Federated Distributed Index

The federated distributed index lets multiple ImgBed sites share file lists with each other.

In simple terms:

• You can share selected folders from your site with others.
• You can join another node and sync that node's shared file list into your admin panel.
• Federated files are mainly for browsing, searching, and opening links. They are not re-uploaded to your own storage.

Where To Configure It

Open:

System Settings -> Other Settings -> Federated Distributed Index

The page has three tabs:

Tab	Purpose
Local Node	Enable your node, confirm public domain, select shared folders, and update outbound index
Nodes I Joined	Manage other ImgBed nodes you have joined
Nodes Joining Me	Manage requests from others who want to join your node

First-Time Setup

1. Open Local Node.
2. Turn on Enable.
3. Select folders to share under Sync folders.
4. Click Update Outbound Index.
5. If ImgBed detects a domain change, confirm that the current domain is correct before continuing.

You can select multiple sync folders.

If the sync folder list is empty, all folders are shared.

Local Node

Public Domain

The public domain is the site URL other nodes use to access your node.

ImgBed detects this automatically. You do not need to type it manually. The first time you update the index, ImgBed asks you to confirm whether the current access URL is the production domain.

If you change domains later, updating the index will ask for confirmation again.

Sync Folders

Sync folders decide which files are shared with federation nodes.

For example, if you select only:

/1/
/2/

Other nodes can only see files in those two directories.

Update Outbound Index

This updates the file list that other nodes can sync from you.

Use it when:

• You enable federation for the first time.
• You upload files you want to share.
• You change sync folders.
• You change the public domain and need to confirm it.

Nodes I Joined

Nodes I Joined is where you subscribe to other nodes.

Request To Join Another Node

1. Ask the other owner for an invitation link.
2. Paste it into the input box.
3. Click Request to Join.
4. Wait for the other owner to approve it in their admin panel.

After approval, the node status becomes approved.

Update Inbound Index

Update Inbound Index syncs file lists from nodes you have joined.

Use it when:

• The other owner has just approved your request.
• The other owner tells you shared content has been updated.
• You want to refresh all joined federation file lists.

To update only one node, click Update Index on that node card.

Unsubscribe

If you no longer want to sync a node, click Unsubscribe.

After unsubscribing, that node's federated index is removed from your local site.

Nodes Joining Me

Nodes Joining Me is where you handle requests from others.

Generate an Invitation Link

1. Make sure the local node is enabled.
2. Click Update Outbound Index at least once so ImgBed confirms the public domain.
3. Open Nodes Joining Me.
4. Click Reset Invitation Link.
5. Copy the invitation link and send it to the other owner.

If the invitation link is empty, the public domain usually has not been confirmed yet. Go back to Local Node and click Update Outbound Index.

Handle Join Requests

When someone submits a request, it appears in the Nodes Joining Me list.

Action	Meaning
Approve	Allows the other node to sync your shared file list
Reject	Refuses the join request
Delete	Removes a finished record
Check Status	Checks whether the other side still keeps this relationship

After approval, the other side still needs to click Update Inbound Index before your shared files appear there.

Messages

After a relationship is approved, click Message on the node card.

Messages are only for communication about the federation relationship. They do not change files, tags, directories, or permissions.

Viewing Federated Files

After sync completes, return to the admin file list.

At the top of the page, switch between local files and federated files. In federated files, you can browse synced content.

Federated files are mainly for viewing, searching, previewing, and copying links. They are not local files, so you cannot move, delete, retag, or back them up from your own site.

FAQ

Why Does It Ask Me To Reapply Because There Is No Relationship Record?

This usually means the other side deleted you and removed the record, so your relationship can no longer be found. Submit a new join request.

Why Can't I See Files After Joining?

Check:

1. The other owner has approved your request.
2. The other owner has clicked Update Outbound Index.
3. You have clicked Update Inbound Index.
4. The other owner's sync folders include the directories they want to share.

What Should I Do When Domain Change Is Detected?

If you are currently opening the admin panel through the production domain, confirm and continue.

If you are using a temporary address, cancel, reopen the admin panel using the production domain, then try again.

What Does an Empty Sync Folder List Mean?

An empty sync folder list means all folders are shared.

To share only some directories, select those folders manually.

Difference Between Outbound and Inbound Index Updates

Button	Simple Meaning
Update Outbound Index	Updates what others can sync from me
Update Inbound Index	Updates what I have synced from others