Access settings let you control how clients and team mates interact with folders in the file manager, and the files in them.
Each folder has its own access setting, giving you fine-grained control over what team mates can see a folder, and what clients can see/do in each.
Clients can never change this. Only you or your team can.
Each folder, except for the top level, has four options:
Full Access - Everyone can view, download, upload, rename, and delete files
View Only - Your clients can only see and download files, but cannot make changes
Hidden - Your clients will not be able to see the folder or any files in the folder
Custom Access - use this to set which team members can see the folder, and what permissions each client has.
Access options
Full access
Clients can:
Upload files
Rename files
Delete files
Create folders
Add comments (if enabled)
Add, set, or delete versions (if enabled)
Use this when clients need to actively collaborate or contribute files.
View only
Clients can:
View files
Download files
Add comments (if enabled)
View versions (if enabled)
Clients cannot:
Upload files
Delete files
Rename files
Create folders
Star files
Add or delete versions (if enabled)
Use this for read-only access to deliverables or final assets.
Hidden
The folder is completely hidden from clients.
Clients cannot:
See the folder
See any files inside it
Access it via a direct link
Custom access
Custom access lets you control exactly which users can access a folder and how.
Choose specific team members and clients
Team members either have access or no access
Clients can be assigned full access or view-only
You can also:
Search for users by name or email
Adjust access levels individually
View a summary of who has access
Some users may appear as locked, meaning their access is inherited and cannot be changed at the folder level.
Use this when you need more control than the default access levels provide.
Important notes about hidden folders
Folder visibility is not recursive.
Subfolders do not automatically inherit hidden status
You must manually set each child folder to hidden if needed
Starred files and hidden folders
Files inside hidden folders remain fully hidden—even if starred.
They will not appear in:
Starred file widgets
Starred image widgets
The client’s Starred area
The client’s Recent area
The "Recent" page in Sydnee for team mates
This ensures hidden content never appears in visible surfaces.
Best practices
Use Full access for collaboration
Use View only for final deliverables
Use Hidden for internal work or drafts
Use Custom access for sensitive or restricted folders