Download your document directly without a presigned URL step
Content-Type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document (for .docx) or application/pdf (for .pdf)Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="your-document.docx" (or .pdf)| Feature | Direct Download (/download) | Presigned URL (GET /{doc_id}) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Requests | 1 request | 2 requests (get URL, then download) |
| Latency | Lower - single round trip | Higher - two round trips |
| Use Case | Programmatic/API usage | Client-side downloads, sharing links |
| URL Expiration | N/A - direct download | Configurable (1 second - 24 hours) |
| Security | API key required for each download | Anyone with URL can download (until expiration) |
| Tracked Changes | ✅ Supported | ✅ Supported |
| Best For | Server-to-server, automated workflows | Temporary sharing, client downloads |
Use Direct Download When...
Use Presigned URL When...
tracked_changes when uploading the document, the downloaded file will show all edits with Word’s track changes feature.