Show HN: Vanishfile – temporary and secure file sharing

[crosshairflaws]

Hi HN,

It's my first post here, so hopefully this is allowed and correct (according to the rules it is). And of course I hope you find some value in it as well :)

I built Vanishfile because I often need to send files that shouldn’t live forever on a server. There wasn't any file sharing I found that could do this (beside secret sharing). I don't want to create an account, share unnecessary amount of details or something.

Vanishfile lets you:

- Share files that automatically delete after expiry (amount of downloads or after set time period)

- Doesn't need an account, I don't store anything besides the file

- Optionally enable client-side encryption, so even the server can’t read the file

- Optionally set a password, so only the user with a password can download the file

- Limit downloads (or make them unlimited)

Free usage is available, and there’s a small one-time unlock for larger files and encryption (currenly set at $3 for 7 days just to try things out). It generates an access code, which expires after a week. So no account required either (but the key should be stored by the user, of course)

This is a small, focused utility and not a startup pitch or something. It's mostly for personal use, but figured to put it out there as well.

I’d love feedback on:

- the UX

- whether the privacy model makes sense

- what more you would expect from a tool like this

- what would be a good free and paid distinction

- what would be a good price, if any

Link: https://vanishfile.com/

Thanks a lot!

[properbrew]

I really really like this idea. I will keep you in mind for any future filesharing.

Might be because I'm fighting a bug (real life one) that I don't _quite_ understand the $3 cost. Is this after I've uploaded a file, or does this give me an access code (kind of an account) that gives me all the premium features for all files I upload forever, or will this access code expire after 7 days when I then have to pay $3 again for an access code for premium access?

Hope my question makes sense!

[crosshairflaws]

Hey, thanks for checking it out and taking the time to comment!

The $3 cost isn't really based on anything just yet, it's more to try it out and have something in place which I can modify later if needed.

Since I don't want users to create an account, it's indeed an access code (kinda like a Windows XP serial key idea). You buy, you get the key. The key expires in 7 days (currently, but this is of course open for change). After that, you would need to buy a new one.

Hope this answers it for you and please let me know if you've got any suggestions. Appreciate it!

EDIT: I will edit the location for access code input to below the link generation button. Thanks for the feedback :)

[properbrew]

Ahh ignore me, I'm not thinking straight clearly!

Had a bit more of a click around, it makes sense. One thing I would probably say is to put an input underneath the "Create temporary link" button for the premium access code so that you have immediate access to the premium configs (duration, downloads etc).

[lumirth]

Forgive me if this comment is silly: have you thought much about how this might be abused? Are you worried about what legal responsibility you may have, or who might abuse this? I’ve gotten the impression that running such a service is something of a landmine.

[crosshairflaws]

Hey, thanks for your comment and it's not silly at all. I've thought about this, but didn't see it as too much of a risk. It's just a small utility tool, not part of a big corporation or anything.

Like any file sharing tool, it can be abused, but to me personally it has value for sending ordinary files over. The primary goal is privacy :)

Hope this answers it for you