Need to share a file right now? Temp upload is the fastest way to get your files to someone without email size limits, cloud storage accounts, or complicated sharing settings. This guide shows you how to complete a temp file upload in under 30 seconds.

What is Temp Upload?

Temp upload (temporary upload) refers to uploading files to a temporary storage service that provides instant download links. Key characteristics:

• Instant: Upload completes in seconds with global CDN
• Temporary: Files auto-delete (typically 7 days)
• Simple: No account, no configuration, just upload
• Shareable: Get a direct download link immediately

30-Second Temp Upload (Web Method)

The fastest way to do a temp file upload:

Temp Upload Methods Comparison

Method 1: Web Upload (Easiest)

Best for: Quick one-off transfers, non-technical users

1. Visit tmpfile.link
2. Drag & drop file
3. Copy download link
4. Share!

Method 2: Command Line (Fastest for Developers)

Best for: Developers, scripting, automation

# One-line temp upload with curl
curl -F "file=@document.pdf" https://tmpfile.link/api/upload

# Get just the download link
curl -s -F "file=@document.pdf" https://tmpfile.link/api/upload | jq -r '.downloadLink'

# Upload and copy to clipboard (macOS)
curl -s -F "file=@document.pdf" https://tmpfile.link/api/upload | jq -r '.downloadLink' | pbcopy

Method 3: Python SDK (Best for Integration)

Best for: Application integration, batch processing

from tflink import TFLinkClient

# Quick temp upload
client = TFLinkClient()
result = client.upload('file.pdf')
print(result.download_link)  # Share this link

Method 4: PowerShell (Windows)

Best for: Windows users, Windows automation

# Temp upload with PowerShell
$response = Invoke-RestMethod -Uri "https://tmpfile.link/api/upload" `
    -Method Post `
    -ContentType "multipart/form-data" `
    -InFile "C:\path\to\file.pdf"

# Output the download link
$response.downloadLink

Temp Upload Tips & Tricks

Tip 1: Paste Screenshots Directly

Take a screenshot (Print Screen or Snipping Tool), then press Ctrl+V on tmpfile.link. The screenshot uploads instantly - perfect for quick temp uploads of screen captures.

Tip 2: Use QR Codes for Mobile

After uploading, click the QR code button to generate a scannable code. Great for transferring files to phones without typing URLs.

Tip 3: Create Shell Aliases

Speed up CLI temp uploads with aliases:

# Add to ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc
alias tempup='curl -s -F "file=@" https://tmpfile.link/api/upload | jq -r .downloadLink'

# Usage: tempup myfile.pdf

Tip 4: Batch Upload Multiple Files

# Upload multiple files and get all links
for file in *.pdf; do
    echo "$file: $(curl -s -F "file=@$file" https://tmpfile.link/api/upload | jq -r .downloadLink)"
done

Common Temp Upload Scenarios

Temp Upload Limits

FAQ

Is temp upload secure?

Yes. Files are served over HTTPS, and links are unique UUIDs that can't be guessed. For sensitive files, encrypt before uploading.

Can recipients see my identity?

No. Anonymous temp uploads don't record uploader information. Only the download link gives access to the file.

What happens after 7 days?

Files are automatically and permanently deleted. The download link stops working.

Can I delete a file early?

Anonymous uploads auto-expire. For more control, use authenticated uploads which allow manual deletion.