Sharing a newly created folder for editing

[sleven]

Hi,

Hi all,

I've recently created a folder that I would like to share to an individual for editing purposes. In the past, it was as simple as clicking the share button, clicking the "create link" button, and then clicking the "copy link" button so that I could paste the link into an email and send it off. The options I have available now, don't include an option to create a link or copy it for editing purposes, only for veiwing purposes.

Did Dropbox change how it lets users share files and folders? I need the recipient of this folder to be able to edit the contents of the folder and I currently do not know how to do it.

Frustrated and need help.

[Jay]

Hi @sleven, thanks for messaging today!

I'm sorry to hear about this. When you share a folder to another user, you need to enter their email to share it to their account. This allows users to edit files in that folder.

Creating a shared link, however, doesn't allow users to edit any files, only to view and download. Could you confirm how you shared files previously when you were able to edit them?

This way I'll be able to assist further on this matter.

[sleven]

Hey Jay,

In previous attempts to share folders or files, it was as simple as clicking the "Share" button and clicking the "Create Link" button. From there I would click the "Copy Link" button that would appear after the link had been created. But now the UI seems to have changed when hitting the "Share" button and that function is no longer available. It's partitioned the ability to create a link into whether someone is allowed to edit the files or view them (in this case, only letting me copy a link in the View Only tab of sharing the link). In the past, I didn't have to put anyone's email into the request for sharing a link, it was as simple as creating a link and copying it so that I could paste the link it into an email with instructions for the recipient on what to do with the files via the link.  That's the best I can do to explain the change I've encountered, unfortunately, this community chat space doesn't allow me to post images showing what I used to see for the UI and what I see now when I want to share a link.

Not sure what Dropbox decided to change, but I can't say that I like it. Makes it a lot less user friendly.

[Jay]

When you click the Share button, the section the very bottom allows you to click the button to create a shared link, and once created, the option to copy it. This hasn't changed as far as I'm aware.

Where are you seeing this difference? Any other info or screenshots would be helpful!

[sleven]

Jay,

Any ideas on how to share screenshots of what I'm encountering? As far as I can tell, there is no way to add screen shots or images to this string to help make it easier to see what I'm encountering.

[Jay]

If you're not seeing the option to add images in the forum, try uploading a screenshot and sharing a link to it from the site.

[sleven]

Jay,

Hopefully this works.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fh7k7hddf5cbild/AAAiR_mumzK1AsJqm4DPlFR6a?dl=0

I've included a test document to share plus three images. The first two (SHARE BUTTON 01 & 02) are what I'm encountering now. The third (WHAT SHARE USED TO LOOK LIKE) is an image I took of my coworkers screen and what his share option looks like.

Hope this helps.

[Jay]

Thanks for the image, this helped me to clarify matters. 

This version of sharing links to files is available for a small number of Dropbox users, in order to simplify the process for sharing. 

I appreciate your feedback of the sharing feature. If you need any further assistance, please let me know!

[sleven]

Jay,

I'm not sure what you mean? I had this feature as of a month ago and it suddenly changed to this more complicated way of sharing files and folders. Any explanation or reasoning for the sudden change by Dropbox? I utilized this feature regularly and now it's become a cumbersome process. Thoughts?

[Jay · Accepted solution]

Yes, this was a recent change for some Dropbox users when sharing files and folders in order to clarify and improve the interface.