Allowing downloads from shared folder

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cmart6 wrote:
I don't see an answer or help instructions on the most basic of all uses of Dropbox: how to allow a Dropbox or non-Dropbox user to download from one's shared folder.

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Hello, cmart6...

Unfortunately, non-Dropbox users cannot access a Shared Folder (collaborative), at minimum, a Basic account is required.  However, I recommend that you try using a shared link instead.

I realize that it's hard to know for sure how sharing a link to folders/files will appear to your participants (especially when testing folders/files in your account vs another person's).  This method works for non-Dropbox users meaning they do not need an account to view or download files.

In order for you to see how this works, I make it possible for you to test-drive how sharing a link is viewed by YOUR recipients.  Please feel free to explore my example folder below.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you want to have the same experience as a non-Dropbox user then you should sign out of your Dropbox account or use a different browser.

> SHARING A DROPBOX SUB FOLDER LINK EXAMPLE:

The image below shows you the hierarchy of my example for sharing a LINK to a sub folder that only allows the recipient to view the ExampleSubFolder's contents.

FYI:  You'll notice that there's a DOWNLOAD button in the upper right-hand corner when using the web interface to view my example folder.

Sharing a LINK to a Folder/File in my sub folder example does not give you access to the parent folder (zz.Example2) or its other sub folder (ExampleSubFolder2).  In addition, you cannot edit or delete any of those files.

Depending upon how your folders/files are arranged within your Dropbox account:

1. You may have to create a new parent or sub folder.
2. Then copy/move your files to that folder in order to control what your recipients can view or download.

HELP CENTER ARTICLES:

• How do I create a Shared Link (view-only access)?
• Shared vs. private folders.
• How can I limit access to a shared link?
• Shared folders: Give people edit access to your files
• Will joining someone else's shared folder use my quota?

FREE DROPBOX MEMBERS SHOULD BE AWARE:

• There are 20 GB bandwidth limitations set per day.  This means that every file, photo or video that's viewed and/or downloaded counts against your daily allotment.

• EXAMPLE:  You share a link to a 500 MB video (0.5 GB) and it's viewed 40 times in less than 24 hours, then your 20 GB bandwidth limit for a free Dropbox account has been attained (your links will be temporarily disabled, and anyone who tries to access them will see an error page instead of your files).

• Keep in mind that if you share a link with people who in turn shares the link with their friends, especially via social media, then your bandwidth limit could be reached in an hour (not hours).

• Upgrading to a Plus account will remove the daily 20 GB restriction and will increase it to 200 GB.