Making a list public — what it exposes

A list has a public/private switch. A private list is visible only to the members of its workspace. A public list can be opened by anyone with its link. This article covers what "public" does and when not to use it.

What "Make public" does#

Only the owner of the workspace can make a list public. Open the list's ⋯ menu on its card on Home and choose Make public (the same menu shows Make private once it is). Admins and members don't see this menu item. Lists imported from a connected app (for example HubSpot or Google Sheets) can't be made public, so the option doesn't show for them, even for the owner.

A public list can be opened, read and exported by anyone with its link, signed in or not, marked Read only in its header. People outside the workspace can't edit, enrich or delete anything, but they can see every row and column exactly as it stands. Anyone you forward the link to can pass it on, so treat a public list as visible to anyone. Members of your workspace keep working on the list as usual.

When not to make a list public#

Never make a list public if it contains anyone's personal data (names, e-mails, phone numbers or anything else about real people). A public list has no access control at all: it isn't a secret link, and its name and description can also show up when people search on ListPlus. Reserve Make public for lists that hold nothing personal, such as a template or a sample dataset you want anyone to be able to open.

The safer alternative#

To work with specific people on a list with real contact data, invite them into the workspace that holds the list (workspace menu → Members & invites). Only invited people get access, and you can remove them at any time. They see every list in that workspace, so for a single list create a separate workspace for it. To hand over a copy instead, export the list and send the file. See "Invite teammates to a workspace".

Related topics: invite-teammates · roles-and-permissions · where-is-my-data · gdpr-your-responsibilities.

FAQ#

What does making a list public actually do?#

It removes all access control from that list: anyone with its link, signed in or not, can open, read and export every row and column, marked "Read only". They can't edit or delete anything, but they can see everything.

Where do I make a list public or private?#

Open the list's ⋯ menu on its card on Home and click "Make public" (or "Make private" once it already is). Only the owner of the workspace sees this option.

Why can't I make a list public?#

Only the workspace owner can make a list public or private, so admins and members don't see "Make public" in the ⋯ menu. Lists imported from a connected app (for example HubSpot or Google Sheets) can't be made public, so the option doesn't show for them, even for the owner. Otherwise ask the owner, or invite the people who need the list into the workspace instead.

Can other people find my public list without the link?#

Treat a public list as visible to anyone, not only to people you send the link to. Its name and description can show up when people search on ListPlus. Only make a list public if it holds nothing personal, such as a template or sample.

Should I make a list with real contacts public?#

No. A public list has no access control, so anyone can view names, e-mails, phone numbers or anything else in it. Only make a list public if it holds nothing personal, such as a template or sample.

What can someone do with a list I've made public?#

People outside your workspace can view and export it, but not edit, enrich or delete anything. Members of your workspace keep their usual access.