Download-only files in Dropbox DocSend

DocSend allows you to share content that your visitors can download directly rather than just view in the document viewer. Uploading download-only files enables you to share a wider variety of content types.

Content types

Below are the file types and extensions that can only be shared as download-only content:

Each file type displays a unique thumbnail icon on your content page and in any Spaces (unless you’ve set a custom thumbnail). Download-only files can’t be previewed in DocSend and don’t support watermarking. These files can only be replaced with content of the same type, though the file extension may differ.

Visitor experience

These file types cannot be previewed in the document viewer. Instead, the visitor will need to download the file directly to their device to view it.

In a Space, the visitor will either see the custom thumbnail you configured or an icon reflective of the type of download-only file available if no custom thumbnail is configured. For more information, check out Content Previews.

In-app experience

By default, download-only files will always have Allow downloading enabled since this is the only way to view and access the content. The following link settings can also be configured:

• Require an email address
• Set an expiration date
• Passcode protect your file
• Configure Access Control (Advanced plan only)
• Gate access with Agreements (Advanced plan only)

Similarly, while visits to download-only files are tracked, you won't receive the same page-by-page analysis as sharing a file since the “visit” occurs outside of the document viewer. You can also track whether the content was downloaded with the blue download symbol.