Adding a new line. At Upwork, we connect users across over 180 countries in a global marketplace. We work daily to provide you with secure tools to connect and get more done.
Sharing information is an important first step in any relationship formed through Upwork. Start working confidently with these best practices.
Learn more about our tips for interviewing and project scoping here.
Documents, Files and Project Materials
Upwork offers many ways to share documents and files directly.
Troubleshooting? Find our FAQ's and Pro Tips for sharing files and URLs here.
Upwork Message Center
Attach files directly in Upwork Messages. Drag and drop a file right into your message room, or use the attachment tool to the left of the message box. This will attach your file to the message, and anyone in the room can open it at any time.
You may also access these files quickly in the Files & Links sidebar in the Upwork Message Center. Choose the expansion button on the top right corner of the conversation.
At this time, your files must be 1 GB or smaller to use this feature.
Learn more about using Upwork Messages to collaborate here.
Dropbox
Dropbox is integrated directly with Upwork Messages. To access your Dropbox files, select the attachment symbol to the right of the message box and select Share via Dropbox. From here, you will be able to sign into your Dropbox account and select the files you wish to share.
Share Your Screen
If you make a video call through Upwork Messages, you can share your screen with anyone else on the call. This is a simple way to share information about a project and still control access to documents or materials that may be sensitive.
Once you have started a video call, select the screenshare icon at the bottom of the video. You can choose to share your whole screen, or select a particular window to show to participants on the call.
Send a Screenshot
You can share information with quick screenshots through the Upwork Desktop App. In the Message Center, simply select the tool button just left of Send in the message draft box.
Learn more about screenshots here.
Send Screen Recordings
Screen recordings are a great way to show someone your screen — to explain a certain task, for example — without having to be on a live video call. Upwork Messages rooms have a built-in screen recording service via Loom.
Offer Systems Access
Many clients and freelancers use various project management, database, file-sharing, and storage systems to maintain their information. Users are free to share project-relevant information from these systems, including by providing direct access to these systems.
As with anyone you've just met, be cautious about sharing your personal or confidential information, including access to your private systems. Be careful with any sensitive content, and consider using limited permissions settings when possible.
Note: We only allow sharing systems access before a contract starts for project scoping, not communications.
Portfolios
Sharing a portfolio is a very popular way for clients to learn about freelancers, and for freelancers to showcase their skills.
Portfolios display past work so that clients can see real examples of a freelancer's skills. A portfolio is not a listing of past jobs, a resume, a C.V., or a LinkedIn profile.
Freelancers might include contact information directly in their portfolios. It's still okay to share, just remember to keep all pre-contract communications on Upwork.
Portfolios take many forms, such as:
- A collection of logo designs
- Past web pages or apps built
- A series of translated documents
- A personal website with work highlights
- A PDF document
- A web-based profile on another site, such as GitHub
Pro Tip: When sharing examples of past work in a portfolio on Upwork or anywhere else, freelancers should remember to protect both their own and their clients’ intellectual property. Be careful to only share materials with permission.
Contact Information
Clear, open communication is important in any job. Use the Upwork Message Center to chat directly with clients, freelancers, and team members.
Remember that it is against the Upwork Terms of Service to request or share contact information prior to the start of a contract, including profiles, proposals, job postings, and invites.
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