Documentation

How to use Spike

Step-by-step instructions for every feature. For quick policy and pricing answers, see the FAQ. Need help? Contact support.

Guide

Features & workflows

Follow these steps within each topic. Folder settings are always under the gear icon in the folder view.

Guide

Getting started

Upload your first folder and save it to your dashboard.

  1. Drop files on the homepage

    Drag a folder or files onto Spike. A folder is created automatically and your files begin uploading.

  2. Sign in to keep your work

    Create a free account so folders stay in your dashboard across devices. Guests can try uploads, but work is not saved until you sign in.

  3. Open a folder from All Folders

    After sign-in, use the library view to browse folders, open one, and manage files inside it. Your dashboard keeps every folder you create until you delete it.

  4. Check upload progress

    The upload dialog shows per-file progress and any errors. You can dismiss it once uploads are running; they continue in the background while you work.

Guide

Folders & uploads

Organise large libraries with subfolders and mixed file types.

  1. Create and rename folders

    Use the + button in a folder view to add subfolders. Click a name to rename folders or files.

  2. Upload into the current folder

    Tap + or drag files onto the open folder. Spike accepts images, video, audio, PDFs, archives, and more.

  3. Work with large files

    Heavy photo sets and long video files upload in the background. Progress appears in the upload dialog; you can keep browsing while uploads finish.

  4. Move and delete files

    Select files or folders to move them into another folder or remove them. Deleted items are removed from your library and any active share links.

Guide

Sharing links

Turn a private folder into a link anyone can open.

  1. Enable the link

    Open folder settings (gear icon). Set privacy to Public or Password, or tap Share / Preview and confirm Enable link when prompted.

  2. Copy or share the URL

    Use Copy link, the QR code, or your device’s native share sheet. Every folder gets a stable spike.zip/… URL.

  3. Password or expiry

    In settings, choose Password and set a passphrase, or pick an expiry window so the link stops working after a set time.

  4. Preview before you send

    Tap Preview to open the public view exactly as visitors will see it, which is useful before sending to a client or buyer.

Guide

Previews & protection

Control what people see before they get the full files.

  1. Open a file to preview

    Tap or click a file in your folder to open the preview modal. Images, video, audio, and PDFs are supported in-browser.

  2. Turn on blur for shared folders

    In folder settings, enable preview protection and choose a blur strength. Visitors see a blurred version; originals stay locked until you allow download or they pay.

  3. Per-image controls

    From the preview modal on your own files, adjust blur or watermark on individual images when selling or sharing selectively.

Guide

Selling & checkout

Charge for a folder and deliver automatically after payment.

  1. Connect Stripe

    From account settings, complete Stripe Connect onboarding so payouts can reach your bank.

  2. Enable Sell on the folder

    Open folder settings, switch on Sell, and enter your price in GBP. The share link becomes a checkout page.

  3. Buyer experience

    Buyers see your preview, pay by card, and the full folder unlocks for download immediately, with no manual hand-off.

Guide

Branding & analytics

Customise the public page and see how links perform.

  1. Appearance tab

    On Pro or Business plans, open folder settings → Appearance to adjust colours, background, and logo on the public page.

  2. Analytics panel

    Signed-in users can open Analytics from the menu to see views, downloads, revenue, and top folders. Metrics are aggregate, not per-person tracking.

  3. Track link performance

    Use views and download counts to see which folders get traction. Revenue totals appear when selling is enabled on one or more folders.

More answers

Check the FAQ or open Spike

Policy, pricing, and concept questions live on the FAQ page.

Read the FAQ Open Spike