Why am I getting an expired error when I link a Prompt document?

Leo Comia Updated by Leo Comia

Overview: In Prompt, users can link to a document by using the Copy Link/ Copy URL function available in the Document Information window. This functionality provides a URL that allows easy and reliable access to download a Prompt document. However, users may encounter issues when using the longer S3 pre-signed URL, which expires after a set period. This article explains the difference between these URLs and provides guidance to ensure the correct link is used.

  1. Copy Functions:
    • The Copy Link and Copy URL functions in Prompt generate a short, stable URL that references the document in the Prompt system.
    • Their URLs do not expire and will always redirect to the latest version of the document in the system.
  2. S3 Pre-Signed URL:
    • When the Copy link is clicked or pasted into a browser, it resolves to an S3 pre-signed URL.
    • Example:
      https://prod-prompt-documents.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/234023/234023_v1.0.pdf?X-Amz-Expires=86400&...
    • The S3 pre-signed URL is a secure link that temporarily grants access to the file hosted on Amazon S3.
    • It expires after a set duration (e.g., 24 hours), after which it will no longer work and display an "AccessDenied" error.

Common Issue: Some users mistakenly copy and use the longer S3 pre-signed URL instead of the stable URL provided by the Copy functions. Since the S3 pre-signed URL expires, this can lead to broken links after the expiration period.

Solution: To ensure reliable and permanent access to documents, always use the shorter URL generated by the Copy Link or Copy URL functions.

Follow these steps:

  1. Access the Document Information Window:
    • Open the document in Prompt.
    • Click on the Document Information option.
  2. Copy the URL:
    • Use the Copy URL or Copy Link button to generate a stable link.
    • Example: https://app.prompt.org.au/download/234023?code=46935ba4-ae92-4d07-a323-21ffc6b45afe
  3. Share or Embed the Link:
    • Use this URL wherever the link to the document is required (e.g., in emails, websites, or reports).
  4. Avoid Copying the S3 URL:
    • Do not copy the longer URL displayed after accessing the link, as the S3 pre-signed URL will expire.

What to Do If an S3 URL Expires: If you encounter an expired S3 URL, replace it with the stable URL generated via the Copy URL or Copy Link function.

Example Error for Expired S3 URL: An expired S3 pre-signed URL will display the following error:

<Error>
  <Code>AccessDenied</Code>
  <Message>Request has expired</Message>
  <X-Amz-Expires>86400</X-Amz-Expires>
  <Expires>2024-07-23T03:40:38Z</Expires>
  <ServerTime>2024-07-25T03:44:05Z</ServerTime>
</Error>

If this error occurs, generate and use the correct link described above.

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