---
title: "Retrieves the metadata for an external file. Use the 'downloadURL' to download the actual file."
method: GET
path: "/entries/{entry_id}/external-files/{external_file_id}"
tags: ["entries"]
---

# Retrieves the metadata for an external file. Use the 'downloadURL' to download the actual file.

`GET /entries/{entry_id}/external-files/{external_file_id}`

## Request

- Base URL: `https://{tenant_name}.benchling.com/api/v2`
- URL: `https://{tenant_name}.benchling.com/api/v2/entries/{entry_id}/external-files/{external_file_id}`
- Auth: HTTP bearer

Retrieves the metadata for an external file. Use the 'downloadURL' to download the actual file. (Expand the schema view for details)

## Path parameters

- `entry_id` string, required
- `external_file_id` string, required

## Response `200`

OK

- EntryExternalFileById
  - `externalFile` EntryExternalFile: The ExternalFile resource stores metadata about the file. The actual original file can be downloaded by using the 'downloadURL' property.
    - `downloadURL` string: A short-lived URL that can be used to download the original file.
    - `expiresAt` integer: UNIX timestamp when downloadURL expires.
    - `id` string: ID of the external file
    - `size` integer: Size, in bytes, of the external file

---

[API](https://skmtc.dev/benchling/apis/benchling-api-2.md) - [All operations](https://skmtc.dev/benchling/apis/benchling-api-2/llms.txt) - [OpenAPI document](https://skmtc.dev/benchling/apis/benchling-api-2/revisions/01d2fa8523cd?raw)