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This guide details how to share files and folders in kDrive with anyone you want, even without installing the kDrive application, even if the recipient does not have an Infomaniak account or does not yet use Infomaniak's kDrive.
Different Methods
kDrive allows you to share content in several ways:
- Share a file/folder: ideal if recipients need to be able to edit and work with your content
- Create a public sharing link: ideal if your recipients need to be able to view and/or download your content
- Share as an email attachment on Mail Infomaniak to quickly offer reading or editing of a file
A dropbox can also be shared, and the appearance of sharing windows can be customized.
Share a File/Folder
To designate who to share a file/folder with:
- Log in to the Infomaniak Manager (manager.infomaniak.com) from a web browser like Brave or Firefox
- Click on the icon at the top right of the interface (or navigate through the left sidebar menu, for example)
- Choose kDrive (under Collaborative Tools universe)
- Click on the name of the relevant object in the displayed table
- The kDrive tree structure is displayed
- Right-click on the relevant file/folder
- Click on Share... at the top of the dropdown menu
From here, it is possible to:
- either activate a public sharing link with various possible options (modification and download permission, expiration date, password), and anyone with the link can view and access the file
- or enter a kDrive user, the email address of a contact, or a work team (only if sharing is done within the Common folders directory - read more below)
An assistant allows you to define the rights of each person you add: viewing/editing/management
- The person whose email address you specify will receive an email with the necessary information to access your shared content.
- If they do not have an Infomaniak account, they can create one for free to access, edit, and synchronize shared items.
- In the meantime, you will see the pending invitation and can revoke it at any time from the same place.
- The private link is displayed whenever you go to the sharing menu, making it easy to copy and resend the link to authorized users
Click on the close cross at the top right of the modal if you have finished
Create a Public + Editable Sharing Link (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
When you enable a sharing link on a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file, it is possible to allow online editing of the file:
All people with access to this sharing link can then immediately edit the file without having an Infomaniak account (simply test the URL obtained in a private browsing window to check the result).
Permissions
A sharing can be restricted. Choose whether the user:
- Can view
- Viewing only
- Downloading
- Adding comments
- Can edit
- File modification
- Downloading
- Adding comments
- Adding and creating file/folder
- Deleting file/folder
- Can manage
- File modification
- Downloading
- Adding comments
- Adding and creating file/folder
- Deleting the file
- Sharing with other users
- Managing user rights
Sharing indications are visible on kDrive in the "who has access" column, and the possible public link enabled on a file is indicated by a green icon in this column:
The Common Folders Directory (formerly "Common Documents")
This folder is available with certain paid offers and allows you to share your data with all kDrive users. Any new folder created inside with a choice of maximum sharing will be indicated as such on the right in the list of folders.
But a folder can also be created with restricted sharing (this is proposed to you when creating a new folder or when you return to the sharing of that folder), and in this case, only authorized people will be able to see the content directly; users who have access are visible on the right in the list of folders:
Other users with access to Common Folders will also be able to forcefully access a subfolder either by clicking on it and accepting the warning message or by using the action menu on the right of the directory and choosing "Force Access"; this will notify other users by email of the access attempted:
This guide explains how to store the Joplin database on your Infomaniak kDrive and connect your various devices to it via the WebDAV protocol. This way, you keep your notes safe on a storage medium located in Switzerland.
Joplin is a free and open-source note-taking tool that allows you to organize all your notes into folders and access them from any device (computer, tablet, smartphone).
Prerequisites
- Have a paid kDrive subscription
- Know your kDrive identifier (IDkDrive):
- Log in to your kDrive (https://kdrive.infomaniak.com/)
- The address displayed at the top of your browser contains a number: kdrive.infomaniak.com/app/drive/123456/
- This number (in the example 123456) is your kDrive identifier (IDkDrive)
- Therefore, you will need to write https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com whenever necessary (
https://123456.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com
for example, as the WebDAV address)
- Joplin will store several of its configuration files, so as not to clutter your kDrive directories, it is recommended to create a dedicated folder in your personal tree, with a simple folder name like "joplin" for example, and then specify it at the end of the WebDAV link in point 7 below.
