You might see that the Dropbox Community team have been busy working on some major updates to the Community itself! So, here is some info on what’s changed, what’s staying the same and what you can expect from the Dropbox Community overall.
Forum Discussion
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!
Hello Hannah,
That is prescisely what I needed to know!
Just ugraded to Dropbox Professional.
Thank you for your advice!
Take care. 🙂
Hannah
Dropbox Staff
Dropbox StaffHi Hannah,
I have set up a link to the folder and I have sent it to a friend. These are the settings:
Firstly, what is the difference between 'Anyone with the link' and 'Only people invited' options. What is the process for the 'Only people invited' option?
Secondly, for my friend to revisit the shared folder at a later date, he has had to create a bookmark so he can get back to the folder. Is there a way for him to be able to see the shared folder in his DropBox files, instead of having to bookmark the link?
I just presumed that sharing a link to a folder would work in the same way as sharing a folder normally and the shared/linked folder would end up living in the files area of his DropBox account (area marked red):
Thanks, 🙂
- Megan
Hey there, EmilJabo, I'll be happy to answer!
Essentially, "only people invited" means that you share a shared link with editing permissions, which based on your initial message, it sounds like something you don't want.
As for your second request, in order to have the content in their Dropbox account, they'd need to also have editing access. Otherwise, they can use their bookmark.
I hope this clarifies!
Hi Megan,
Thank you for explaining.
Am I right in understanding that the link I supply is unique to that specific DropBox user's account? So, they wouldn’t be able to share the link with someone else, who can then view the linked folder?
