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What is the best way to securely share an SOP with an external client or contractor?
March 6, 2026·2 min read·Standard Operating Procedures
The best way to share SOPs externally is to export a view-only version — a PDF or a shared link with read-only permissions — that excludes internal-only details like pricing logic, admin credentials, or escalation paths. Never give external parties edit access to your internal wiki.
What are the options for sharing SOPs externally?
| Method | Security Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PDF export | High — static, no ongoing access | One-time shares, contractors with defined scope |
| Read-only link (Notion, Confluence) | Medium — revocable but shareable | Ongoing client relationships |
| Separate external wiki | High — fully isolated content | Agencies with multiple clients |
| Embedded guide (Glyde, Scribe) | Medium — shareable link, view-only | Step-by-step software walkthroughs |
| Guest access to internal wiki | Low — hard to control scope | Not recommended |
What should you remove before sharing externally?
Before sharing any SOP with a client or contractor, strip out:
- Internal tools and admin access — References to admin panels, internal dashboards, or backend systems
- Decision criteria — Refund thresholds, discount authorization levels, escalation triggers
- Internal contacts — Direct Slack channels, personal emails, internal phone numbers
- Workarounds and shortcuts — Internal hacks that bypass normal processes
- Pricing and cost data — Margins, vendor costs, internal rate cards
The safest approach is maintaining two versions: an internal SOP with full detail and a client-facing version with only what the external party needs. Glyde lets you create the internal version first, then export a simplified version for external sharing.
This answer is part of our guide to standard operating procedures.