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Suzy01B's avatar
Suzy01B
New member | Level 2
6 years ago

How to restrict downloading files by members

Hi there, I am looking to upload some videos for people to "view" but not download. Is there a way to set this up this way? Once they have paid for their video, I would then like to give them access ...
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  • Lusil's avatar
    Lusil
    6 years ago
    Thanks for writing back, Suzy01B. 
     
    When you password-protect a shared link, you limit the access to the contents down to users who know the password, not the ability to download content. 
     
    Currently, you can’t password-protect downloads. You can, however, disable or enable them manually from the shared link settings. 
     
    In other words, if you don’t want users to download the contents, you disable the “download” option, and once you wish to allow them to download the files, you enable it. 
     
    I hope this clears up any confusion. 
Suzy01B's avatar
Suzy01B
New member | Level 2

Thanks, I was asking further because I am considering upgrading to Professional if I am able to provide a password to download a file, not a password to view a folder of videos.

From what you are saying, if I upgrade, I will then be able to provide a link of a shared folder of videos that people can view (and not download) until I change the settings on that folder (or files within the folder) to provide them a password at which point they will be able to download the video files I have authorized them to download. Correct?

Thank you!

Lusil's avatar
Lusil
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
6 years ago
Thanks for writing back, Suzy01B. 
 
When you password-protect a shared link, you limit the access to the contents down to users who know the password, not the ability to download content. 
 
Currently, you can’t password-protect downloads. You can, however, disable or enable them manually from the shared link settings. 
 
In other words, if you don’t want users to download the contents, you disable the “download” option, and once you wish to allow them to download the files, you enable it. 
 
I hope this clears up any confusion. 
  • SuzyB's avatar
    SuzyB
    Helpful | Level 5
    6 years ago

    It sure does...thank you, Lusli!

    • Lusil's avatar
      Lusil
      Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
      6 years ago
      No worries, SuzyB! Glad I could help. :grin:
       
      If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to give me a nudge. have a wonderful weekend ahead!
      • Rob Kothe's avatar
        Rob Kothe
        Explorer | Level 4
        3 years ago

        Is there now a way with Dropbox business account administrators, who have shared folders with Dropbox basic users - to allow download of some files for example pdfs and word docs , while restricting other like low res mp4 video files to preview while allowing downloads of the high res version of the same videos?

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