Give view-only access to your Dropbox files with shared links

You can share a link to a file or folder from dropbox.com, your computer, your phone, or your tablet. People who receive a shared link or shared file won't be able to edit the original file in any way.

Note: Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides allow edit access by default, but you can change the access to view only when you create the link.

If you’re a Dropbox Professional or Business customer, you can set permissions on shared links.

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

How to share with a link from dropbox.com

1. Sign in to dropbox.com.
2. Hover your cursor over the file or folder you'd like to share and click Share when it appears.
3. If a link hasn't been created, click Create a link.
   • If a link was already created, click Copy link.
4. The link will be copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it to an email, message, or wherever people can access it.

How to share with a link from the Dropbox folder on your computer

1. Open the Dropbox folder on your computer. 
2. Right-click the file or folder you’d like to share.
3. Click Share. 
4. If a link hasn't been created, click Create a link.
   • If a link was already created, click Copy link.
5. The link will be copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it to an email, message, or wherever people can access it.

How to share with a link from Dropbox in your system tray/menu bar

1. Open the Dropbox desktop application.
2. Click the Dropbox icon in your system tray or menu bar.
3. Hover over a file or folder you’d like to share.
4. Click the “…” (ellipses) next to the file or folder.
5. Click Share….
6. If a link hasn't been created, click Create a link.
   • If a link was already created, click Copy link.
7. The link will be copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it to an email, message, or wherever people can access it.

How to share with a link from your phone or tablet

1. Navigate to the file or folder you want to share.
2. Tap the “…” (ellipsis).
3. Tap Share.
4. Tap Create a link.
   • If a link was already shared to this file or folder, tap Share next to Anyone with the link can view.
5. Select the way you'd like to share the link from the options.

Video: How to use shared links

See how to use shared links in this step-by-step video.