Help Center

How to use Cloud Share Codes?

Cloud Share Codes are OmniStor's visual sharing method — they turn your share link into a QR code or image, so recipients can scan it with their phone instead of copy-pasting a long URL. This article covers when to use them, how to generate them, and how to make sharing more secure.

What's a Cloud Share Code?

When you create a public share link in OmniStor, beyond the traditional "copy link to email/messaging" approach, OmniStor can turn the link into a QR code or image, so recipients can:

  • Scan the QR code with their phone camera → opens the share page directly.
  • Download the QR code image → embed it in slides, posters, or documents.

Great for:

  • In-meeting sharing: Put a QR code on a slide so attendees can scan to grab the file.
  • Print media sharing: Print QR codes on flyers, posters, or business cards.
  • Cross-platform sharing: Recipients on different ecosystems (iOS vs. Android) don't need to swap accounts or install specific apps.

Prerequisite

Cloud Share Codes are built on top of public share links — set your target file or folder to public sharing first, before you can generate a code.

If you want to share only with specific members ("Share with Members Only" mode), Cloud Share Codes don't apply — use the standard member invitation flow.

Steps

iOS / Android (the flow is the same)

  1. Open the OmniStor app.
  2. Find the file or folder you want to share. Long-press or tap the side menu to enter share settings.
  3. On the "Share Settings" page, choose Public Share mode.
  4. You'll see several options related to share links:
    • Copy and Send Link: The traditional way — copy the URL.
    • Get Cloud Share Code: Convert the link to a QR code.
    • Link Security Settings: Set password, expiration, download limit.
  5. Tap Get Cloud Share Code.
  6. The QR code appears. You can:
    • Have the recipient scan it directly with their phone camera.
    • Download the image and embed it in slides, posters, or documents.

Make sharing more secure (strongly recommended)

A public share link means anyone with it can open it — and QR code form spreads especially easily. Pair with these security settings:

Password protection

Require recipients to enter a password before opening:

  1. On the share settings page, tap Link Security Settings.
  2. Tap the Password toggle to enable.
  3. Enter the password.

The password must meet system policy (minimum length, allowed character types, etc.).

Download count limit

Only applies to public-share files. After the threshold is hit, the link expires:

  1. On the share settings page, tap Link Security Settings.
  2. Tap the Download Count toggle to enable.
  3. Enter the maximum number of downloads.

Expiration date

Have the link automatically expire after a set date:

  1. On "Share Settings," choose any sharing mode.
  2. Tap Link Security Settings.
  3. Turn on Link Expiration Date.
  4. Set the date.

Note: After expiration, sharing automatically stops. To share again, you'll need to reset the share permissions and expiration date.

What the recipient does

For someone receiving the QR code:

  1. For a QR code image: Open the camera app, point at the QR code, tap the URL prompt that appears, and the share opens.
  2. If password-protected: After opening the link, they'll be prompted for a password — you'll need to share the password separately (don't print it next to the QR code, which defeats the purpose).
  3. If they see "Link Expired": Let them know the share has ended; they need a new link.

Revoke sharing

When you no longer want others to access via the QR code:

  1. Find the file/folder and open its share settings.
  2. Change the sharing mode to Disable Sharing or Cancel Public Share.
  3. The link and the corresponding Cloud Share Code immediately become invalid — even if the recipient has saved the QR code image, it won't work anymore.

Common questions

Q: A QR code on a printed business card or poster could be scanned by anyone — is that a problem?

A: Yes, that's the nature of public sharing. Combine with password, expiration, and download count limits to reduce risk.

Q: Can I use a QR code in commercial printing?

A: Technically yes, but assess the security implications. Definitely set a download limit and expiration date, and avoid printing in contexts where distribution isn't controlled.

Q: Can I see how many times the QR code has been scanned?

A: The manual doesn't mention a scan count. But you can monitor share link usage (download count, etc.) in the "Shared by Me" management view on OmniStor Web.

Q: Can I customize the visual style of the QR code?

A: The manual doesn't mention this. It's the standard system-generated QR code style.

Q: Can I use Cloud Share Code in "Share with Members Only" mode?

A: No. Cloud Share Code only works with public sharing.

Still stuck?

Send the following to your administrator or support team:

  • OmniStor app version (to confirm Cloud Share Code support)
  • File or folder name
  • The specific problem (can't generate the QR code? scan opens but fails? permission denied?)
  • Recipient's device and OS