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Forum Discussion
My "can view" link to a file is still allowing others to edit
Question or Issue
When I want to copy the link to send to someone, I delete the "allowed to edit" link and copy the "allowed to view" link. The link still allows the person to edit.
Hannah
Dropbox Community Moderator
Dropbox Community ModeratorHey nanlouwoo, thanks for the additional info.
Just to clarify, a "can view" link allows the recipient to both download a file to their computer and/or save it to their Dropbox account.
This saves a copy of the file, not the original, which allows the recipient to edit it.
Since it's not the original file, and since their edits did not affect the original, it seems like the behavior you're seeing is the expected one.
I hope this helps, but if you have questions or concerns, let me know!
It allows them to edit it right in Drop Box using Drop Box tools on the Drop Box page. They can also save it to the Drop Box file. They don't have a Drop Box account so they are not saving it in their own account. They don't have an account. They are saving the edited copy in the file on Drop Box. The original is gone. There is even a warning that the original will be permanently changed.
If this is the intended purpose, there is no reason for a "view only" link. What is the difference between "edit" and "view"?
- Rich
Super User II
I sent it to someone who was able to edit and save the edit. It did not change my original copy.
They are saving the edited copy in the file on Drop Box. The original is gone.
I just want to be clear. You previously stated that the edit did not change your original file, but later said that the original is gone. Which is the actual result that you're seeing?
They don't have a Drop Box account so they are not saving it in their own account. They don't have an account.
They would need an account in order to edit the file. When not logged in and viewing a file from an edit link, Dropbox prompts the person to log in or sign up to do more with the file.
That screenshot is from an edit link opened in a browser while I wasn't signed in. I was unable to edit or save the file anywhere. The only options available were to view or download the file.
