Quick answer: An NDA is a legal agreement in which someone promises to keep shared information confidential.
NDA (Non-disclosure agreement) explained
An NDA, or non-disclosure agreement, is a contract in which one or both sides promise to keep shared information confidential. NDAs are common before sharing business plans, unreleased work, designs or source material. They set out what is confidential, how it may be used and for how long.
Getting it signed before the files are opened matters. On this site, you can require recipients to accept an NDA: they confirm their email with a code, read the agreement and sign by typing their name, and you receive a PDF audit certificate.
An NDA does not stop someone from sharing a file, but it gives you a record and a legal basis if they do. For legal wording, check with a lawyer in your country.
One-way vs mutual NDA
| One-way (unilateral) | Mutual | |
|---|---|---|
| Who promises confidentiality | Only the person receiving the information | Both sides |
| Typical use | Sending a pitch, script, design or prototype to someone | Two companies exploring working together |
When you are the one sending files, a one-way NDA is usually what you need.
What an NDA usually covers
- What counts as confidential, for example the files shared and anything learned from them.
- What the recipient may do with it, such as only evaluating a project.
- Exceptions, such as information that is already public.
- How long the promise lasts.
- What happens at the end, such as deleting or returning the files.
How the NDA step works here
- Upload your files and open More options.
- Tick Require an NDA before download, then pick a template or paste your own agreement.
- Share the link. Each recipient confirms their email with a 6-digit code, reads the agreement and signs by typing their name.
- Only then does the download unlock. Both sides can get a PDF certificate with the agreement text, the time, IP address and a verification link.
For extra protection, combine it with view-only mode and personal watermarks.
Frequently asked questions
Is a typed-name signature valid?
In many countries electronic signatures, including typed names, can be legally valid, but rules vary. Ask a lawyer for important agreements.
What does the audit certificate show?
It records the signer's name and confirmed email, the exact text they signed with its SHA-256 fingerprint, and the time, IP address and device, as a PDF you can keep.
How long does an NDA last?
As long as the agreement says. Many set a fixed number of years, and the right length depends on what you are protecting, so check with a lawyer for important deals.
Can I use my own NDA text?
Yes. You can pick a template or paste your own agreement when you set up the transfer.
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