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Fileglancer User Guide

Data Sharing

Fileglancer provides powerful data sharing capabilities designed specifically for scientific collaboration. The platform allows you to easily share imaging datasets with internal colleagues and collaborators.

Understanding Data Sharing in Fileglancer

Section titled “Understanding Data Sharing in Fileglancer”

Core Sharing Principles

Section titled “Core Sharing Principles”
  1. No data movement: Files remain in their original locations
  2. Persistent links: URLs remain valid while data link is enabled
  3. Revocable sharing: Disable sharing for a given file or folder at any time

Types of Data Sharing

Section titled “Types of Data Sharing”

Zarr and OME-Zarr Sharing

Section titled “Zarr and OME-Zarr Sharing”
  • Share individual Zarr or OME-Zarr datasets
  • Integrated with visualization tools in Fileglancer

Directory-Level Sharing

Section titled “Directory-Level Sharing”
  • Share entire directories and their contents
  • Collaborators can browse the full directory structure
  • Use the data in visualization and analysis tools
Section titled “Creating Shareable Data Links”

Basic Sharing Workflow

Section titled “Basic Sharing Workflow”

  1. Navigate to your data Use any navigation method to reach the target directory. Ensure you have appropriate permissions to share the data.

  2. Enable sharing Open the Properties Panel. Use the Overview tab to toggle data link creation. Copy the generated shareable URL.

  3. Share with internal collaborators Send the URL via email or messaging. Collaborators must be on the Janelia internal network to view data

Screenshot of the Fileglancer interface, with one arrow pointing to the 'Create data link' switch in the Overview tab of the Properties panel.
Section titled “Automatic Data Link Creation”
  • Enable automatic data links to streamline the sharing process
  • Reduce clicks by removing the confirmation dialog step

Permission Management

Section titled “Permission Management”

Understanding Access Controls

Section titled “Understanding Access Controls”

Fileglancer data links allow anyone with the link to view the data on Janelia’s internal network:

Network Access

Section titled “Network Access”
  • Internal network: Full access from Janelia internal network
  • VPN access: Remote access through Janelia VPN

Data Sensitivity

Section titled “Data Sensitivity”
  1. Review data content: Ensure shared data is appropriate for the intended audience
  2. Consider privacy: Be aware of any privacy implications of shared data

Access Monitoring

Section titled “Access Monitoring”
  1. Regular reviews: Periodically review active data links on the Data Links page
  2. Disable unused data links: Remove links that are no longer needed

Troubleshooting Sharing Issues

Section titled “Troubleshooting Sharing Issues”

Collaborators can’t access shared data links

  • Verify data integrity at source location
  • Check network connectivity requirements
  • Confirm sharing is enabled at correct directory level

Performance issues with shared data

  • Consider data format optimization
  • Check network bandwidth limitations

Data sharing in Fileglancer enables powerful collaboration that can enhance your research productivity and impact.