# Collect Names and Emails Before People Download Your File

Giving away an ebook, a sample pack, a brochure or a price list? A gated link asks each visitor a few questions first, then unlocks the download, and you keep the answers.

_Source: https://sharelargefilesfree.com/collect-emails-before-download · Updated 2026-09-30_

**Quick answer:** To collect emails before a download: upload the file, open More options, tick "Ask for details before the files open", choose the questions (name, email, phone, company or up to five of your own) and mark which are required. Add a consent checkbox if you will email people later. Visitors answer, then download; you see every answer on your Transfers page and can export them as a CSV file. Free, up to 20 GB per transfer.

## Set up a gated download in two minutes

1. [Upload the file](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/) you are giving away.
2. Open **More options** and tick **Ask for details before the files open**.
3. Pick the questions: name, email, mobile number, company, designation, city, school, class, roll number, or your own (short answer or a list of choices). Tick _Required_ on the ones that must be answered.
4. Add a consent line such as "Send me updates" if you plan to email people; leave it empty for none.
5. Share the link on WhatsApp, Instagram, your website or a QR code on a poster.

## Where the answers go

Every answer appears on your [Transfers page](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/history) under the transfer, with the time and whether that person downloaded. Export one transfer's answers, or all of them at once, as a CSV file that opens in Excel, Google Sheets or any mailing tool. Tick **Email me updates** when sending to get a short summary of new answers by email.

## Gated link vs. a form tool plus a file link

| | Gated download link | Google Form + Drive link |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Download only after answering | Yes | No, the Drive link can be shared on |
| Verified email option | Yes, with a 6-digit code | Only with a Google account |
| Know who actually downloaded | Yes | No |
| Large files | Up to 20 GB | Limited by Drive quota and sharing |
| Account needed | No | Google account |

## Make sure the emails are real

People sometimes type a fake address to get a free file. Set **Who can open the link** to _Anyone who confirms their email_, and each visitor must enter a 6-digit code sent to their inbox before the form opens. Combine with a [per-person download limit](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/limit-downloads) to stop one person taking many copies.

## Privacy and consent

You are responsible for how you use the details you collect. Ask only what you need, say why on the consent line, and do not add people to a mailing list unless they ticked it. The answers are deleted with the transfer's records; see our [privacy policy](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/privacy).

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I ask my own questions?

Yes, up to five of your own, as a short answer or a list of choices, next to built-in fields such as name, email, mobile number, company, city and roll number.

### How do I download the list of emails?

On your Transfers page, open the transfer's answers and choose Export CSV. There is also an export of all transfers at once.

### Can people skip the form?

No. The files are hidden until the required questions are answered.

### Do visitors need an account?

No. They only fill in your form, and confirm their email with a code if you require it.

### Is it free?

Yes, including the CSV export, for files up to 20 GB per transfer.