Configure Joplin to use kDrive via WebDAV
The example below is essentially the same for all versions of Joplin:
- Open the Joplin application
- Press the menu in the top left corner
- Press Configuration
- Press Synchronization
- Press the menu to select a target
- Choose the WebDAV mode
- For the account settings, use the following information:
- Server address: https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com/joplin (or /folder-name - read the prerequisites above)
- Username: your Infomaniak account username
- Password: your Infomaniak account password or an application password (in case of 2fa)
- Press the synchronization test and wait for the connection confirmation below:
- Press the top left corner to return to the previous menu and press Synchronize to create the files on kDrive
- Return to notes to start working
This guide details the installation of the kDrive Infomaniak application on a computer running a Linux operating system. It will then allow you to synchronize your files with your Drive.
Prerequisites
- Download the kDrive application for Linux (.AppImage file type)
- Fuse (required to run an AppImage)
- D-Bus
- gnome-keyring or kwallet (usually already present on your machine except with certain lightweight distributions)
Installation of kDrive on Linux
For this:
- Place the file in a folder named for example "Applications"
- Right-click on the file and choose Permissions
- Check the box "Allow executing file as program"
- Optional for Ubuntu: Add the file to "Startup Applications Preferences" so that kDrive runs at startup
This guide helps resolve a synchronization/import issue with the kDrive app on smartphones from certain Android phone manufacturers (especially Chinese ones) that implement measures to optimize battery life. These measures can prevent apps like kDrive from running in the background.
kDrive Needs to Run in the Background
When importing large files or multiple files into kDrive, it may take several minutes. To ensure the import of data, the kDrive app needs to continue this task when you close the app or open another one. The automatic photo backup function in kDrive may also be disrupted if the app cannot run in the background.
Due to the power management policy of certain manufacturers, apps that are not on their whitelist may be automatically stopped, preventing the proper functioning of certain tasks.
Ensuring the Operation of a Mobile App in the Background
You can work around this issue by following the instructions available in English on the dontkillmyapp.com website:
Don't see your phone brand? It probably doesn't pose a problem.
This guide provides instructions for synchronizing kDrive with a Synology NAS (or vice versa) via the WebDAV protocol found in the Cloud Sync application.
Prerequisites
- Having a NAS accessible from the Internet (Synology Infomaniak for example)
- Having a paid kDrive subscription
- Knowing your kDrive identifier (IDkDrive):
- Log in to your kDrive (https://kdrive.infomaniak.com/)
- The address displayed at the top in your browser contains a number: kdrive.infomaniak.com/app/drive/123456/
- This number (in the example 123456) is your kDrive identifier (IDkDrive)
- Therefore, you will need to write https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com whenever necessary (
https://123456.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com
for example as the WebDAV address)
Synchronize kDrive and Synology via Cloud Sync
For this:
- Log in to the Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
- If necessary, download and install the Cloud Sync app from the Package Center
- Open Cloud Sync
- Click on the + in the bottom left to add a Cloud
- Choose WebDAV at the bottom of the list of available Clouds
- For the account settings, use the following information:
- Server address: https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com (read the prerequisites above)
- Username: your Infomaniak account username
- Password: your Infomaniak account password or an application password (in case of 2FA)
- Choose the local folder, destination folder, and desired synchronization type
- Bidirectional: changes made will be reflected in both directions
- Download only remote changes: ideal for backing up a kDrive on your NAS
- Download only local changes: ideal for backing up data from your NAS to a kDrive
This guide explains how to import (only once) data (files, folders, etc.) from an external Cloud, such as your previous provider's, to kDrive:
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- OneDrive
- OwnCloud
- NextCloud
- any device with a WebDAV service including external kDrive (read this guide - click here)
- another kDrive to which your user account has access (except for "external" type access)
Non-imported Data
- Data that has been shared with you is not imported
- only data that actually belongs to you will be imported
- Google documents like Gdocs, Sheets, Slide, etc. are not imported
- except during a Google Drive import, in which case these documents are converted to a standard Microsoft .doc format
Copy Data from an External Cloud to kDrive
To proceed with data import:
- log in to the Infomaniak Manager (manager.infomaniak.com) from a web browser like Brave or Firefox
- click on the icon at the top right of the interface (or navigate through the left side menu, for example)
- choose kDrive (collaborative tools universe)
- click on the name of the relevant object in the displayed table
- click on the icon at the top right of the interface
- click on the kDrive tab
- click on Import External Data:
- click on Start
- choose the relevant service
- choose the location where the imported files will be stored
- enter any necessary information if prompted and click the blue Start button:
- enter any necessary information if prompted and click the blue Continue button
- finish the wizard
- wait for the data import to complete
To monitor ongoing imports, return at any time to the page mentioned in point 7 above.
