How to Share a Link from Dropbox

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

How to Share a Dropbox Link From a PC

The Dropbox website and the desktop software simplify sending a link for a file or folder. Keep in mind that if you share a link with the “view-only” permission, the people accessing the document can’t edit it.

Shared links may be customized with professional accounts for Dropbox Professional and Business clients.

If you want to share a link using the Dropbox website in view-only, the steps are:

1. Sign in to your account.
   
2. Place your mouse pointer over the file or folder you wish 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’ve already generated a link, click the “Copy” link.
   
4. Your link is now in your clipboard. You may then share it by copying and pasting it in 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 go to the Dropbox folder.
   
2. To share a file or folder, right-click or command-click it.
   
3. Select “Share….”
   
4. If it hasn’t already created a link, click the “Create” link. If it has 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 to share a file in the view-only mode. This is the default setting when creating a link. If you want to permit others to edit, you’ll need to adjust that in the settings. To do so, just follow these steps:

1. Sign in to the Dropbox website.
   
2. Move your cursor over the file’s name and select the “Share” button.
   
3. Navigate to” Settings.”
   
4. Depending on your preference, click either “Link for editing” or “Link for viewing.”
   
5. Click the “Save” button.
   

How to Share a Dropbox Link From an iPhone

The mobile app gives you the convenience of accessing 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 application.
   
2. Press “…” beside the file or folder to share it.
   
3. Select “Share.”
   
4. Choose “Copy link.”
   
5. Copy the link and paste it where you’d 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 similar as well. Keep in mind that the steps might vary slightly depending on the Android device, but the main idea stays the same. Here’s how:

1. Open the Dropbox mobile application on your Android device.
   
2. To share a file or folder, press the three vertical dots.
   
3. Hit “Share.”
   
4. Select “Copy link” to copy it to the clipboard.
   
5. Copy and paste the link to an email or message to share it.
   

How to Share a Dropbox Link From an iPad

iPads and iPhones use the same operating system, meaning that the mobile apps are the same. Consequently, the steps to share a Dropbox link on an iPad are similar to sharing it on an iPhone.

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

How to Share a Dropbox Link via Email?

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

To do so on desktop, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to the Dropbox website or open the desktop client.
2. Place your mouse pointer over the file or folder you wish to share and click the “Share” icon.
   
3. Enter the email address, the name of the person with whom you’d want to share the file or folder, then pick someone from the results. You may add an unlimited number of persons.
   
4. Choose between “Can edit” and “Can view.”
   
5. Add a message, if necessary, then check the box to share this message as a comment.
   
6. Share the file or a folder by clicking “Share.”
   

Here’s how to do it on a mobile app:

1. Launch the Dropbox mobile application.
   
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. Hit “Send to” and enter the email address or name of the person with whom you’d want to share the file or folder.
   
6. Choose “Can view” or “Can edit” beneath the recipients’ list.
   
7. Select “Share.”
   

How to Share a Dropbox Link With Non-Members

You may share files with anybody, including those without Dropbox accounts, by sending a link. Links are shareable through email, social media networks, SMS or instant messages, messaging platforms, anywhere where it’s convenient for you.

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

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

1. Sign in to the desktop or mobile version of Dropbox.
2. Select the “Share” icon.
3. If a link hasn’t been created, click Create, then copy the link.
4. Select the gear button at the top corner to open “Settings.”
5. Hit “Link for Viewing.”
6. Choose “People with password” besides “Who has access.”
7. Create a password.
8. Click on “Save.”

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

Now you can share Dropbox links to enable others to access your files and folders to view or edit them. This feature gives a greater opportunity for collaboration, allowing many people to edit one document at once. Using links makes it easier to add things, make corrections, or monitor a team project.

Additionally, if you don’t want your links to be accessible for an extended time, you can add an expiration date. This makes your files and folders more secure since 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? What do you think about sharing whole files and folders with others? Let us know in the comment section below!