Flat / DOCX / DOC hosting
DOCX hosting: share Word documents as a link
Publish a DOCX or DOC document from your browser or the CLI. Readers can open a generated PDF preview and download the original Word file without a Flat account.
Checking your upload limits... · Public · Limits
Drop your DOCX / DOC files here
or choose them from your device.
Select DOCX / DOC filesWhat readers see at your DOCX / DOC link
Flat generates a PDF preview when a reader opens a DOCX or DOC document, then displays it with page navigation and zoom controls. The screenshot shows the sample proposal.docx after conversion.
The original Word file stays unchanged and remains available to download. Readers can open it in a compatible editor when they need to work with the source document.
A single file opens in the viewer. Several files open in the explorer, where readers can choose a file. Public links need no Flat account. Original downloads remain available if a preview cannot load.
The main link opens Flat's viewer. The exact path /proposal.docx serves the original file, without changing its contents.
How to upload DOCX / DOC files and get a link
Prepare your file
Save the finished document as DOCX, or keep DOC when a recipient needs the legacy Word format. Include images in the document rather than relying on remote assets. Changing the filename extension does not convert between formats.
Check the generated preview before sharing. If you need the PDF layout produced by your own editor, export a PDF reading copy there and publish it instead or alongside the Word file.
Publish from your browser or terminal
In your browserGo to uploaderDrop, publish, copy the link.
Drop your finished files into the uploader above, or select them from your device. Enter your email if signed out, then choose "Publish files".
Selected files need unique names and publish at the top level. Use the CLI for folders; the browser uploader does not accept folders or extract ZIPs.
TerminalNode.js 20+One command. Files or folders.
npx -y @getflat/cli deploy ./proposal.docxReplace the example path with your file. Pass a folder to publish related files with their relative paths intact. The CLI prints the published URL.
Check before sharing
Open the published link and check page breaks, tables, and images in the PDF preview. Download the original Word file when you need to verify it in the recipient's editor.
Signed-out uploads expire after 1 hour by default. Sign in before expiry to keep them online, or sign in before publishing for no default expiry.
What you can share with DOCX / DOC hosting
Proposals and reports
Send a finished document as a link in an email or message. Recipients can read the PDF preview before deciding whether to download the Word file.
Templates and worksheets
Let people preview a template, then download the original DOCX to fill in with their own editor. The shared upload keeps its original content.
Guides and handouts
Share instructions or training materials with a group. For recurring revisions, use a reusable address so the distributed link can point to your latest upload.
Keep a version, or keep an address.
Share this version
Every upload gets its own link. Publishing revised files creates a new link and leaves the earlier version unchanged. Use the version link when someone needs to review a specific upload.
Update files at one address
Use a named onflat.page address or your own domain. Sign in, then publish with the CLI using --domain. Publish revised files with the same domain to point that address to the new upload.
Named addresses are included on Free. Adding your own domain requires a paid plan. The browser uploader does not set up or repoint these addresses.
DOCX / DOC hosting questions
Is hosting free, and what are the limits?
Yes. Signed-in Free includes 5 MiB per upload, 1 GiB of storage, and 5 GiB of monthly transfer, with no default expiry. The per-upload limit covers all files in that upload. Paid plans raise these limits.
Do readers need a Flat account?
No. Public links open without a Flat account. Anyone with the link can open the uploaded files. Password-protected links also require the visitor password.
Can I password-protect my upload?
Yes. Password protection is available on every plan. Add --password YOUR_PASSWORD to your CLI deploy command. It protects access to the upload and its files, but does not prevent someone with access from saving a copy. The browser uploader creates public uploads.
Can I replace files without changing the link?
A version link always refers to its original upload. For same-address updates, use a named address or your own domain. Publish revised files with the same --domain value in the CLI to point that address to the new upload.
What happens when an upload expires?
Flat stops serving it. An expired upload cannot be recovered. Signed-out uploads expire after 1 hour by default. For browser uploads, use the sign-in link shown after publishing. For CLI uploads, run npx -y @getflat/cli login. Complete sign-in before expiry to keep the upload online. If you chose a shorter expiry in the CLI, that deadline stays in place.
Do readers need Microsoft Word?
No. Readers can view a successfully generated PDF preview in their browser. To edit the original DOCX or DOC file, they need to download it and open it in a compatible editor.
Can I upload older DOC files too?
Yes. DOC and DOCX both use PDF conversion for browser previews. Flat keeps the uploaded format unchanged. Use your word processor if you need to convert a legacy DOC into DOCX.
Can people edit or comment on the shared document?
Flat provides a preview and original-file download. It does not provide shared Word editing, comments, or tracked-change collaboration. Edit in your own tool, then publish a revised file.
What if my Word document cannot be previewed?
The original document remains available to download if PDF conversion fails or exceeds its processing limits. You can also publish a PDF exported from your own editor. See document preview support.
Will every Word feature appear in the preview?
The preview is a generated PDF, so check its layout before sharing. Conversion does not run macros or fetch remote assets. For a specific final layout, publish a PDF exported from your own editor.
How large can an upload be?
Upload allowances depend on your plan and cover all files in the upload. Compare current plan limits. Preview availability also depends on format and processing support. The original file remains available to download if a preview is unavailable.
Can I embed the viewer on another website?
Flat's generated viewer cannot be embedded in an iframe and keeps Flat branding on every plan. Link to the viewer for reading or to the exact file URL for the original.
Another document format?
Find the guide for your document file.
Give your DOCX / DOC files a link.
Publish your file, check the preview, and share the URL.
Publish filesFree to start · View pricing