Flat / Text hosting
Text hosting: share notes, source, and configuration files
Give your notes, data, or configuration a link. Upload a text file from your browser or the CLI for read-only source viewing, copying, and original downloads.
Checking your upload limits... · Public · Limits
Drop your Text files here
or choose them from your device.
Select Text filesWhat readers see at your Text link
Flat shows UTF-8 text with line wrapping and a copy action. Recognized formats such as Markdown, JSON, XML, YAML, and TOML have syntax highlighting. The screenshot shows a plain-text project handoff.
Text files stay source. Markdown does not become an article, MDX components do not execute, and configuration files do not run. Long text can have a shortened preview; use the original download for the complete file.
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 /handoff.txt serves the original file, without changing its contents.
How to upload Text files and get a link
Prepare your file
Save readable source as UTF-8 with the extension that matches its format. Format structured data and validate it in your own tools before publishing. Highlighting is not a syntax or schema check.
Choose TXT for plain notes, MD for Markdown source, or the configuration format your recipient expects. For a rendered document or built site, export the finished output and use HTML hosting.
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 ./handoff.txtReplace 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 source view, check special characters and line wrapping, then try the exact file URL with any tool that needs to consume the original content.
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 Text hosting
Source and setup handoffs
Give a recipient the saved instructions and configuration files needed to continue work in their own tools.
Data examples
Share small structured data files with a source-reading link for people and an original-file path for compatible consumers.
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.
Text 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.
Which text formats can I share?
These guides cover TXT, Markdown as MD, MDX, JSON, JSONC, XML, YAML, YML, and TOML. YAML and YML use the same viewer. For programming-language files and source folders, see source-code sharing.
Does the viewer edit or execute source files?
No. It displays source and lets readers copy displayed text or download the original. Make changes in your own editor and publish a revised file.
Why does a text file fail to display?
The viewer expects valid UTF-8 text rather than binary content. Re-export older encodings in your editor and check the result. Files that cannot be previewed remain available as original downloads.
Should I send the viewer link or the exact file URL?
Send the main link for reading in Flat. Send the exact path, such as /handoff.txt, when a tool expects the raw file. Access settings still apply to both.
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.
Choose your text format
Find the guide for your text file.
Give your Text files a link.
Publish your file, check the preview, and share the URL.
Publish filesFree to start · View pricing