OAuth - Flowdrive Glossary

 https://tryflowdrive.com/

 svg]:px-2.5" type="button">Sign in Open main menu

  svg]:pointer-events-none [&>svg]:size-3 bg-secondary text-secondary-foreground [a&]:hover:bg-secondary/90 border-transparent mb-4 cursor-pointer hover:bg-white hover:text-primary">← All Glossary # OAuth

 OAuth is an open standard for access delegation, commonly used as a way for internet users to grant websites or applications access to their information on other websites but without giving them the passwords.

 ## Detailed Definition

 OAuth (Open Authorization) is an open standard for access delegation. It serves as a secure way for users to grant third-party applications limited access to their resources without sharing their credentials. OAuth has become the industry standard for secure API authorization, allowing services to authenticate and authorize requests in a standard way. It's widely used by major tech companies and is crucial for enabling seamless integrations between different web services while maintaining user privacy and security.

 ## How it works

 OAuth typically works through the following flow:





- Request: The client requests authorization from the user.
- Authorization: The user authorizes the request, usually through a login prompt.
- Authorization Grant: The authorization server issues an authorization grant to the client.
- Access Token Request: The client requests an access token using the authorization grant.
- Access Token Issuance: The authorization server validates the grant and issues an access token.
- Resource Access: The client uses the access token to access protected resources on the resource server.









Key aspects of OAuth:





- Token-Based: Uses tokens instead of user credentials for access.
- Limited Scope: Allows fine-grained control over what resources can be accessed.
- Time-Limited: Access tokens typically expire after a set time for security.
- Revocable: Users can revoke access at any time without changing their password.

 ## Relevance

 For Flowdrive, implementing OAuth is essential for secure [File Hosting](https://tryflowdrive.com/glossary/file-hosting) services:





- Secure API Access: Enables third-party applications to securely access Flowdrive's [API](https://tryflowdrive.com/glossary/api-application-programming-interface).
- User Privacy: Allows users to grant limited access to their files without sharing credentials.
- [Webflow](https://tryflowdrive.com/glossary/webflow-integration) Integration: Facilitates secure connections between Webflow projects and Flowdrive.
- Single Sign-On: Supports SSO capabilities for seamless user experience across platforms.
- Third-Party Integrations: Enables secure integration with various tools and services.
- [User Permissions](https://tryflowdrive.com/glossary/user-permissions): Works alongside Flowdrive's permission system for granular access control.









OAuth implementation in Flowdrive enhances its security features and expands its interoperability with other services. It's particularly important for businesses looking to integrate Flowdrive into their existing software ecosystem or develop custom applications using Flowdrive's services.

 ## Examples

 - A project management tool uses OAuth to connect to users' Flowdrive accounts, allowing file attachments without storing Flowdrive credentials.
- A mobile app implements Flowdrive's OAuth flow to allow users to access and edit their Flowdrive-hosted files securely.
- A Webflow site utilizes OAuth to integrate Flowdrive for managing user-uploaded content without compromising security.
- A document signing service uses OAuth to securely access and update files stored in users' Flowdrive accounts.
- An automated backup solution implements Flowdrive's OAuth to perform regular backups of user files without requiring direct password access.

 ### Navigation

 [Previous No-Code Development](https://tryflowdrive.com/glossary/no-code-development) [Next RESTful API](https://tryflowdrive.com/glossary/restful-api)

 ### Tags & Share

 Share this glossary

 svg]:pointer-events-none [&>svg]:size-3 text-foreground bg-white border [a&]:hover:bg-accent hover:border-primary [a&]:hover:text-accent-foreground cursor-pointer rounded-full transition-colors hover:bg-primary hover:text-white">authenticationsvg]:pointer-events-none [&>svg]:size-3 text-foreground bg-white border [a&]:hover:bg-accent hover:border-primary [a&]:hover:text-accent-foreground cursor-pointer rounded-full transition-colors hover:bg-primary hover:text-white">authorizationsvg]:pointer-events-none [&>svg]:size-3 text-foreground bg-white border [a&]:hover:bg-accent hover:border-primary [a&]:hover:text-accent-foreground cursor-pointer rounded-full transition-colors hover:bg-primary hover:text-white">API securitysvg]:pointer-events-none [&>svg]:size-3 text-foreground bg-white border [a&]:hover:bg-accent hover:border-primary [a&]:hover:text-accent-foreground cursor-pointer rounded-full transition-colors hover:bg-primary hover:text-white">access delegationsvg]:pointer-events-none [&>svg]:size-3 text-foreground bg-white border [a&]:hover:bg-accent hover:border-primary [a&]:hover:text-accent-foreground cursor-pointer rounded-full transition-colors hover:bg-primary hover:text-white">identity management

 Share on social media

 Related terms [Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)](https://tryflowdrive.com/glossary/two-factor-authentication)[User Permissions](https://tryflowdrive.com/glossary/user-permissions)

 ### Start hosting for free

 Unlimited file hosting for Webflow projects.

 svg]:px-2.5 w-full" type="button">Get Started svg]:px-2.5 w-full shadow-none" type="button">View plans

 ## Related articles

 Continue reading with these related articles on similar topics.

 ### Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

 Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a security process that requires users to provide two different authentication factors to verify their identity, enhancing the security of online accounts.

### User Permissions

 User permissions are settings that determine what actions a user can perform within a system, controlling access to files, features, or functionalities.

 svg]:px-2.5" type="button">View all

 Built for webflow ### Built for Webflow. Trusted by agencies.

 Flowdrive works seamlessly with Webflow, and also powers static sites, headless CMS, and Jamstack projects. Flexibility built for growing agencies.

 svg]:px-2.5" type="button">Install Webflow App 9k installs

 ![Built for Webflow](https://tryflowdrive.com/assets/built_for_webflow.svg)

 ## Take Control of your File Hosting on Webflow

 Unlimited video & file hosting, blazing-fast delivery, fully branded for your clients.

 svg]:px-4 text-base mt-14" type="button">Start for free!

 https://tryflowdrive.com/ Making file hosting easier, one file at a time

  Availble in Webflow App over 9k installs svg]:px-2.5 h-8 w-8 rounded-sm shadow-none" href="mailto:manuel@tryflowdrive.com" target="_blank" aria-label="Email"> svg]:px-2.5 h-8 w-8 rounded-sm shadow-none" href="https://x.com/manuelogomigo" target="_blank" aria-label="Twitter">

 Product - [File Hosting](https://tryflowdrive.com/file-hosting)
- [Upload Widget](https://tryflowdrive.com/upload-widget)
- [Video Hosting](https://tryflowdrive.com/video-hosting)
- [Secure Assets](https://tryflowdrive.com/secure-assets)
- [Custom Domains](https://tryflowdrive.com/custom-domains)

Resources - [Blog](https://tryflowdrive.com/blog)
- [Pricing](https://tryflowdrive.com/pricing)
- [Glossary](https://tryflowdrive.com/glossary)
- [FAQ](https://tryflowdrive.com/faq)
- [Contact Support](mailto:manuel@tryflowdrive.com)

   File hosting status © 2026 Flowdrive Privacy Policy Terms of Service