How to share an Excel file as a link (quick & easy)

In today's business world, sharing Excel spreadsheets is something we all need to do. Whether you're sending financial data, project timelines, or sales reports - how you share matters. Let's look at the best ways to share Excel files as links in 2025, with a focus on security and tracking.

Why share excel files as links?

Sharing Excel files as links has several benefits compared to email attachments:

• No size limits for large spreadsheets

• Easy access for anyone you share with

• Ability to track who views your file

• Better security options

• Professional look and feel

• Control over who can edit

• Less cluttered email inbox

Quick overview: excel file sharing methods

• Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) - Basic sharing with simple privacy settings

• Microsoft 365 (OneDrive, Excel Online) - Native Excel sharing with collaboration features

• Document sharing platforms - Business solutions with more controls

• Email with links - Traditional method with size limits

• Peony - Complete solution with advanced security and tracking features

Step-by-step guide to excel file sharing with Peony

Peony offers a complete solution for secure Excel file sharing with detailed tracking. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Upload your Excel file

Upload your Excel file to Peony. Supported formats include:

• XLSX (recommended)

• XLS

• CSV

• PDF (converted from Excel)

Upload spreadsheet

Step 2: Configure security settings

Set up your sharing options with these security features:

• Password protection

• Email verification

• Download permissions

• Screenshot protection

• Expiration dates

• Watermarking

• Edit permissions

Step 3: Preview and share

Review your Excel file in the Peony viewer before sharing to ensure everything looks professional and secure.

Step 4: Track engagement

See how people interact with your Excel file through detailed stats:

You can track:

• Who viewed your file

• How many times it was viewed

• Which sheets were viewed most

• How long people looked at it

• When it was last opened

• Viewer location

• Device type used

• How far they scrolled

Want to learn more about keeping your files safe? Check out our guide on document security.

Alternative ways to share excel files

1. Microsoft 365 ecosystem

• OneDrive: Works directly with Excel and other Office apps

• SharePoint: Business-level document management with team features

• Teams: Share Excel files right in your conversations

For more tips, read our guide on how to securely send documents via email.

2. Cloud storage services

• Google Drive: Upload and share with basic privacy settings

• Dropbox: Simple sharing with collaboration features

• Box: Business-focused storage with advanced controls

3. Specialized sharing platforms

• DocuSign: Sharing with signature capabilities

• Adobe Document Cloud: PDF-focused sharing with conversion

• Notion: Wiki-style document sharing with workspace features

Best practices for excel file sharing

Choose the right platform

• Think about security needs

• Consider who will use the file

• Think about file size and format

• Decide if you need collaboration features

Optimize for viewing

• Use recommended formats

• Test on different devices

• Make sure it loads quickly

• Format for easy online viewing

Monitoring and analysis

• Track who views your file

• See which parts get less attention

• Use insights to improve your spreadsheets

Security considerations

When sharing Excel files as links, keep these things in mind:

Access control

• Who can view the spreadsheet

• Download permissions

• Sharing restrictions

• Edit permissions

Content protection

• Preventing screenshots

• Adding watermarks

• Setting expiration dates

• Version control

Viewer verification

• Email verification

• Password protection

• Domain restrictions

• Single sign-on options

For financial data and other sensitive information, read our guide on secure file sharing for accountants, which applies to anyone sharing confidential Excel files.

Add extra protection to your excel files

Want to ensure your Excel spreadsheets are only accessed by the right people? Password protection is one of the most effective ways to secure your sensitive financial data. Protect your financial models, sales forecasts, and confidential reports with Peony's robust password protection features.

Password protect your Excel files

Conclusion

Sharing Excel files as links is now the professional standard. While there are many options, a dedicated platform like Peony gives you the best balance of security, tracking, and professional presentation.

Remember:

• Pick the right sharing method for your needs

• Use appropriate security measures

• Monitor who views your file

• Use tracking data to improve your spreadsheets

Start sharing your Excel files professionally today and get the most out of your data with proper tracking and security. Check out our guide on how to send large documents securely via email for more sharing options.

Why Choose Peony for Excel File Sharing

Peony is designed specifically for businesses that need more than basic file sharing:

Advanced security features:

• Dynamic watermarking with viewer information
• Screenshot and print screen protection
• Password protection and email verification
• Expiration dates and access controls
• Professional branding and custom domains

Detailed analytics:

• Page-by-page tracking and engagement metrics
• Viewer location and device information
• Time spent on each sheet and section
• Download tracking and access logs
• Real-time notifications when files are viewed

Professional presentation:

• Clean, branded viewer interface
• Mobile-responsive design for all devices
• Fast loading times and smooth navigation
• Custom URLs and professional appearance

Trusted by successful businesses:

• "Peony is the best way to share files. Period. It's way more professional than Google Drive links" - Rango Ramesh, Founder & CEO, HeySimulate (Techstars)
• "The simplest way to populate and share data rooms with investors" - Mark Petrov, Loop, Head of Financials

Simple pricing:

• $40/month per user
• Unlimited Excel files and features
• No hidden costs or per-page charges
• All security and analytics features included

Start sharing Excel files professionally today