How to Create a Shared Link in Dropbox (2026 Guide)
A shared link in Dropbox lets anyone you send it to open a file or folder in their browser, no Dropbox account needed. The fastest way to make one is Copy link, and from there you can switch it between view and edit, add a password and expiry on paid plans, or delete it entirely. Here’s the full workflow for 2026.
1. Copy a Shared Link
This is the one-click method and it works for any file or folder.
- Go to dropbox.com and sign in.
- Hover over the file or folder you want to share.
- Click Copy link.
Dropbox creates a link and copies it to your clipboard. Paste it into an email, message, or document. By default the link is view-only, so recipients can open and download but not change anything.
On desktop, right-click the file in your Dropbox folder and choose Copy Dropbox link for the same result.
2. Open the Link Settings
To change how a link behaves, you open its settings inside the Share dialog.
- Hover over the file or folder and click Share.
- Find the link row and click the gear or Settings icon next to it.
- From here you can control who has access, the access level, and (on paid plans) a password and expiration.
3. Set the Link to View or Edit
The two access levels control what recipients can do:
- Can view: open, preview, and download. This is the default and the safest for sending finished files.
- Can edit: for folders, recipients can add, rename, and delete files; for files, they can edit them. Editing usually requires the recipient to sign in to Dropbox.
In the link settings, use the access dropdown to switch between Can view and Can edit.
You can also limit who has access:
- Anyone with the link: no sign-in required to view.
- Only people invited: only specific people you’ve added can open it, even if they have the link.
4. Add a Password and Expiration Date (Paid Plans)
Password protection and link expiration are available on paid Dropbox plans (Plus, Essentials, Business, and higher), not on the free Basic plan.
- Open the link Settings.
- Toggle on Set password and type a password. Anyone opening the link has to enter it first.
- Toggle on Set expiration and pick a date. After that date the link no longer works.
- Save the settings.
A password is useful when the link goes out widely but the content is sensitive. An expiration date is useful for time-limited material like a quote, a contract draft, or event files.
5. Disable or Delete a Shared Link
When you’re done sharing, kill the link so it can’t be reused or forwarded.
- Hover over the file or folder and click Share.
- Open the link Settings.
- Click Delete link (or Remove link).
The link stops working immediately for everyone who has it. The file itself stays safe in your Dropbox; only the public access is removed. You can always create a fresh link later with Copy link, and the new link will be different from the deleted one.
6. Manage All Your Links in One Place
To see every active link at once:
- On dropbox.com, open the left sidebar.
- Go to Shared (or All files > Shared).
- Click the Links tab.
This lists every shared link in your account so you can review access levels or delete links you no longer need.
Quick Reference
| Action | Where | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Copy link | Hover > Copy link | Any |
| View vs edit | Share > link Settings | Any |
| Anyone vs invited only | Share > link Settings | Any |
| Password | Link Settings > Set password | Paid |
| Expiration | Link Settings > Set expiration | Paid |
| Disable link | Link Settings > Delete link | Any |
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More on Dropbox: How to organize Dropbox · How to password protect a Dropbox folder · How to automate Dropbox · Dropbox integration
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