Expiration is not the same as self-destruct

Teams often mix expiration, self-destruct, open caps, and access gates. They solve different problems: when access ends, how many opens are allowed, and who can enter.

Set controls Compare controls

Security settings including expiration controls

Expiration vs other access controls

Control	Trigger	Effect	Typical use
Expiration	Date/time reached	Link stops working	Quotes, bids, campaign docs
Open limit	Open count hits N	Link closes after N opens	Sample previews, one-time docs
Self-destruct	After first completed read	Single-use access pattern	Very temporary material
Access gate	Before each open	Only allowed readers pass	Partner-only and confidential docs

Open limit and expiration style controls — Key difference: expiration controls time; access gates control identity.

Four practical scenarios

Bid package

Set expiry to just after review window. Keep the same link while extending only when needed.

7-day quote

Set a 7-day expiry so old pricing does not keep circulating as current.

Temporary training docs

Use expiry at course end; optional open caps for stricter control.

Single-read sensitive note

Use self-destruct style behavior for one-time visibility.

Self-destruct style control concept — Self-destruct is strongest but high-friction; reserve for true one-time material.

Boundary

Expiration does not erase past captures

If someone captured content before expiry, those captures remain. Pair with watermarking for accountability.

Do not over-expire evergreen docs

For long-lived manuals, frequent expiry creates support noise. Keep stable links when longevity matters.