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How can I share files with others, but allow them only to view the files and nothing else?
Dear all,
Can someone please explain if what I want to do is possible on DropBox?
I have a large folder containing many files and photos.
I want to invite friends who are DropBox ...
Hi there, EmilJabo, thanks for posting your question today!
The best way to go about what you'd like to do is to create a "can view" link to that folder and share it with your recipients.
There is a feature that would also allow you to disable downloads for the link, along with some other permissions, however, that would require a Dropbox Professional, Essentials, Standard, Advanced, Business, Business Plus, or Enterprise account.
So, essentially, if you don't have one of the above plans, your recipients will have the ability to download files from the folder, but not edit them.
I wanted to give you all the info, so I hope this helps and if you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Megan
Dropbox Community Moderator
Dropbox Community ModeratorHey EmilJabo, no problem at all!
A shared link isn't unique, based on the end user's account, no.
I'm afraid that if someone chooses to re-share the link with someone else, they can do that.
Hi Megan,
Thanks!
So, essentially the linked folder means that anyone with the link can access the data?
What I envisioned, is that a link to a folder could be shared, which is itself, uniquely linked to a certain DropBox member's account. Thus, only the owner of that particular account to which the link is shared, can view the folder?
It just seems like a really convoluted method of sharing access to a certain folder, but the end result is also completely unsecure.
Is there no workaround on DropBox that would allow a specific DropBox user to view files on another DropBox user's account, but not be able to edit, download, manipulate etc?
- Megan
Hey EmilJabo, the shared link is unique for each folder/File.
What I'm trying to say is that if I create a shared link to folder A, and share it with you then that shared link can be shared by you to others.
It's unique in a sense that it's based on your account, and content.
As for a workaround that prevents others from editing, downloading or more, I'm not sure I have any at the moment.
There are some additional steps you can take if you're using a paid plan, that allows you to add passwords to your shared links, or disable downloads for a shared link.
However that doesn't prevent people from saving the content using other methods. You can see more about our shared link permissions here.
