Create and share Dropbox links with view-only access

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 with view-only permissions won't be able to edit the original file in any way.

Dropbox Professional and Business customers can change link settings and customize shared links with professional branding.

Notes: 

• Microsoft Office files and Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides allow edit access by default, but you can change the access to view-only when you create the link.
• You can't create a shared link to a restricted folder.

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. Click All files in the left sidebar.
3. Hover over the name of the file or folder you'd like to share and click the share icon (person).
4. If a link hasn't been created, click Create.
   • 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 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 taskbar/menu bar

1. Open the Dropbox desktop application.
2. Click the Dropbox icon in your taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac).
3. Hover over a file or folder you’d like to share.
4. Click “…” (ellipsis) 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 “…” (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.