- 6 years ago
- 0 comments
How to create a download link for a file on DropBox
- Force a DropBox link to download immediately
- The second to force a DropBox link to render in the browser if its technically possible to do so within that Browser.
We use this for a lot things; sharing encoded video files for approval with clients, sharing final cut project files or encoded streaming video files at the end of the day at a webcast, etc. When we’re webcasting or planning a webcast we are getting and sending DropBox files around all the time. PowerPoints for the Webcast, the Webcast bumper videos, webcast templates, Live webcast video format specs. Townhall webcast agendas, etc.
This little bit of url editing will let me create a link that will automatically force a download. This is great for making it super simple for someone you want to share a file with and you don’t need or want them poking around in your files.
You can also force the file to render in the browser. Sometimes the type of file is capable of rendering in a browser immediately but due to the other person’s setup, browser, settings, apps, etc. There could be a complication preventing that from happening easily. This is handy for, let’s say an image you want someone to see without hassle. Then they can choose to “Save” the file from their browser.
Let’s first look at forcing a DROPBOX link to Download
Force a Dropbox file (or a folder) to download
?dl=1. (That’s Question mark dee ell equals one) no space before the “?”
Now how to force a DROPBOX link to render in the browser.
How to force a linked DropBox file to render in your browser
Most web browsers can automatically detect, open, and handle many file types. For instance, clicking image links in a browser will typically open the image within the browser rather than download it to your desktop. Browser extensions or plug-ins can also add file type functionality to your browser.
To bypass the preview page and allow your browser to handle your files you need to edit your link:
– Replace: www with dl
– Replace anddropbox with dropboxusercontent in your URL