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Forum Discussion
How can I share a file without an expiration date?
I have shared a document by inviting someone by email and setting the "Can View" setting. This file has them listed as a member. The person I added has told me that when they try access the file it s...
Hi cmkenny28!
There are a few different ways to share files using Dropbox:
Share a link to a file or folder
When you share a link with someone, they can view the file or folder on dropbox.com. You can send a link by email, Facebook, Twitter, instant message, social networks, wherever you want. You can share these links with anyone, even if they don't have a Dropbox account.
The link opens as a preview on dropbox.com, and recipients can comment on the file.
Give view-only permissions to a file or folder
When you give someone view-only permissions to a file or folder, they are invited to that file or folder. The recipient has access to the file or folder in their own Dropbox account.
When sharing a link, some Dropbox plans allow for you to set a link to expire. All Dropbox plans allow for a once created link to be deleted at any time, making it effectively expire. Links can be opened by anyone, regardless if they have Dropbox or not. If this sounds like a suitable option, you can see instructions on how to create a link (and double check that it doesn't expire) here.
Because you mention you have given a view-only permission to the other person, it sounds like you might have shared the folder/file - this would require the recipient to have their own Dropbox account. If this sounds like a suitable option, you can see instructions on how to share a file/folder here - a shared folder doesn't automatically expire, and as you had already found out, you can set view-only permissions even for shared folders.
Hope this helps!
Joonas
Hi cmkenny28!
There are a few different ways to share files using Dropbox:
Share a link to a file or folder
When you share a link with someone, they can view the file or folder on dropbox.com. You can send a link by email, Facebook, Twitter, instant message, social networks, wherever you want. You can share these links with anyone, even if they don't have a Dropbox account.
The link opens as a preview on dropbox.com, and recipients can comment on the file.
Give view-only permissions to a file or folder
When you give someone view-only permissions to a file or folder, they are invited to that file or folder. The recipient has access to the file or folder in their own Dropbox account.
When sharing a link, some Dropbox plans allow for you to set a link to expire. All Dropbox plans allow for a once created link to be deleted at any time, making it effectively expire. Links can be opened by anyone, regardless if they have Dropbox or not. If this sounds like a suitable option, you can see instructions on how to create a link (and double check that it doesn't expire) here.
Because you mention you have given a view-only permission to the other person, it sounds like you might have shared the folder/file - this would require the recipient to have their own Dropbox account. If this sounds like a suitable option, you can see instructions on how to share a file/folder here - a shared folder doesn't automatically expire, and as you had already found out, you can set view-only permissions even for shared folders.
Hope this helps!
Joonas
Thanks for your help! :)
