How to share a link to a Dropbox file or folder (2024)

You can create a link to a file or folder in your Dropbox account to share it with others. When you share a file or folder via a link, you can give people with that link edit or view-only access. You can also manage this in your default sharing settings.

Not using Dropbox yet? See how Dropbox helps you easily share folders.

Things to be aware of when sharing links to Dropbox files and folders

• Customers on Dropbox Professional, Essentials, Standard, Advanced, Business, Business Plus, and Enterprise can set additional shared link permissions like passwords and expiration dates.
• You can't create a shared link to a restricted folder.
• Team admins may change default link sharing settings, but team members can still choose who they want to share the link with.
• If you receive a shared link, you'll only be able to access the file or folder on dropbox.com.

Will my Dropbox link automatically grant edit access to my folder?

If you’re on a Dropbox Basic, Professional, or Plus account, you can give other Dropbox users edit access to your Dropbox files or folders via a link.

If you share with someone without a Dropbox account, they’ll only be able to preview the file or folder.

If you give another Dropbox user access to a file or folder, they can create their own link to share that content with others. If you’re an admin on a Dropbox team, you can control the link settings for the rest of your team.

If you’re a member of a Dropbox team account, you can still adjust settings for certain items even if the team admin changes default link sharing settings.

How to create and share a Dropbox link with edit access

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Hover over the file or folder you’d like to share and click Share.
   
   • Note: You can view pages in a document, scrub through a video, or flip through the contents of a folder without opening it. To do so, make sure you’re using grid layout, then move your cursor horizontally across the file or folder.
3. Click Copy link.
4. ClickManage.
5. SelectLink for editing.
6. Click Copy link.

The link is copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it into an email, message, or wherever people can access it.

How to create and share a Dropbox link with view-only access

If someone receives a shared link or shared file with view-only permissions, they won't be able to edit the original file.

How to create and share a Dropbox link with view-only access on dropbox.com

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Hover over the file or folder you’d like to share and click Share.
   
   • Note: You can view pages in a document, scrub through a video, or flip through the contents of a folder without opening it. To do so, make sure you’re using grid layout, then move your cursor horizontally across the file or folder.
3. Click Copy link.
4. Click Manage.
5. SelectLink for viewing.
6. Click Copy link.

The link is copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it into an email, message, or wherever people can access it.

How to create and share a Dropbox link with view-only accesson your computer

1. Open the Dropbox folder in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
2. Right-click or command-click the file or folder you’d like to share.
3. Click Share….
4. Select Can view.
   • Note: If sharing a folder, you'll find this in the dropdown menu.
     • If a link hasn't been created, click Create and copy link.
     • If a link has been created, click Copy link.

The link is copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it into an email, message, or wherever people can access it.

How to manage links with edit or view-only access

You can make changes to a file or folder link after sharing it.

Learn how to manage Dropbox sharing permissions.

There are some exceptions to this, including if:

• You remove someone’s access and they still have a file or folder link, they could regain access. To prevent them from regaining access, remove the link to the file or folder.
• Someone you’ve shared a folder link with has joined that folder, the link permissions you set will no longer apply.
• You invite someone to a file or folder with access, they can create their own link to share with someone else. You can’t manage those shared links, so be sure to only share with people you trust.

Can I protect my link with a passcode?

You can add passwords to shared links if you’re a Professional, Standard, Advanced, or Enterprise customer.

Customize links and settings

Dropbox Professional, Standard, Advanced, Business, Business Plus, and Enterprise customers can change link settings and customize shared links with professional branding.