What is a link sharing app?

Link sharing is a way to conveniently share large files – that you normally wouldn’t be able to send via email attachment or mobile device – by sending a link that points to your file or content stored in the cloud. A link sharing app is the file transfer app or portal used to create the shared links that you would send.

How do I share a Dropbox link?

It’s simple to share a Dropbox link to your files with anyone you want – and they don’t even need a Dropbox account. Create a shared link to send any file in your Dropbox and share that link via chat, text or email with whomever you like. Anyone with the shared link can view and download the file.

Are Dropbox links secure?

Yes, Dropbox shared links are secure. Anyone with the shared link can view and download the file you’ve shared. But, they won’t be able to see or access anything else in your Dropbox account, even the folder where your shared file is stored.

Can I password protect a Dropbox file?

Yes, Dropbox Professional and Business users can add an access password to the shared links they create for their files stored in Dropbox. Simply change the Link access settings to 'Only people with the password' to protect the files connected to your shared link.

Add E-Signatures With Electronic Document Signing

Create and eSign documents within Dropbox to keep your files more organized and secure

Streamline your work and facilitate greater collaboration

Use Dropbox and HelloSign to take a contract from first draft to final PDF to signature quickly, easily, and securely. Share files and request signatures directly from your Dropbox account and automatically save these updates back to your shared folders. You can also add multiple signers to the same document stored in Dropbox, making it easy to keep your whole team in sync. You don’t have to buy the software or download anything. And even better: by using Dropbox as your file viewer, you can preview a wide variety of video files, audio files and text files from any device.

User sending a Dropbox file for eSignature via the HelloSign integration

Use Dropbox to easily add electronic signatures to Word docs, PDFs, and more

Dropbox integrates with HelloSign, a Dropbox company, so you can seamlessly send important documents online for electronic signature. When you’re ready to add signatures to your files, just select a PDF or Word doc, and you’ll see an Open menu containing different apps you can use to eSign your document. Simply click HelloSign and your files will open within the application, allowing you to share your documents for signature. Rest assured: HelloSign services are designed with a secure, distributed infrastructure with multiple layers of protection.

User having signed a shared document in Dropbox

Keep all your electronically signed documents organized—and secure

Know that your legally binding signatures* are kept safe by securing those signed documents in Dropbox with our advanced architecture, designed with multi-layered protection and strict encryption. Dropbox is a one-stop shop: Use it for generating and collaborating on documents for signature, use trusted integrations to eSign, then save your signed docs back in Dropbox—keeping everything conveniently in one location.

An electronic signature is eco-and cost-friendly

Not only do electronic signatures contribute to smoother workflows, they lessen your carbon footprint. Getting an electronic signature helps reduce needless paper waste and greenhouse gasses from transporting documents between destinations. And, of course, when you dial back the need to supply paper and postal costs, you save time and money, too. Learn more about the cost savings and efficiency benefits for eSignature.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of signing documents online using Dropbox?

There are many benefits to signing documents online using Dropbox. And while you can use Dropbox and eSign tools individually, using them together streamlines your workflow even more. Because you already store your important documents in Dropbox, you can send them to eSign right from your Dropbox account, save signed copies, and manage all your folders and files in one place. You can also control who has access to specific files, organize documents, track to-dos, and keep your whole team in sync.

How do I request an eSignature in Dropbox?

On your desktop, open your Dropbox account, then click on a document you’d like to send for eSignature. Click on the “Open with” drop down menu, and select the eSignature tool you’d like to use.

How do I add a signature to a PDF?

On your iPhone or iPad, just open your Dropbox mobile app. Navigate to a PDF file and tap to open the preview, then tap the edit icon. Finally, tap Add Text or Signature.

What is the main difference between electronic signatures and handwritten signatures?

Essentially, there is no legal difference*. An electronic signature is just as legally binding as a handwritten signature. The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) was passed into law by Congress in 2000 to ensure the validity and legal effect of contracts that are entered into electronically.

How do I enable HelloSign in Dropbox and is it available with all Dropbox plans?

It’s easy to enable HelloSign in Dropbox and yes, it is included in all Dropbox plans. Enable the HelloSign integration by following 3 easy steps to take advantage of your 3 free eSignature requests each month. Now, When you send or receive documents for eSignature, they will sync back with your Dropbox account.

What’s the benefit of using HelloSign from Dropbox?

While you can use Dropbox and eSignature tools individually, using them together streamlines your workflow. Because you already store your important documents in Dropbox, you can send them for eSignature right from your Dropbox account, save signed copies, and manage all your folders and files in one place. You can also control who has access to specific files, organize documents, track to-dos, and keep your whole team in sync.

*eSignature laws vary by jurisdiction and may not be valid everywhere.