How to share in Dropbox

When you share a file or folder in Dropbox, the person you share it with will receive an email with a link to access it. To view or edit the shared content, the person must have a Dropbox account and be logged in. If they don’t have an account or prefer not to log in, you can share a view-only link instead.

Learn how to manage your default sharing settings.

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

How to share a link to a Dropbox file or folder

When you share a link, you can grant recipients either edit or view-only access. You can also customize and manage their permissions in your default sharing settings for greater control. 

 

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

How to share a Dropbox link

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Hover over the file or folder you’d like to share and click Share.
   • Note: You can preview files without opening them. Switch to grid layout, then move your cursor across the item to flip through pages, scrub through a video, or browse folder contents.
3. Click Copy link.
4. Click Manage.
   • Select Link for editing for a link with edit access.
   • Select Link for viewing for a link with view-only access.
5. Click Copy link.

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

How to create a view-only QR code to a Dropbox file or folder

You can generate a view-only QR code to any file or folder in your Dropbox account and share it with others. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Hover over the file or folder you’d like to share and click Share.
3. Click ☑ (more options).
4. Click Create QR code.
5. A QR code will be generated automatically for you.
6. Click Save to download the QR code as a .png file.

Share the image with others so they can scan it to access a view-only version of your Dropbox file or folder.

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 this, 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.
• If you share a link with someone who has direct access, they could edit the shared link settings.

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.

You can also learn how to create a custom subdomain, currently in beta.

Choose how shared links open

When you receive a shared link, you can choose to open that file or folder on dropbox.com or on the Dropbox desktop app.

To open shared links on the Dropbox desktop app by default:

1. Click a shared link.
2. If that file or folder is already synced to your device, you’ll be prompted to choose to open it on dropbox.com or on the Dropbox desktop app.
3. Check Always open synced files in the desktop app.

To manage how shared links open:

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the bottom-left corner.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click the Sharing tab.
5. Toggle Open share links on desktop on or off.

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.
• Team admins may change default link sharing settings, but team members can still choose who they want to share the link with.
• Link settings, including passwords and other restrictions, apply only to people who access a file or folder through the shared link. Anyone added directly, or who already has access, keeps their existing permissions and isn’t affected by link settings.

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

No. A Dropbox link doesn't automatically give someone edit access to your 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 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.