# GetSafeDocs User Guide

Welcome to GetSafeDocs, the secure document sharing platform that protects your files and communications. This comprehensive guide will help you get started and make the most of all available features.

## Table of Contents

1. [Getting Started](#getting-started)
2. [Account Management](#account-management)
3. [Sending Documents](#sending-documents)
4. [Receiving Documents](#receiving-documents)
5. [Document Requests](#document-requests)
6. [Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)](#two-factor-authentication-2fa)
7. [Account Tiers and Features](#account-tiers-and-features)
8. [Security Features](#security-features)
9. [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
10. [Best Practices](#best-practices)

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## Getting Started

### Creating Your Account

1. **Visit GetSafeDocs.com** and click "Register" or "Create Account"
2. **Enter your email address** and create a strong password (minimum 8 characters)
3. **Accept the Terms of Service** and Privacy Policy
4. **Check your email** for a verification code
5. **Enter the verification code** to activate your account

### Logging In

You can log in using:
- **Email and password** (standard login)
- **Google account** (OAuth integration)
- **Access token** (for accessing specific documents)

### Account Verification

After registration, you'll receive an email with a verification code. Enter this code to complete your account setup. If you don't receive the email:
- Check your spam/junk folder
- Use the "Resend verification email" link
- Contact support if issues persist

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## Account Management

### Profile Settings

Access your profile by clicking your email address in the top navigation. Here you can:

- **Update your email address**
- **Change your password**
- **Manage subscription settings**
- **View account usage statistics**
- **Access billing information**

### Password Management

**Changing Your Password:**
1. Go to your Profile page
2. Click "Change Password"
3. Enter your current password
4. Enter your new password (minimum 8 characters)
5. Confirm the new password

**Resetting a Forgotten Password:**
1. Click "Forgot your password?" on the login page
2. Enter your email address
3. Check your email for reset instructions
4. Follow the link to create a new password

---

## Sending Documents

### Basic Document Sending

1. **Log in to your account**
2. **Click "Send Documents"** or "New Document"
3. **Upload your files:**
   - Drag and drop files or click to browse
   - Multiple files can be selected
   - Files are automatically scanned for malware
4. **Add recipient information:**
   - Enter recipient email addresses (comma-separated)
   - Or leave blank to generate a manual access code
5. **Compose your message:**
   - Add a subject line
   - Write your message (optional)
6. **Configure settings:**
   - Set message expiry (Premium/Enterprise only)
   - Choose notification preferences
   - Enable preview-only mode (recipients can view but not download)
7. **Send the message**

### File Upload Process

GetSafeDocs uses a secure multi-step upload process:

1. **File Selection:** Choose files from your device
2. **Security Scan:** Files are automatically scanned for malware
3. **Upload Progress:** Real-time progress tracking
4. **Scan Results:** View security ratings and reports
5. **Confirmation:** Files are ready to attach to your message

### Supported File Types

**For complete file type listings, see:** [File Types Reference](/file_types.php)

**Summary:**
- **Free Tier:** 60+ file types including documents, images, archives, text files, and code files
- **Premium/Enterprise:** All free tier types plus video, audio, and design files (20+ additional types)
- **Forbidden:** Executable files and scripts are blocked for security reasons across all tiers

### File Size Limits

- **Free:** 10 MB per file
- **Premium:** 100 MB per file  
- **Enterprise:** 1 GB per file

### Recipient Management

After sending a message, you'll be redirected to the Recipient Management page where you can:

- **View all recipients** and their access tokens
- **Copy access tokens** for manual sharing
- **Copy full URLs** for easy sharing
- **Resend email notifications**
- **Track message activity** (Premium/Enterprise)

### Sharing Options

**Email Notification:**
- Recipients receive an email with access instructions
- Includes your message and download links
- Automatic notifications for account holders

**Manual Sharing:**
- Copy the access token or full URL
- Share via secure messaging apps, SMS, or other methods
- Recipients can access without email notifications

---

## Receiving Documents

### Accessing Documents via Email

1. **Check your email** for a GetSafeDocs notification
2. **Click the access link** in the email
3. **Enter the access token** if prompted
4. **View or download** the documents

### Accessing Documents via Token

1. **Visit GetSafeDocs.com**
2. **Enter the access token** in the main form
3. **Click "Retrieve Document"**
4. **View or download** the files

### Document Viewing

**Preview Mode:**
- View documents directly in your browser
- No download required for supported formats
- Secure sandboxed viewing environment

**Download Mode:**
- Download files to your device
- Full access to original file formats
- Available for all file types

### Your Inbox

If you have a GetSafeDocs account, you can:

- **View all received messages** in your inbox
- **Archive messages** for organization
- **Reply to senders** (if enabled)
- **Track message activity**
- **Access expired messages** (if still available)

---

## Document Requests

Document requests allow you to create a secure upload page for clients to send you files.

### Creating a Document Request

**Note:** Document requests are available for Premium and Enterprise users only.

1. **Go to "Document Requests"** in your account
2. **Click "Create Request Page"**
3. **Configure your request:**
   - **Request Name:** Descriptive title for your request
   - **Description:** Instructions for submitters
   - **File Settings:**
     - Maximum file size
     - Maximum number of files per submission
     - Allowed file types
   - **Submission Requirements:**
     - Require submitter email
     - Require subject line
     - Require message
   - **Expiry Settings:** How long the request stays active
4. **Save the request**

### Sharing Document Requests

After creating a request, you'll receive:

- **Access Token:** For manual sharing
- **Full URL:** Direct link to the upload page
- **QR Code:** For easy mobile sharing

### Managing Submissions

- **View all submissions** in your Document Requests page
- **Download submitted files**
- **Track submission activity**
- **Archive completed requests**

---

## Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account.

