Do I need to request production status?

Question

Hey guys, I've built a workflow in N8N that stores files and creates shareable links. If I'm going to share the links with 300-500 people per month, do I need to request production status? Note that most of the people who will receive the link don't have a Dropbox account(If not all of them)

DB-Des · Accepted Answer

Hi @Ali_99

If you're simply generating and sharing links, your app does not need production status for that functionality alone.

To clarify, when you first create a Dropbox API app, it starts in development status. While in development status, it can only be connected to your own account. However, you can enable a limited number of other accounts to also be connected to your app from your app's info page on the App Console by clicking Enable additional users.

While in development mode, your app functions the same as a production app, with one key limitation: It can be linked with up to 500 total Dropbox users. However, once your app links 50 Dropbox users, you'll have two weeks to apply for and receive production status approval. If production approval isn't granted within that window, your app’s ability to link additional users will be frozen — even if you haven't yet reached the 500-user limit.

For more details, please read the Applying for production status section here: https://www.dropbox.com/developers/reference/developer-guide#production-approval

So if your use case involves linking many distinct Dropbox accounts (e.g., "300–500 users per month" authorizing your app), you would likely need to plan for production status. If you're only generating shared links within your own account or a small set of accounts, production status would not be required.

I hope this information provides more clarity!