Document Management

Translation File Access and Permissions

Translation files in August are subject to access controls that determine who can download, preview, or retrieve the translated output. This article explains how permissions work and what to do if you encounter an access error.

Who Can Access Translation Files

Access to translation files depends on how the translation was created:

Translations Attached to a Chat

When a translation is generated within a chat conversation, the translation file is accessible to:

  • The translation owner — the user who initiated the translation request

  • Chat members — any user who is a member of the associated chat

This means colleagues working together in a shared chat can access each other's translation outputs, enabling collaborative review and follow-up work.

Standalone Translations

Translations created outside of a chat context (standalone translations with no chat link) are accessible only to the owner who created them. These translations cannot be viewed or downloaded by other users.

How File Access Works

Translation files are served through three endpoints, all of which require authentication:

  • Download — retrieves the translated file for download

  • Preview PDF — generates a PDF preview of the translation

  • Blob access — provides direct access to the translation file data

All three endpoints require you to be signed in with a valid August account. Unauthenticated requests are rejected.

Troubleshooting Access Errors

If you attempt to access a translation file and receive an error, the response code indicates the issue:

401 Unauthorized

Cause: You are not signed in, or your session has expired.

Resolution:

  1. Sign in to your August account.

  2. Retry the translation file access.

If the problem persists after signing in, check whether your organization uses SSO or MFA that may require re-authentication.

403 Forbidden

Cause: You are signed in, but you do not have permission to access this translation file.

Resolution:

  • For standalone translations, only the original creator can access the file. If you need access, ask the owner to share the translation or regenerate it in a shared chat.

  • For chat-attached translations, verify that you are a member of the chat where the translation was created. If you were added to the chat after the translation was generated, you should have access. If you still cannot access the file, contact the chat owner or your administrator.

Best Practices for Translation Collaboration

  • Use shared chats for team work. Translations created in a shared chat are automatically accessible to all chat members, making collaboration seamless.

  • Avoid standalone translations for shared matters. If you anticipate colleagues will need to review or continue working with a translation, create it within a chat that includes the relevant team members.

  • Check chat membership. If a colleague cannot access a translation you created, confirm they are a member of the chat where the translation was generated.

Was this helpful?
Was this helpful?