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Using hyperlinks in Excel to connect to files uploaded in dropbox

Wondering if there is a way to create a spreadsheet, with hyperlinks to specific files that are uploaded on dropbox. (hyperlink was created by going into dropbox, displaying specific file, copying address and creating hyperlink in spreadsheet). Files do not reside on my computer - only on dropbox. The specific people who receive the Excel file already have access to (files shared) said files on dropbox.

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Daphne

Hey there @GRRWendy,

Currently there isn’t a way to do this automatically, you would need to create the Excel file and then enter the hyperlinks into the file manually.

From what I understood you are copying the URL address into the Excel file, correct? That will work fine since the people who will be accessing the files already have the files shared with them. I just wanted to mention that you could also use shared links as the hyperlinks if you need to share anything with view only access (providing the file isn’t already shared with edit permissions for the recipients).

Hope this helps to clarify the matter - Thanks!

GRRWendy

Hey Daphne, I'm not sure I understand - I DID create an excel file and I DID insert hyperlinks to the displayed page in dropbox... I emailed the spreadsheet to the people who needed to access said hyperlinks but they were unable to access the files directly - the link took them to dropbox sign in page. The goal of this is to, in one spreadsheet, with 40 categories (columns) and varying documents for each of 35 applicants, all at varying stages of completion - to see/access the files that have been submitted - so in addition to making it easier to access the files, the spreadsheet gives us information on where everyone is in the process... so I'm trying to do more than "just share files" - hope this helps explain how it is that I'm trying to use dropbox and why

Daphne

Hey @GRRWendy,

Thanks for that clarification there, it seems that I didn’t fully understand there!

So, in this case I would recommend creating a shared link instead of adding the URL hyperlink into the Excel file. If those who are trying to access the file are not signed into a Dropbox account or don’t have the file actually shared with them, then a shared link will allow them view access to the files.

If you are using just the URL of the file as the hyperlink, since this is pointing towards a file within your account, the hyperlink can only be used to access the file when signed into your Dropbox account. Using shared links will eliminate this issue.

Let me know if this clears thing up a bit - Thanks!