Overview

Shared links allow users who don’t have Box accounts to have read-only access, but not the ability to make changes to your files. Shared links are also an easy way to direct collaborators to Box files.

Collaborators will retain their ability to make changes to your files.

If you want your external collaborator to have the ability to edit your files, the person will need his or her own free Box account.

Creating a shared link

To create a shared link:

1. Click on the folder you want to share.
2. Click the Share this Folder button to the right of the page.

•   Box will automatically generate a link for you.

Shared links advanced settings

When you click on the cogwheel icon above your shared link, it brings up the Advanced Settings.

Custom URL (optional): If you don’t like the URL that was generated for you, you can create a custom URL: Type the URL you want into the text field shown above.

Link expiration: You can set a date when you would like the shared link to expire: Click in the Disable Shared Link checkbox as shown above, select a date, and click Save.

Shared links access types

When you click on the drop-down arrow next to People in this folder, it brings up the different sharing settings you can choose.

People with the link: This setting allows anyone with the shared link (including users that don’t have Box accounts) to have access to the file. This setting is not available for your secure folder and subfolders.

People in your company: This setting allows anyone in UCSF with the shared link (even if not a collaborator) to have access to the file. This setting is not available for your Secure folder and subfolders.

People in this folder: This setting only allows the folder’s collaborators to access the shared link. Select this option if you want to point a collaborator to a specific file or folder without making the link accessible to noncollaborators.

Remove Link: This feature removes the shared link.