Share a File with an Expiry Date

Create a temporary sharing link that automatically stops working after a set date. This is ideal for time-sensitive content and limited-time collaborations.

PurposeMaintain controlled access for a specific period without needing to remember to remove it later. Set short expiration dates for sensitive data.
Workflow Card · P-06

Share a File with View Only

Let people see a file without being able to make changes. This protects the file from unwanted edits or version issues while still allowing access.

PurposeProtect the file from unwanted edits or version issues and maintain document integrity. Use for final versions or reference materials.
Workflow Card · P-07

Share a File with Designated People

Ensure only designated people can access a file, not anyone who gets the link forwarded. This maintains tight access control over your documents.

PurposeMaintain tight access control and avoid accidental forwarding of sensitive or private information. Always use this for confidential documents.
Workflow Card · P-08

Block the Download of a File

Allow viewing but prevent recipients from saving a copy. This protects sensitive or draft documents from being stored offline or shared without permission.

PurposeProtect sensitive or draft documents from being stored offline and control document distribution. Ideal for draft or confidential information.
Workflow Card · P-09

Password-Protect a File

Add an extra security layer to protect sensitive content. This controls access even if the link is leaked or forwarded to unauthorized users.

PurposeControl access even if the link is leaked or forwarded, adding a second layer of security. Use a strong, unique password for each file.
Workflow Card · P-10

Create a Reusable File Link

Generate a link you can use multiple times without resending it. This simplifies sharing when multiple people need access over a period of time.

PurposeSimplify sharing when multiple people need access over time, reducing administrative effort. Use for resources or team reference materials.
Workflow Card · P-11

Share a Folder with a Team

Give a group access to all files within a folder at once. This saves time and ensures everyone has consistent access to project files.

PurposeSave time and ensure everyone has consistent access to all necessary project or team files. Use for project folders or team resources.
Workflow Card · P-12

Share Your File with Everyone

Make a file accessible to all employees without listing them individually. This is useful for sharing organization-wide content and important announcements.

PurposeShare resources quickly, especially for organisation-wide content like policies or announcements. Use for non-sensitive, internal communications.
Workflow Card · P-13

Share a File Anonymously

Allow access without requiring Microsoft 365 login. Use this only for content intended for public or broad access where no tracking is needed.

PurposeUse only for content intended for public or broad access where user identification is not required. Avoid using for any sensitive information.
Workflow Card · P-14

See all My Shared Files

Review everything you have shared with others. This helps you keep track of what is accessible and revoke permissions if they are no longer needed.

PurposeKeep track of what’s accessible and revoke permissions if needed to maintain security. Review your shared files on a monthly basis.
Workflow Card · P-15

See Files Shared with Me

Find files others have shared with you across Microsoft 365. This helps you quickly locate shared files without searching or bookmarking each one.

PurposeQuickly locate shared files without searching or bookmarking, improving your personal workflow. Check this view daily for new collaborations.
Workflow Card · P-16

Stop Sharing Files with Everyone

Remove all sharing links and permissions in one action. This allows you to lock down access and remove public or outdated links quickly.

PurposeLock down access and remove public or outdated links to secure your information effectively. Use when a project is complete or canceled.
Workflow Card · P-17

Share a File in a Teams Chat

Share a file directly in Teams with correct permissions. This enables collaboration without emailing duplicates and keeps conversations and files together.

PurposeEnable collaboration without emailing duplicates and keep context by sharing in the relevant chat. Use for quick collaboration with individuals.
Workflow Card · P-18

Share a File in a Teams Channel

Upload and share files to a channel so everyone can access them. This centralizes shared content where the whole team works on projects.

PurposeCentralise shared content where the whole team works, ensuring everyone has the latest version. Use for project files and team resources.
Workflow Card · P-19

Share a File via an Email Link

Email a cloud link instead of attaching a file. This reduces version chaos and avoids large attachments that can clog up email inboxes.

PurposeReduce version chaos and avoid large attachments, ensuring everyone works from the same file. Always share links, not attachments.
Workflow Card · P-20

How to Share Large Files

Share large files using cloud storage instead of attaching them. This ensures delivery without file size restrictions and keeps your email running smoothly.

PurposeEnsure delivery without file-size restrictions, overcoming email attachment size limits. Use OneDrive for all large file sharing.
Workflow Card · P-21

How to Give Temporary Access to a File

Allow short-term access without remembering to remove it later. This improves control and minimizes permission drift for temporary collaborations or reviews.

PurposeImprove control and minimise permission drift by setting automatic expiration for access. Use for external reviews or short-term projects.
Workflow Card · P-22

Share a File with a Group

Give a Microsoft 365 group access rather than adding individuals manually. This saves time and ensures future group members receive access automatically.

PurposeSave time and ensure future group members receive access automatically, simplifying permission management. Use for teams or departments.
Workflow Card · P-23

Audit Access to a File

View the history of file access for compliance or oversight. This helps ensure accountability and detect unusual access quickly to maintain security.

PurposeEnsure accountability and detect unusual access quickly, supporting compliance and security audits. Check access history for sensitive files weekly.
Workflow Card · P-24

Lock Down Parts of a File

Allow editing while locking specific areas. This preserves required structure or legal text while allowing collaboration on other parts of the document.

PurposePreserve required structure or legal text while allowing collaboration on the rest of the document. Use for templates, forms, or legal documents.
Workflow Card · P-25

Request Access to a File

Ask the file owner for access when permissions are missing. This enables a smooth workflow when you are blocked by a lack of access.

PurposeEnable a smooth workflow when blocked by lack of access, without resorting to email. Provide a reason for your access request.
Workflow Card · P-26

Approve/Deny Access Requests to a File

Decide who should or shouldn’t access a file. This helps you maintain control while supporting collaboration and responding to access requests efficiently.

PurposeMaintain control while supporting collaboration by managing access requests in a timely manner. Respond to requests within 24 hours.
Workflow Card · P-27

Share a File for Approval

Give your manager the right access for review or editing. This supports sign-off, feedback, and decision workflows for important documents and projects.

PurposeSupport sign-off, feedback, and decision workflows by providing the correct level of access. Notify your manager after sharing the file.
Workflow Card · P-28

Understanding Permissions of Files in SharePoint

Learn the difference between Read, Edit, and Full Control. This helps you choose the correct access level confidently and avoid oversharing information.

PurposeChoose the correct access level confidently and prevent accidental oversharing of sensitive data. Default to ‘Read’ unless editing is required.
Workflow Card · P-29

How to Remove File Inheritance

Remove inherited permissions from a file to create unique access rules. This is for advanced scenarios where you need to lock down a file.

PurposeCreate unique permissions for a specific file, breaking from the folder’s standard access rules. Use this feature with caution and document why.
Workflow Card · P-30

Where to Save - OneDrive vs SharePoint

Understand when to use OneDrive and when to use SharePoint for sharing files. This helps you make the right choice for your collaboration needs.

PurposeChoose the right location for your files to ensure proper sharing, security, and collaboration. OneDrive for personal, SharePoint for team.
Free Weekly Newsletter

Plain-English SharePoint advice. Every week.

One useful email a week. New blog posts, what's changing in Microsoft 365, and the one fix that will make your SharePoint less of a mess this Friday. No spam, no fluff — unsubscribe any time.

Join the Simply SharePoint newsletter

    Free forever  ·  Unsubscribe any time  ·  No spam, ever