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About view-only file sharing

How to send a file that can't be edited by the recipients

Updated yesterday

View-only versions of smart files let recipients view the file without taking actions, and without seeing other project files or details. This setting is perfect if you have other people who need to be in the know on a specific file, but don't need to take any actions or view other project details.


Enable view-only access for a file

  1. Locate the file in question

    • Note that this setting is visible only when working on a file in a project. It isn't available on the template level

  2. Once in the file, click the gear icon to open the file's configure settings

  3. Under "SECURITY AND FILE ACCESS," toggle Enable view-only access to this file ON

  4. Select SAVE & EXIT

  5. You can only copy a view-only link once the file is published. If needed, learn how to share a file here


What happens once a file has view-only access

Once you've enabled view-only access for a file and published the file, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Your experience

You (the business) can return to the file's settings and:

  • Copy the view-only link, then share it out

  • Generate a new view-only link

    • Doing so will invalidate the old link (anyone with the old link will no longer be able to view the file)

  • Toggle view-only access OFF

    • Doing so will invalidate any view-only links for the file (anyone with view-only links will no longer be able to view the file)

Project participants

If you (the business) turned view-only file sharing ON for a specific file, all project participants can copy and share the file's view-only link.

To copy the view-only link, the project participant can open the file > select Link sharing > select Copy View Only Link. Then, they can share it out.

Unnamed

Project participants can still take actions on the file, and their experience will remain unchanged.

Recipients of the view-only link

Recipients of the view-only link do not have to be added to the project as participants. View-only links can be shared with anyone. Recipients of the view-only link can view the file without taking actions, and won't see other project files or details.

Still have questions? Feel free to send us a message by clicking the Question Mark icon on any HoneyBook page. Our team is always happy to help!