How can someone sort my files in a shared link by date instead of by name?

[DianeWBMfg]

I shared a folder from my Dropbox with some dealers using a link. When they open the link, the contents of that folder are sorted by name, but I want to add more files from time to time and would like them to appear on top.

My dealers can't change the order of the files by date by themselves, how can I do it for them so when they click on the link that they will all files would be sorted by date and NOT by name?

[Hannah]

Hey @DianeWBMfg, thanks for posting your question today!

Shared links provide view and download access to the recipient, that's why they can't change the order of the files.

A workaround you could try would be to rename the files, after you upload them, by adding '1.', '2.', '3.', etc, in front of every file name.

That way, the files would appear in the order you want them to.

Let me know how that works for you.

[DianeWBMfg]

I'm curious if I save new files, organize them by date and then share the link, would the customer then see all the files be in order by date?  

Not sure if you would know this but I swear I tried it and it still did not work but if you could try it or if you would know, please tell me if this would work or not.

Thank you.

[Walter]

Hey @DianeWBMfg - sorry to jump in here.

I just wanted to clarify that even if you sort your files by date on your end in this folder, the recipients of the shared link to the folder would still see the files listed inside the folder in an alphabetical order, not chronological. 

If they choose to add the folder to their accounts or if you shared the folder directly with them and not a shared link, they'd be able to use the same sorting options as you. 

Otherwise, if you really need to use shared link(s) to the folder, you could ask your customer to download the content of the folder from our website and use their device's sorting options as needed. 

Alternatively, Hannah's suggestion to rename the files in the folder may also work for you. 

I hope this helps, Diane. 

[DianeWBMfg]

I just came across the below response on Dropbox and they said the same thing that content is automatically sorted alphabetically BUT there an option to view their date modified by clicking on the three lines that should appear across from the Name option.  I tried to look for the three lines but could not locate it.  Am I looking in the wrong location or is the info below not correct?

Thank you in advance for any help!

[Hannah · Accepted solution]

It seems that this is not possible (any more), Diane.

The recipient of a shared link can change the view of the files, as in whether they want them to appear in a grid, or a list, etc.

They can't rearrange them, though. 

Mine and Walter's suggestions are the options you have at the moment.

[Nicholas M.5]

Needless to say they removed that essential feature, so users would all be pressured to have accounts.

Your comment that "view only" precludes sort is offensive!

[rghartwig]

Yes, and the grid vs list selection does not stick.  Every time I open a folder of videos shared with me, it shows in grid mode and I have to change it.  Every time.