> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docsautomator.co/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# PDF Expiration / Storage

> Configure how long generated PDFs are retained

DocsAutomator allows you to configure how long generated PDFs are retained in the platform's storage system.

## Default Behavior

<Note>
  For privacy reasons, DocsAutomator deletes PDFs soon after generation by default. The default setting is "immediate expiry," meaning PDFs are automatically removed shortly after they're created.
</Note>

## When Storage Matters

For most integrations—such as Airtable and Glide—storing PDFs within DocsAutomator is typically unnecessary. The platform automatically places a copy of the generated PDF into your connected data source immediately after creation.

## Adjusting Retention Settings

If you need to extend PDF retention, you can modify the expiration setting on each automation in the automation settings interface.

### Available Options

| Option            | Description                                     |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| Immediate         | PDFs deleted shortly after generation (default) |
| 1 Day             | PDFs retained for 24 hours                      |
| 3 Days            | PDFs retained for three days                    |
| 7 Days (1 Week)   | PDFs retained for one week                      |
| 14 Days (2 Weeks) | PDFs retained for two weeks                     |
| 30 Days (1 Month) | PDFs retained for one month                     |
| 3 Months          | PDFs retained for three months                  |
| 6 Months          | PDFs retained for six months                    |
| 1 Year            | PDFs retained for one year                      |
| Never             | PDFs retained indefinitely                      |

## Use Cases for Extended Storage

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="API Integration" icon="code">
    API-based document generation requiring server-side storage
  </Card>

  <Card title="Temporary Hosting" icon="cloud">
    Temporary PDF hosting before transferring to external systems
  </Card>

  <Card title="Compliance" icon="shield">
    Compliance or audit requirements necessitating retention
  </Card>

  <Card title="eSign Documents" icon="signature">
    eSign-enabled automations automatically set to "Never" expire
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Configuration Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Automation Settings">
    Navigate to your automation's settings
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find PDF Settings">
    Locate the "PDF Expiration" option
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Duration">
    Choose your preferred retention period
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Save your automation settings
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  For [eSign-enabled automations](/features/docsautomator-esign), PDF expiration is automatically set to "Never" to ensure legal validity and compliance.
</Info>