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Forum Discussion
Disable download feature after sharing dropbox link
I was wondering if I could upload a video and share with others the link but block their ability to download the video. Is anyone familiar with this?
- Hi omashakaren - I just did a Google search and found that Dropbox Professional and Business customers can disable downloads for a shared link (and also set passwords and expiration dates for those links)... but evidently dropbox wants us to pay for those features? I'm guessing that's what it takes to become a Professional or Business customer. $200/year seems like a lot to disable downloads... sigh.
- Anything view able on the internet is downloadable, dont fall for anything that says you cant.
So basically I can setup a password to a link I share with someone just to let preview the file, but the user can still download my file !!!
- Rich
Super User II
So basically I can setup a password to a link I share with someone just to let preview the file, but the user can still download my file !!!
Yes. If it can be seen on the Internet, it can be downloaded.
Dropbox needs this feature. I am going to look at Box.com now.
Even though BOX says you can skip checking the download box to prevent downloads, when my students receive the link to a video, BOX still gives them the option to download the video. Is there any way BOX can disable downloading completely, unless the person wants to share the video?
- Hi omashakaren - I just did a Google search and found that Dropbox Professional and Business customers can disable downloads for a shared link (and also set passwords and expiration dates for those links)... but evidently dropbox wants us to pay for those features? I'm guessing that's what it takes to become a Professional or Business customer. $200/year seems like a lot to disable downloads... sigh.
Anyone find a way to disable downloading a shared file and preventing screenshots?
SFAIK, you cannot prevent download using Dropbox. If you really need this feature, take a look at Google Drive.
Yes, I want to hide that huge DOWNLOAD button too, but the staff at Dropbox seems not to care what their users want. Years ago their sharing model was completely broken, and the community pummeled them with requests. It took years, but eventually we got more alternatibves for limiting the sharing options. This is the same kind of thing. And while it's true that anyting on the internet can be stolen, it's beyond most people... unless there is a huge DOWNLOAD button that anyone (or any bot) could click. Hey Dropbox, it's us again! Your user community. Begging you to to let us manage our copyrighted material as we think best. You've become really successful... now become really attentive to your users!
