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Forum Discussion

IDB's avatar
IDB
New member | Level 2
2 years ago

One-Time link share

Is there a way to only let a person download a file (pdf) once only and not be able to download it again?
Downloading
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Nancy's avatar
Nancy
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

Welcome to the Community, IDB!

 

What I believe can work for you is creating a Dropbox transfer. You can open one for the user you’d like to download your file, and send it to them via link/email. 

 

As soon as they’ve downloaded your file, Dropbox should send you a notification and you’ll be able to see this as well here. When this happens, you can go ahead and delete the transfer, so that it’s no longer accessible.

 

Hope this helps with what you’d like to achieve.

TylerTheHanson's avatar
TylerTheHanson
Explorer | Level 4
2 years ago
This is a very user-intensive solution.

Like Box.net, where we can specify how many times a file is downloaded, when it can expire, and even analytics of who/when the user downloaded the file, I think we’re looking for an automated solution.

I assume DropBox transfer does not have these features. Will there be, or should I look to competitors for the future?

Thanks!
  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    2 years ago

    Hi TylerTheHanson, have you checked this article to see what features Dropbox Transfer offers and if they may be useful for your requirements?

    • TylerTheHanson's avatar
      TylerTheHanson
      Explorer | Level 4
      2 years ago
      Unfortunately, no. The one-time use links are what would be an absolute deal maker, moreso than expiration links alone, and analytics would seal the deal.

      Any plans for those features for better file sharing?
      • Mark's avatar
        Mark
        Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
        2 years ago
        TylerTheHanson wrote:
        Any plans for those features for better file sharing?

        Dropbox doesnt release road maps I'm afraid 😞

         

        I suggest that you create a thread requesting this is added, however. 

         

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