To stop an ongoing import, click on the action menu to the right of the import listed on the page and choose to cancel (in case of voluntary interruption, a report by email is sent to the administrator).
Check your imported data immediately after the operation.
What about iCloud Drive?
Since Apple does not offer an API like its competitors, the solution to retrieve documents from iCloud Drive is to install our macOS application to synchronize the iCloud folder, which must be located in your library.
This guide details the Lite Sync option of the kDrive app on macOS computers.
What is the Lite Sync option?
The Lite Sync feature saves space by virtually storing your kDrive files on your computer, downloading them only when necessary.
The files are always accessible from the Web version of kDrive (Infomaniak server) and locally, they are present but "dehydrated", requiring loading time to be fully accessible. This allows you to view, edit, and synchronize kDrive content without saturating the hard drive.
Example of use #1 (required storage space)
If you activate Lite Sync, the occupied space (e.g., 900 GB) on the Infomaniak server side will be freed up on your hard drive, but the reverse is also true (e.g., 900 GB free space required on your hard drive if Lite Sync option is activated along the way).
"Dehydration" of files
As explained earlier, a dehydrated file is a kDrive file whose full version is not present on the hard drive, and instead, a "shortcut" of 1 KB is displayed, which is normal behavior when Lite Sync is activated.
In some cases (e.g., if you copy files from your hard drive while Lite Sync is activated, and then re-synchronize to a new kDrive), the application will block the import of this type of file. To resolve these errors, you can download the complete file from the online version kdrive.infomaniak.com.
Prerequisites & scope of Lite Sync usage
- macOS version ≥ 10.15 — not available with Linux
- kDrive app macOS version ≥ 3.2
The Lite Sync option always works:
- on a specific kDrive (in case you synchronize multiple ones on the application)
- and on the entire kDrive (or the entire advanced synchronization)
- and through a specific kDrive application (another user of the same kDrive can make a different Lite Sync choice than yours)
Activate the Lite Sync option
The Lite Sync option can be activated during the installation of the application (this is offered to you) or later:
- left-click on the app icon in the notification area of your computer (bottom right on macOS)
- click on the action menu â‹® to the right of the kDrive window
- select kDrive Settings
- click on the button in the Synchronization section to enable Lite Sync
The cloud icon will appear to the right of the name of a sync in the application, indicating that Lite Sync is enabled. If the crossed-out cloud icon appears, it means that Lite Sync is not enabled:
Always keep on this device
Once Lite Sync is activated, you can still make a folder and its subfolders or only one or more subfolders available locally.
- from the macOS Finder, navigate to a folder synchronized with kDrive and right-click
- select the option Always keep locally available under kDrive
Free up local space
Conversely, once Lite Sync is activated, you can free up space in a folder and its subfolders or only in one or more subfolders.