### Setting Up 2FA

**Note:** 2FA is available for Premium and Enterprise users only.

1. **Go to your Profile page**
2. **Click "Set Up Two-Factor Authentication"**
3. **Choose your verification method:**
   - **Authenticator App** (Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.)
   - **Email Verification**

### Authenticator App Setup

1. **Select "Authenticator App"**
2. **Scan the QR code** with your authenticator app
3. **Enter the 6-digit code** to verify setup
4. **Save your backup codes** in a secure location

### Email Verification Setup

1. **Select "Email Verification"**
2. **Check your email** for a verification code
3. **Enter the code** to complete setup

### Using 2FA

After setup, you'll need to enter a verification code when logging in:
- **Authenticator App:** Enter the 6-digit code from your app
- **Email:** Enter the code sent to your email
- **Backup Codes:** Use one-time codes if you lose access to your primary method

### Managing 2FA

- **Change verification method** (requires current code verification)
- **Remove 2FA** (if not required by your organization)
- **Regenerate backup codes**

---

## Account Tiers and Features

### Free Tier

**Included Features:**
- Basic document sending and receiving
- Malware scanning
- 10 MB file size limit
- 5 messages per month
- 60+ file types (documents, images, archives, text/code files)
- 7-day message expiry

**Limitations:**
- No 2FA
- No document requests
- No advanced tracking
- No video, audio, or design files (Premium only)

### Premium Tier

**Additional Features:**
- 2FA support
- Document requests
- Advanced tracking and analytics
- 100 MB file size limit
- 50 messages per month
- 80+ file types including video, audio, and design files
- Custom message expiry (up to 2 years)
- Mailing lists
- Enhanced security features

### Enterprise Tier

**Additional Features:**
- All Premium features
- 1 GB file size limit
- Unlimited messages
- Team management
- Company administration
- Advanced security controls
- Priority support
- Custom integrations

---

## Security Features

### Malware Protection

**Automatic Scanning:**
- All uploaded files are scanned for malware
- Real-time threat detection
- Detailed security reports
- Automatic quarantine of threats

**Security Ratings:**
- **Clean (0):** No threats detected
- **Suspicious (1):** Potential issues found
- **Malicious (2):** Confirmed threats detected

### Data Protection

**Encryption:**
- AES-256 encryption at rest
- TLS 1.3 for data in transit
- Secure key management

**Data Residency:**
- Data stored in Canada (Toronto)
- PIPEDA compliance
- GDPR alignment

### Access Controls

**Token-Based Access:**
- Unique access tokens for each recipient
- Time-limited access
- Revocable permissions

**Audit Logging:**
- Complete activity tracking
- IP address logging
- User action monitoring

---

## Troubleshooting

### Common Issues

**"File upload failed"**
- Check file size limits for your tier
- Ensure file type is allowed
- Verify internet connection
- Try uploading one file at a time

**"Invalid access token"**
- Verify the token is correct
- Check if the message has expired
- Ensure you're using the full token

**"Email not received"**
- Check spam/junk folder
- Verify email address is correct
- Use "Resend" option
- Contact support if persistent

**"2FA setup failed"**
- Ensure you're on Premium/Enterprise tier
- Check authenticator app is working
- Verify email address for email 2FA
- Try regenerating QR code

### Getting Help

**Support Options:**
- **Help Center:** Check documentation and FAQs
- **Email Support:** Contact support team
- **Community:** User forums and discussions

**Before Contacting Support:**
- Check this user guide
- Verify your account tier and limits
- Note any error messages
- Include relevant details about the issue

---

## Best Practices

### Security Best Practices

1. **Use strong passwords** (minimum 8 characters, mix of letters, numbers, symbols)
2. **Enable 2FA** for Premium/Enterprise accounts
3. **Keep access tokens secure** and don't share publicly
4. **Regularly review** your account activity
5. **Log out** from shared computers

### File Sharing Best Practices

1. **Scan files** before uploading (additional layer of security)
2. **Use descriptive subjects** for easy identification
3. **Set appropriate expiry dates** for sensitive documents
4. **Use preview-only mode** for documents that shouldn't be downloaded
5. **Archive old messages** to keep your inbox organized

### Document Request Best Practices

1. **Provide clear instructions** for submitters
2. **Set appropriate file size limits** based on your needs
3. **Use descriptive request names** for easy identification
4. **Monitor submissions** regularly
5. **Archive completed requests** to maintain organization

### Account Management Best Practices

1. **Keep your email address updated** for important notifications
2. **Monitor your usage** to stay within limits
3. **Upgrade your plan** if you need additional features
4. **Regularly review** your security settings
5. **Keep backup codes safe** for 2FA recovery

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## Additional Resources

- **API Documentation:** For developers and integrations
- **Security Documentation:** Detailed security information
- **Terms of Service:** Legal terms and conditions
- **Privacy Policy:** Data handling and privacy information
- **Contact Support:** Get help with specific issues

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*This user guide is regularly updated. For the latest information, visit GetSafeDocs.com or contact our support team.*