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Forum Discussion
Pros/cons of sharing link or inviting to file?
Hi, out of curiosity, what is the benefit of simply creating a link to share with somebody vs inviting people via email to access the files?
Please advise.
Walter
Dropbox Staff
Dropbox StaffHello again dronecrasher! What's your name by the way (if you don't mind sharing)?
Truth be told, there are a plethora of ways you can share files or folders with others via Dropbox while the difference in the ways you mention is this:
On one hand, if you invite a member to a shared folder (i.e.using their email address), it will take up space in both your account and theirs (if they don't have one they'll be prompted to sign up for one) and they'll be able to edit or only view the content within it (according to your needs/settings).
[Individual files can be shared ONLY with view-only access]
On the other hand, if you share a link to a file or folder, you're providing others with view only rights and the important part to note here is that they won't need a Dropbox account to view (and download the content from) those shared links.
Don't hesitate to get back to me with any question you may come up with; I'm always a post away :wink:
Hi Walter , thanks for your response. What If I share the files via e-mail and the person does not have a dropbox account yet. He won't be able to access the files unless he creates an account?
So If I create a link and share it and it gets in the wrong hands, tons of people could annimosily access these files vs inviting someone whereas only that e-mail could open the files, correct?
My name is Crasher.. Drone Crasher :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:
- Rich
Super User II
Correct, on both accounts.
A Dropbox account is required to access a shared folder, while a share link does not require an account. A share link is accessible to anyone that has the link.