- from the macOS Finder, navigate to a folder synchronized with kDrive and right-click
- select the option free up local space under kDrive
The Free up space action will free up storage space on your computer. The files will remain visible but will not be accessible without an internet connection.
Summary of icons
To summarize, here are the status icons used in your Windows Explorer:
Status Icons | Files | Folders |
---|---|---|
= online | the file is only on kDrive "in the cloud", to view it locally, you will need to download it | the folder contains at least one file or subfolder present on kDrive online |
= always available | the file is always available locally and synchronized with the online version | the folder contains only locally synchronized files or subfolders with their online version |
= synchronization conflict | kDrive encounters a synchronization conflict with the file | kDrive encounters a synchronization conflict with the folder |
= transfer error | an error occurred during the file transfer and it was interrupted | an error occurred during the folder transfer and it was interrupted |
= download in progress | the progress circle indicates a download in progress | the progress circle indicates a download in progress |
Disable the Lite Sync option
To do this:
- left-click on the app icon in the notification area of your computer (top right on macOS)
- click on the action menu â‹® to the right of the kDrive window
- select kDrive Settings
- click on the button in the Synchronization section to disable Lite Sync
- two scenarios may occur:
- if there is enough space on your computer, a message confirming the deactivation will appear, simply click Continue
- if there is not enough space on your computer, a message will indicate the missing space to allow Lite Sync deactivation; the synchronization of your kDrive will be paused until you select the files to synchronize on your computer
This guide provides instructions for connecting to kDrive via WebDAV if, for example, you want to:
- use the WebDAV application of your choice instead of the official kDrive application
- use kDrive as a synchronization base for a tool that allows this via WebDAV (e.g., Joplin)
- access kDrive from the file manager of your operating system
This access option is only available for paid versions of kDrive.
kDrive ID
To find out your kDrive identifier (IDkDrive):
- Log in to the Infomaniak Manager (manager.infomaniak.com) from a web browser like Brave or Edge
- Click on the icon in the top right corner of the interface (or navigate through the left side menu, for example)
- Choose kDrive (universe Collaborative Tools)
- Click on the name of the relevant object in the displayed table
- The kDrive tree structure will appear in the left side menu
- The address displayed at the top in your browser contains a number: kdrive.infomaniak.com/app/drive/123456
This number (in the example 123456) is your kDrive identifier (IDkDrive).
So, you'll need to write https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com every time it's necessary (https://123456.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com
, for example, as WebDAV address).
Connect to kDrive via WebDAV
on Windows
To do this:
- Open File Explorer from the taskbar or the Start menu
- Select This PC from the left pane
- In the Computer tab, select Add a network location
- Click Next
- Click on Choose a custom network location
- Press Next
- Enter the server address: https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com
- Press Next
- For account settings, use the following information:
- Server address: https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com (read the kDrive ID chapter above)
- Username: your Infomaniak account username
- Password: your Infomaniak account password or an application password (in case of 2FA)
- If desired, check the box to remember login information
- Enter a name for this connection or leave the default indication
- Click Finish
- Two folders will appear, one containing deleted files & folders, and the other with the name of your kDrive containing your data
on macOS
For an Apple computer, follow their instructions (https://support.apple.com/fr-ch/guide/mac-help/mchlp1546/mac) specifying the URL https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com (read the kDrive ID chapter above).
