How to share a link to a Dropbox file or folder

You can create a link to a file or folder in your Dropbox account to share it with others. When you share a file or folder via link, you can choose to give people with that link edit or view-only access. Learn how to manage your default sharing settings.

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.
• Customers on Dropbox Professional, Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise can set additional shared link permissions like passwords and expiration dates.
• You can’t create a shared link to a restricted folder.

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

Create and share a Dropbox link with edit access

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 link. If you share with someone without a Dropbox account, they’ll only be able to preview the file or folder. 

Note: If you give another Dropbox user access to a file or folder, they can create their own link to share that content with others. If you’re an admin on a Dropbox team, you can control the link settings for everyone. Learn how to manage shared link settings for your team.

On dropbox.com

1. Sign in to dropbox.com.
2. Hover over the file or folder you’d like to share and click the share icon (rectangle with an up arrow).
3. From the dropdown, select can edit.
   • If a link hasn’t been created, click Create.
   • If a link has been created, then click Copy link.
4. The link is copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it into an email, message, or wherever people can access it.

Note: If the link recipient is a member of a Dropbox business team, their ability to edit content depends on their team’s permissions.

Create and share a Dropbox link with view-only access

If someone receives a shared link or shared file with view-only permissions, they won’t be able to edit the original file.

On dropbox.com

1. Sign in to dropbox.com.
2. Hover over the file or folder you’d like to share and click the share icon (rectangle with an up arrow).
3. From the dropdown, select can view.
   • If a link hasn’t been created, click Create.
   • If a link has been created, then click Copy link.
4. The link is copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it into an email, message, or wherever people can access it.

On your computer

1. Open the Dropbox folder in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
2. Right-click or command-click the file or folder you’d like to share.
3. Click Share….
   • If a link hasn’t been created, click Create link.
   • If a link has been created, click Copy link next to Can view.
4. The link is copied to your clipboard. You can then paste it into an email, message, or wherever people can access it.

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:

• If you remove someone’s access and they still have a file or folder link, they could regain access. To prevent them from regaining access, delete the link. Learn how to remove a link to a file or folder.
• If someone you’ve shared a folder link with has added that folder to their Dropbox account, the link permissions you set will no longer apply. Learn about adding shared folders.
• If you invite someone to a file or folder with access, they can create their own link to share with someone else. You can’t manage those shared links, so be sure to only share with people you trust.

Customize links and settings

Dropbox Professional, Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise customers can change link settings and customize shared links with professional branding.