Dropbox - Transfer Links

Overview

Create time-limited transfer links for sharing files with external recipients. Recipients can download without a Dropbox account. Ideal for one-time file delivery with expiration and download tracking.

URLs

Critical Constraints

• Button State: Transfer button only enabled when NO files are selected
• File Selection: Select files AFTER clicking transfer button, not before
• Expiration: Default 30 days, configurable based on plan
• Size Limits: Transfer size limits vary by plan (free: 100MB)
• Recipient Access: No Dropbox account required to download

Workflow: Create Transfer

1. Navigate to Source Folder

Go to the folder containing files you want to transfer.

2. Clear File Selection

Important: Deselect any selected files - the transfer button is disabled when files are selected.

3. Open Transfer Dialog

Click the Copy transfer button in the toolbar.

4. Select Files for Transfer

1. File selection dialog opens showing folder contents
2. Check the files you want to include in the transfer
3. Click Select to confirm file selection

5. Review Transfer Details

The transfer summary shows:

• List of selected files
• Individual file sizes
• Total transfer size
• Default expiration date (30 days)

6. Create Transfer

Click Create transfer to generate the transfer link.

7. Copy Transfer Link

1. Transfer creation confirmation appears
2. Click Copy link to copy URL to clipboard
3. Link format: https://www.dropbox.com/t/{transfer-id}

Workflow: Configure Transfer Settings

Before clicking "Create transfer", configure options:

Set Expiration Date

1. Click on expiration date field
2. Select new expiration date from calendar
3. Options vary by plan (free: up to 30 days)

Add Password Protection

1. Click Password option
2. Enter password for transfer
3. Recipients must enter password to access files

Set Download Limit (If Available)

1. Click Download limit option
2. Set maximum number of downloads allowed
3. Transfer link disabled after limit reached

Workflow: Track Downloads

View Transfer History

1. Navigate to Transfer dashboard (https://www.dropbox.com/transfer/sent)
2. View list of sent transfers

Check Download Status

For each transfer, view:

• Number of times downloaded
• When files were accessed
• Remaining time until expiration

Download Notifications

If enabled, receive email notifications when:

• Recipient downloads files
• Transfer is about to expire
• Transfer expires

Workflow: Recipient Experience

When recipients open the transfer link:

1. View Transfer Contents

• File list with names and sizes displayed
• No login required

2. Preview Files (Optional)

• Click on file to preview (supported types)
• Documents, images, videos can be previewed

3. Download Files

• Download all - downloads as ZIP archive
• Click individual files to download separately

4. Expiration Notice

• Countdown shows time remaining
• Files unavailable after expiration

Page Structure Reference

Transfer Creation Elements

Transfer Dashboard Elements

Recipient View Elements

Troubleshooting

Notes

• Transfer links are separate from regular share links
• Transfers create copies - original files remain in your Dropbox
• Use descriptive file names as recipients see original names
• For sensitive files, always enable password protection
• Share transfer link via secure channel (encrypted email, direct message)
• Inform recipients of expiration date
• Transfers count against your storage during active period
• Expired transfers are automatically cleaned up