on Linux (Gnome)
To do this:
- Open Files
- In the sidebar, click on Other locations
- In the Connect to Server field, enter
davs://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com
- Click Connect
- For account settings, use the following information:
- Server address: https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com (read the kDrive ID chapter above)
- Username: your Infomaniak account username
- Password: your Infomaniak account password or an application password (in case of 2FA)
- Click Connect
with Windows software
Use the RaiDrive software for quick access to your hosted data. Fill in the fields as shown in the image below:
with Windows / macOS software
Use the Cyberduck software for quick access to your hosted data:
- Open Cyberduck
- In the software menu, go to Bookmark then New Bookmark
- Choose the WebDAV (https) protocol
- Enter the following information:
- Server address: https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com (read the kDrive ID chapter above)
- Username: your Infomaniak account username
- Password: your Infomaniak account password or an application password (in case of 2FA)
- Download folder: the folder where downloaded files will be stored
Direct WebDAV connection URL to folder
A very simple trick to allow a direct connection via WebDAV to the folder of your choice is to use the following URL:
https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com/Folder-Name
This guide explains how to use file history or versioning on kDrive. This feature is very useful for recovering deleted information that you may need later on.
Infomaniak keeps a backup of all modifications made to files on kDrive in the version history:
- with a Free offer, file versions are kept for 30 days (maximum 30 versions)
- with the higher offers, you can find up to 200 file versions for 60 days (up to 120 days for the Pro offer and 180 or 365 days with kDrive within kSuite)
You can choose to keep certain versions indefinitely.
Managing Previous File Versions
To access kDrive:
- log in to the Infomaniak Manager (manager.infomaniak.com) from a web browser like Brave or Edge
- click on the icon in the top right corner of the interface (or navigate through the left side menu)
- choose kDrive (under Collaborative Tools universe)
- click on the name of the relevant item in the displayed table
- the kDrive tree structure appears in the left side menu
- right-click on the desired file
- click on Version History
The different versions of the file are listed in reverse chronological order.
You can delete all versions of this file using the button, otherwise a menu to the right of each version allows you to:
- create a new file on kDrive from this version
- download the file in its state at the date/time of the selected version
- delete the version: allows you to erase this version only
- keep it indefinitely: the version will be retained after the standard retention period
You can also access all versions of all your files
- from the left menu Manage Storage Space
- open the dropdown menu to choose File Versions
This guide explains how to log in and manage multiple kDrives on a computer (macOS / Windows). This feature allows, for example, access to files from a personal kDrive and a professional kDrive.
Prerequisites
- Have a kDrive
- Have the kDrive application installed on your computer
Accessing Different kDrives from the Computer
A user logged into the kDrive application on their computer may already have access to multiple kDrives if they already work with multiple kDrives outside of the app, if they have been added to other kDrives, etc. They are all accessible as long as the user is logged in with the corresponding ID for those kDrives.
Accessing and Managing Other kDrives
To connect with a different account and thus access other kDrives:
from the kDrive application for computer
- Left-click on the app icon in the notification area of your computer (top right on macOS, bottom right on Windows, and double left-click in the taskbar on Linux)
- Click on the chevron to the right of the kDrive name (the kDrives you already have access to with your user will be displayed)
- Click on Add a kDrive
- Click on the badge with your initials or your avatar at the top right
- Click on Add an account
- Enter your Infomaniak account credentials — refer to this guide (click here) if needed
- Select and configure the kDrive to add (including the directory to be used on the computer)
- It is now possible to switch between kDrives when you click on the kDrive icon and then on the chevron in the opened window:
from a browser
- Log in to the Infomaniak Manager (manager.infomaniak.com) from a web browser like Brave or Edge
- Click on the icon in the top right of the interface (or navigate through the left side menu, for example)
- Select kDrive (Universe Collaborative Tools)
- Click on the name of the object in the displayed table
- Click on the chevron to expand the list at the top left of the kDrive interface
- Click on the kDrive you want to use
Disconnecting a kDrive from the Computer Application
To access the settings of the kDrive application on your device:
- Left-click on the app icon in the notification area of your computer (top right on macOS, bottom right on Windows, and double left-click in the taskbar on Linux)
- Click on the icon â‹® all the way to the right in the application
- Select kDrive Settings
- Click on the iconâ‹® to the right of the synchronized Drive, under Folders
- Select Remove synchronization (only from your device, without affecting kDrive)