Having trouble sharing Dropbox files? Whether you want to share photos with family and friends or work on a project with your colleagues, file sharing has become indispensable. Although it may seem complicated at first, we are here to show you that it is not as difficult as it seems at first glance.
This article will teach you everything you need to know about file sharing in Dropbox on different platforms.
How to share Dropbox files from your PC
Sharing Dropbox files from your PC is simple, and you can do it through the website or the desktop app.
How to Share Dropbox Files from Your PC Using the Website
One of the ways to share Dropbox files from your PC is through the website. You can do this by following the steps below:
- Go to dropbox.com and sign in.
- Tap "All Files" on the left side of the screen.
- Find the file you want to share and tap the share icon.
- Choose whether you want others to be able to edit or view only the files you've shared.
- Add an email address or enter the person's name.
- You can also choose to create a link to share with people by tapping "Copy link".
- Tap "Share File".
How to Share Dropbox Files from Your PC Using the Desktop App
If you have the Dropbox desktop app on your computer, you can use it to share your files without opening the browser:
- Open the desktop app.
- Locate the file you want to share and right-click on it.
- Tap "Share". Make sure there is the Dropbox icon in front.
- Choose whether you want other users to be able to edit or only view files you've shared.
- Direct file sharing by adding an email address or typing the person's name.
- Optionally, you can choose to create a share link by pressing "Copy link".
- Click "Send Invitation" to complete the process.
How to Share Dropbox Files from the iPhone App
Sharing Dropbox files if you're an iPhone user is simple, thanks to the Dropbox mobile app. If you want to use the app to share files, follow the steps below:
- Open the Dropbox app on your iPhone.
- Find the file you want to share and tap the three horizontal dots next to it.
- Tap "Share".
- Type the email or name of the people you want to share the file with.
- You can also link to the file and share it through different networks if you want.
- Tap "Share File" when you're ready to send it.
How to Share Dropbox Files from Android App
Android users can install the Dropbox mobile app and share files with just a few clicks. Follow the steps below to share your files via the Android app:
- Open the Dropbox app.
- Find the file you want to share.
- Tap the three vertical dots next to it.
- Tap "Share".
- Type the person's email or name.
- You can also choose to copy a link and send it to the people of your choice by pressing "Copy link".
- Tap "Share File".
How to Share Multiple Files at Once in Dropbox
Unfortunately, sharing multiple files using the Dropbox website is not possible. Once the files are selected, you can download, copy, move or delete them, but you cannot share them.
The alternative is to create a folder with the files you want to share and then share that folder.
If you're using the Dropbox desktop app, you can select multiple files and send them using the Upload option:
- Open the Dropbox app.
- Select the files you want to send to someone.
- Select "Send invitation".
- Customize the name of the transfer and press "Create transfer".
- Copy the transfer link and send it to the people you want to access the files.
If you have the Dropbox mobile app, you can't share multiple files at once. To do this, you'll need to create a separate folder, move the files you want to share to the folder, and then share it.
Take a look at the next section if you don't know how to share an entire folder.
How to share an entire Dropbox folder
Sharing an entire Dropbox folder saves you time and allows your family, friends or peers to access multiple files at once.
How to share an entire Dropbox folder through the website
Sharing Dropbox folders through the website is a relatively simple process. You can do this by following the steps below:
- Go to dropbox.com and sign in.
- Find the folder you want to share and hover over it.
- Select "Share".
- Choose whether other people can edit or view files in the folder.
- Add the emails or names of the people you want to access the folder.
- You can also select "Copy Link" and forward the folder link to others.
- Tap the “Share Folder” button to complete the process.
How to Share an Entire Dropbox Folder Using the Desktop App
If you have the Dropbox desktop app installed, you can share folders by doing the following:
- Open the Dropbox app.
- Find the folder you want to share and right-click on it.
- Tap "Share". Make sure there is a Dropbox icon in front.
- Choose whether you want others to edit or view files only.
- Add email addresses or names of other people to grant them access.
- Or, you can select the “Copy Link” option.
- Select "Send invitation".
How to Share an Entire Dropbox Folder from the iPhone or Android App
Sharing entire Dropbox folders is also possible using the mobile app. The steps are the same for iPhone and Android users.
- Open the Dropbox mobile app.
- Find the folder you want to share and open it.
- Tap "Share" under the folder name.
- Add the email addresses or names of people you want to add.
- Or, you can tap "Create link".
- Tap "Share".
Additional FAQs
Can you share a Dropbox folder with anyone?
If someone wants to join a shared folder, they must have a Dropbox account. Since adding members to a folder syncs all files, it is not possible to join one without an account.
When you invite someone to a shared folder, they can't open it until they create an account or sign in to an existing account.
If you want to share a folder with someone who doesn't have an account, you can send them the folder link. Links work differently than shared access to a folder, and users without accounts can view files. However, keep in mind that the person cannot edit files with a shared link and no account.
Share the fun with Dropbox
Learning to share files is one of the essential skills you need to take full advantage of Dropbox. If you want to quickly share and edit files with others, Dropbox is the way to go. Since it's available as a mobile app, Dropbox is the perfect way to store your files and access them anywhere.
In addition to sharing files, you can also share entire folders, even with people who don't have an account.
Do you often use the Dropbox sharing feature? Which method do you find most convenient for sharing? Tell us in the comments section below.