How to share a link from Dropbox

Sharing files on Dropbox is very simple. You can use a link to share your file with others, allowing them to edit, comment, or just view the file. There are no special requests needed to access the file or add someone's email address to the file. But how do you share a file via a link on Dropbox? This article will walk you through the steps needed to successfully share a Dropbox file via a link.

How to Share a Dropbox Link from PC

The Dropbox website and desktop software make it easy to send a link to a file or folder. Keep in mind that if you share a link with "read-only" permission, people who access the document can't edit it.

Shared links can be customized with work accounts for Dropbox Professional and Business customers.

If you want to share a link using the read-only Dropbox website, the steps are as follows:

1. Sign into your account.
   
2. Hover your mouse pointer over the file or folder you want to share and select the "Share" icon. It looks like a rectangle with an up arrow.
   
3. Click "Create" if no link has been created. If you have already generated a link, click on the "Copy" link.
   
4. Your link is now in your clipboard. You can then share it by copying and pasting it into an email or message.
   

If you want to do it through the Dropbox desktop client, here's how:

1. Launch File Explorer (Windows) or Finder and navigate to the Dropbox folder.
   
2. To share a file or folder, right-click it or command it.
   
3. Select “Share…”.
   
4. If he has not already created a link, click on the "Create" link. If it generated a link, choose "Copy link" next to "Can view".
   
5. You can copy and paste the link to share it with someone.
   

However, these steps are for sharing a file in read-only mode. This is the default setting when creating a link. If you want to allow others to edit, you'll need to adjust it in the settings. To do this, simply follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Dropbox website.
   
2. Move your cursor over the file name and select the "Share" button.
   
3. Go to "Settings".
   
4. Depending on your preferences, click either on "Link for editing" or on "Link for viewing".
   
5. Click on the "Save" button.
   

How to Share a Dropbox Link from an iPhone

The mobile app gives you the ability to access your files on the go. It offers all the same features as the desktop version, including link sharing. To share a Dropbox link from an iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Dropbox mobile app.
   
2. Tap “…” next to the file or folder to share it.
   
3. Select "Share".
   
4. Choose "Copy link".
   
5. Copy the link and paste it where you want to share it.

How to Share a Dropbox Link from an Android Device

The Dropbox mobile app for Android devices is similar to the iPhone app. Therefore, the steps are also similar. Keep in mind that the steps may vary slightly depending on the Android device, but the main idea remains the same. Here's how:

1. Open the Dropbox mobile app on your Android device.
   
2. To share a file or folder, tap the three vertical dots.
   
3. Tap "Share".
   
4. Select "Copy link" to copy it to the clipboard.
   
5. Copy and paste the link into an email or message to share it.
   

How to Share a Dropbox Link from an iPad

iPads and iPhones use the same operating system, which means the mobile apps are the same. Therefore, the steps to share a Dropbox link on an iPad are similar to sharing on an iPhone.

1. Launch the Dropbox app on your iPad.
   
2. To share a file or folder, tap “…” next to it.
   
3. Click on “Share”.
   
4. Select "Copy link".
   
5. Copy and paste the link to share it.
   

How do I share a Dropbox link via email?

You can also share a link to a Dropbox file directly via email. Sharing can be done on both desktop and mobile versions.

To do this on the desktop, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Dropbox website or open the desktop client.
2. Place your mouse pointer over the file or folder you want to share and click the "Share" icon.
   
3. Enter the email address, name of the person you want to share the file or folder with, then choose someone from the results. You can add an unlimited number of people.
   
4. Choose between "Can edit" and "Can see".
   
5. Add a message, if necessary, then check the box to share this message as a comment.
   
6. Share the file or folder by clicking "Share".
   

Here's how to do it on a mobile app:

1. Launch the Dropbox mobile app.
   
2. To share a file or folder, tap the three vertical dots on Android or "..." next to the file or folder.
   
3. Select "Share".
   
4. Choose “Invite”.
   
5. Tap "Send to" and enter the email address or name of the person you want to share the file or folder with.
   
6. Choose "Can view" or "Can edit" under the list of recipients.
   
7. Select "Share".
   

How to share a Dropbox link with non-members

You can share files with anyone, including those who don't have a Dropbox account, by sending a link. Links are shareable via email, social media, SMS or instant messages, messaging platforms, wherever convenient for you.

Public links are read-only, and by default anyone with the link can view and download files. However, Dropbox Professional and Dropbox Business users can set expiration dates and passwords for the links they share.

If you have a business account and want to add a password to a link, here's how:

1. Sign in to the desktop or mobile version of Dropbox.
2. Select the "Share" icon.
3. If no link has been created, click Create, then copy the link.
4. Select the gear button in the top corner to open "Settings".
5. Press "Link for viewing".
6. Choose "People with password" next to "Who has access".
7. Create a password.
8. Click on “Save”.

Teamwork is the source of a dream job

You can now share Dropbox links to let others access your files and folders to view or edit them. This feature provides a greater opportunity for collaboration, allowing many people to edit a document at once. Using links makes it easier to add items, make corrections, or monitor a team project.

Also, if you don't want your links to be accessible for an extended period of time, you can add an expiration date. This makes your files and folders more secure as there is only a small window of time to access the files. Combined with the password feature, you can ensure that all your files are safe and protected.

Have you ever shared a Dropbox file? How about sharing files and entire folders with others? Let us know in the comment section below!