How to Use Public Files and QR Codes

Written By JSB (Jason Brown)

Last updated About 1 month ago

Looking for an easy way to share project documents with your on-site crew, vendors, or anyone else? Published files and QR codes make it a breeze—no Digs login required! Check out how to publish a file, create a QR code, and manage public access below.

1. Who Can Publish Files?

Only paid workspace subscribers can publish files. If you’re on a free plan, you won’t see the Publish option. Once your workspace is upgraded to a paid plan, you’ll be ready to go.

2. Publishing a File

  1. Pick a File
    Head to your project and find the file you want to make public.
    Files with a Globe icon have already been published for public access.

  2. Open the File Menu
    Click the ••• (kebab menu) on that file and select Publish (or a similarly named option).

  3. Confirm & Generate
    When you confirm publishing, Digs creates both a QR code and a hyperlink. A globe icon will appear next to your file name, showing that it’s now accessible to anyone who scans or clicks.

  4. Print or Share

    • Download the QR code as a PNG if you want to print it out or share it digitally.

    • Copy the file link to send via email, chat, or whatever works best for you.

Pro Tip
Electricians, painters, or other site teams can scan the code to view the latest plans—no login required!
For files with markups, see the Including Annotations & Markups section below to ensure your on-site teams are referencing the correct version of your documents.

3. Un-publishing & Republishing

  • Un-publish
    If a file shouldn’t be public anymore, select Un-publish from the kebab menu. Anyone trying to access it afterward will get a 404 error.

  • Republish
    Digs does not delete the original link or QR code. If you republish the file later, the same link/QR code becomes active again. No need to create a new code or reprint anything.

4. File Replacement & Sensitive Data

  • No Direct Replacement (Yet!)
    Currently, you can’t replace a file while keeping the same published link or QR code. You’ll need to remove the old file and upload a new one if you want to share a revised version. This will create new share links.

  • Security is on You
    If a file has sensitive data—like private signatures, personal addresses, or anything else you wouldn’t want just anyone to see—don’t publish it. Digs can’t tell what’s inside your file, so be sure to check carefully before choosing Publish.

5. Including Annotations & Markups

  • Original Document Only
    By default, publishing shares the original file version, without any comments or markups.

  • Need Markups Public?

    1. Export with Annotations: If you have a floor plan or another document that you’ve annotated in Digs, open the kebab menu and Export with annotations. This flattens the chosen layer(s) into a new file.

    2. Rename & Upload: Give this exported file a descriptive name (e.g., “Kitchen Wiring Plan - Markups”). Then upload it to Digs like any other file.

    3. Publish: Publish this newly uploaded file so that anyone scanning or clicking can see the markups.

This ensures your annotated details are visible in the publicly shared version, while your original file stays private and unmodified.

Please read the Export with Annotations How To support page for more details

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What happens if my workspace subscription ends?
    All published files become inactive. Anyone scanning a QR code or clicking the link will see a 404 error until your subscription is renewed.

  2. Can I customize the QR code?
    Not at this time. The QR code’s design and size are fixed.

  3. Do I need a Digs account to view a published file?
    Nope! Anyone with the link or QR code can access the file without logging in.

  4. How do I avoid sharing private info?
    Double-check your files before you publish. Don’t share anything containing sensitive details.

  5. Can I track how many times someone scans my QR code?
    Currently, no. Digs doesn’t track analytics on QR code scans or link clicks.

More Pro Tips

  • Check out our other Support Articles on Public File Management and Sharing Best Practices for deeper insights into how you can leverage QR codes alongside other Digs features.

  • When working with multiple collaborators, consider advanced permission settings for files that shouldn’t be open to the public. This a great opportunity to invite the user to your Project/Workspace as a collaborator/Pro user and use the Full Feature set of Digs