Guest Upload

Guest upload functionality allows users to upload images to your Slink instance without creating an account or logging in. This feature is useful for public galleries, temporary sharing, or reducing barriers to content contribution.

Enabling Guest Upload

Use with Extreme Caution

Guest uploads allow anonymous users to upload content without any accountability. Other people may upload illegal, inappropriate, or harmful content to your server. This feature is recommended only for private networks or trusted environments. For public Slink instances, consider the legal and moderation risks before enabling this feature.

Admin Access Required

Only users with admin privileges can configure guest upload settings.

1. Access Admin Settings

   Navigate to /admin/settings on your Slink instance.

2. Find User Settings Section

   Scroll down to the “User Settings” section.

3. Enable Guest Upload

   Toggle the “Guest Upload” setting to enable anonymous uploads.

4. Save Configuration

   Click “Save Settings” to apply the changes.

How Guest Upload Works

For Visitors

When guest upload is enabled:

1. No Registration Required: Users can visit the upload page without creating an account
2. Direct Upload: Images can be uploaded immediately via drag-and-drop or file selection
3. Public Images: All guest uploads are automatically set to public visibility
4. Limited Management: Guest users cannot edit or delete their uploads after submission

Upload Process

Guest Upload Flow:

1. User visits /upload page
2. System detects no authentication
3. Guest upload banner appears with information
4. User uploads image normally
5. Image is processed and made public
6. User is redirected to explore page to view their upload

Technical Details

API Endpoint:

• Guest uploads use the /api/guest/upload endpoint
• No authentication required
• Same file validation and processing as authenticated uploads

Image Handling:

• All guest uploads are automatically public
• Images follow the same naming and storage conventions
• No user association is stored with the image

Configuration Options

Environment Variables

Configure guest upload via environment variables:

# Enable guest uploads
ALLOW_GUEST_UPLOADS=true

# Optional: Allow unauthenticated viewing
ALLOW_UNAUTHENTICATED_ACCESS=true

Security Considerations

Content Moderation

Content Control

Guest uploads cannot be managed by the uploader. Consider implementing content moderation strategies for public instances.

Admin Capabilities:

• View all uploaded images including guest uploads
• Change visibility of public images to private
• Delete inappropriate or unwanted content
• Monitor upload patterns and usage

Recommendations:

• Regular content review for public instances
• Clear terms of service for acceptable content
• Consider file size limits to prevent abuse
• Monitor storage usage and costs