download not allowed

[GeorginaPina]

Hello!

I keep looking for the option but can't find it: how can I block readers from downloading a file? I just need them to be able to read it online, and not allowed to download it.

Is it possible?

[Chris_J]

You can have set folder permissions.    https://www.dropbox.com/help/files-folders/folder-view-only-permissions  also look at https://www.dropbox.com/help/files-folders/view-only-access

I would suggest using folders and set a password to it.  I just tested and there is a download button if you don't set a password.  So I suggest setting an unrecognizable password

[GeorginaPina]

Thanks! Very helpful, I read through it and the password feature is available for Dropbox Business.

🙂

[310EI · Accepted solution]

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@GeorginaPina wrote:

Hello!

How can I block readers from downloading a file? I just need them to be able to read it online, and not allowed to download it.

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Hello, @GeorginaPina...

Yes, you can set a password to prevent people from viewing or downloading a file/folder.  However, if you need them to be able to VIEW the files/folders then you'll have to give them the password (which means they can download the files/folders).

Below screenshot is from the Shared Links: view-only access Help Center article:

Take a look at my example folder that uses a password to access it, once inside the folder you should see a download button:

SHARING A FOLDER LINK THAT'S PASSWORD PROTECTED:

If you'd like to see how a LINK to a Folder/File with a password is used then look at this zzExampleFolder.

• Password = share

You can view or download everything in my example folder.

HELP CENTER ARTICLES:

• How do I create a Shared Link (view-only access)?
• Shared vs. private folders.
• Will joining someone else's shared folder use my quota?
• How do I remove a member from a shared folder?
• How do I unshare a shared folder?
• How do I leave a shared folder?

[Chris_J]

Thanks  310EI

you are correct as usual.  I didn't think this thru.. :=(

[310EI]

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@Chris_J wrote:

Thanks  310EI

you are correct as usual.  I didn't think this thru.. :=(

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Hello, @Chris_J...

Not sure that I'm correct as usual but thanks for saying as much.  No worries... you made me think twice to investigate in case something changed internally 

[GeorginaPina]

Good point! And thanks for the example folder. I guess then that what I'm looking for is not possible in dropbox. I'll keep searching for alternative options.

Thank you both!!

[310EI]

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@GeorginaPina wrote:

Good point! And thanks for the example folder.

I guess then that what I'm looking for is not possible in dropbox. I'll keep searching for alternative options.

Thank you both!!

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Hello, @GeorginaPina...

You're welcome for the example folder.

It's not just Dropbox, if you share a file via the internet then it can be downloaded (one way or another).  However, you could consider protecting your sensitive documents to be read-only by assigning a password to prevent modifications.  It's not a perfect solution but it can be effective (example article below).

RELATED ARTICLE:

• How to Create Read-Only Documents You Can Open without a Password in Word.

Good luck with your search.

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