How to Control Client Access When Sharing Files in zipBoard

zipBoard’s enhanced Client Share functionality gives you greater control over what content your clients can access. This feature helps you streamline workflows, improve security, and ensure seamless collaboration across projects.

With the new Access Tab, you can easily grant, modify, or revoke client permissions—without disrupting internal collaboration.

⚠️ Client sharing is only available in the Enterprise plan⚠️

🔑 Key Benefits of Enhanced Client Sharing

Keep Discussions Separate: Control which comments clients see while keeping internal discussions private.
Adjust Client Access in Real Time: Grant, adjust, or revoke permissions as needed throughout the project.
Streamline Feedback & Prioritization: Organize external feedback separately to reduce confusion and prioritize changes.
Enhance Stakeholder Communication: Ensure the right people see updates, minimizing miscommunication and focusing on high-priority tasks.

❓How to Use the New Access Control Features

The Client tab in the Share File modal has been transformed into a new Access tab for better usability. This update includes:

Step 1: Open the Share File Modal

Navigate to the file you wish to share and click the Share button.

Step 2: Select Clients

In the Client tab, choose the clients you want to share the file with. Existing clients will appear with their current permissions pre-selected.

Step 3: Set Access Permissions

Use the dropdown under the Access tab to select one of the following options:
- All Comments: Default setting where all Collaborator, Client, and Guest Reviewer comments are visible.
- Only External Comments: Restricts visibility to Client and Guest Reviewer comments only.
- Remove Access: Removes a client’s ability to view a previously shared file.

Step 4: Save Changes

Click Share to save your changes. Feedback messages will confirm the success or highlight any errors.

Error and Success Messages

To improve transparency, zipBoard now displays real-time notifications when adjusting client permissions.

Error Messages:

🔴 No new client selected – You must select at least one new client before sharing.

🔴 All selected clients already have access – Clients already assigned cannot be reassigned.

Success Messages:

🟢 File successfully shared with client.

🟢 Client can now view all comments.

🟢 Client can now view only external comments.

🔴 Client no longer has access to the file.

Integration with Reviewboard

Permissions set in the Share modal directly link to the Reviewboard, ensuring seamless client access:

Clients with "Only External Comments" access can see replies on external comment threads.
Clients with "All Comments" access can view all replies, including internal and external threads.

Implementation Workflow

Access Dropdown: Existing clients will have the option to "Remove Access" directly from the dropdown.
Error Prevention: The "Remove Access" option is hidden for users who haven’t been assigned the file yet.
Review Tracking Linkage: Unassigning clients in the main file modal will automatically reflect in the Client Share modal, ensuring consistency.

How Different Teams Use Client Share Files

AEC Teams: Securely share blueprints, revisions, and construction documents while controlling client access to sensitive data.
eLearning Teams: Share course materials, training modules, and assessments with clients and stakeholders, ensuring they only have access to relevant content.
Web Design Teams: Easily collaborate with clients by sharing design mockups and prototypes, enabling real-time feedback.
Teams Using Markup Tools: Share annotated documents and designs, ensuring feedback is precise and actionable.

Simplify Client Collaboration with zipBoard's Client Collaboration Tools

Take control of your client access with zipBoard's enhanced sharing features. Seamlessly manage permissions, streamline feedback, and ensure secure collaboration with dynamic sharing options today!

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