How to Get a Public Link on Dropbox

This wikiHow teaches you how to generate a URL that allows you to share a Dropbox folder or file with anyone you wish.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using a Mobile Device

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    Open Dropbox. It's the blue open box icon typically found on your home screen or in the app drawer (if you're using an Android).
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    Tap the arrow next to the folder or file you want to share.
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    Tap Share.
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    Tap Create a link. This opens your Android's sharing menu.
    • If you don't see this option, a link has already been created for this folder.[1] Instead, tap Share next to “Anyone with the link can view.”
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    Select the app you want to share with. This opens the app and pastes the link into its text or messaging box. You can then use the selected app's tools to share the link with anyone you wish.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a Computer

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    1
    Go to https://www.dropbox.com in a web browser. You can use any browser on your computer, such as Google Chrome or Safari, to access your Dropbox.
    • If you're not already signed in, click Sign in at the top-right corner of the screen to do so now.
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    Hover your mouse cursor over the folder or file you want to share. An empty box will appear to the left of its name.
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    Click the box to select the folder or file.
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    Click Share. It's the blue button at the top-right corner of your Dropbox.
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    Click Create a link. By default, a link will be created that allows anyone with the link to view the folder.
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    Click Link Settings to change permissions for the folder. If you have a free account, you can skip to the next step. Otherwise, if you pay for Dropbox Plus, you can change the following options:
    • To require users to enter a password to view the files, select Only people with the password under “Who can view this link.”
    • To make the URL stop working after a period of time, select Yes under “Add an expiry date to this link,” then select a date.
    • Click Save settings when you're finished.
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    Click Copy link. This displays the full URL and copies it to your computer's clipboard.
  8. 8
    Share the link. You can paste it into any messaging or social app by pressing Ctrl+V (Windows) or ⌘ Cmd+V (macOS). Anyone with the link will be able to access the folder.
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References

  1. ↑ https://help.dropbox.com/share/share-files-mobile

About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 21,083 times.
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Co-authors: 6
Updated: March 5, 2023
Views: 21,083
Categories: Dropbox
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