PDF "view only" share link continues to allow editing

[sosbo_4]

I have edited both my profile settings and the pdf settings specifically to generate a "view only" link. However, every time I go to share the link I continue to see on the top bar that the pdf is editable. Not only is it editable but anyone can edit it for everyone. What do I need to do to change this? I have even logged out of my Dropbox account and used the link to see if it changed anything, it did not.  My PDF is clickable with links but, I have tried other PDf's that were not to see if it changed anything and it did the same thing. I need a view only link. How do I get this?

[Rich · Accepted solution]

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@sosbo_4 wrote:

I have even logged out of my Dropbox account and used the link to see if it changed anything, it did not.

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According to your screenshot you're still logged in, so it would make sense that it's editable. Make sure you're testing the link in an Incognito/private browsing session to ensure that you're not signed in to your account.

[psingh432]

Hey, I'm having the same issue. It shows my pdf file to be editable even on incognito mode. it's on view mode in my settings,

[Rich]

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@psingh432 wrote:

Hey, I'm having the same issue. It shows my pdf file to be editable even on incognito mode. it's on view mode in my settings,

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Can you provide a screenshot showing where it says that it's editable, along with a screenshot that shows the settings for the link itself? Be sure to mask any private information.

[psingh432]

Hey, i'm attaching the images for both. pls check!

[Megan]

Hey @psingh432, thanks for the added info! 

So, if you click the "Edit PDF" option in the first screenshot, it allows you to sign in, and then edit the content, right? 

Does this happen with this particular file only, or others too? 

[psingh432]

Hi Megan

So, if you click the "Edit PDF" option in the first screenshot, it allows you to sign in, and then edit the content, right? 

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no, it doesn't ask to sign in. it is directly opening the pdf for me in edit mode. (In Incognito) I'm able to edit it too. Though it says, I will need to sign in to save those changes. But the problem is since I shared the "view" mode link, it should not be editable for those who will open it through the link.

Does this happen with this particular file only, or others too? 

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i tried this with another pdf. I see same behaviour.

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[Hannah]

Thanks for the update, @psingh432.

I wanted to make some clarifications on this.

The preview of the PDF allows for editing, but these edits, even if the recipient was signed in to their Dropbox, wouldn't sync back to the original file; the saved file would be a copy of the original.

Keep in mind that the 'can view' link allows for downloading as well, so someone could download and edit the file that way, if they wanted to.

It's important to note, though, that no changes would be made to the original.