Get a link to a file or folder that you can copy

Another way to share is to get a link to a file or folder that you can copy and paste in a text message or on a website. People you share these links with can also forward your link to others.

1. In SharePoint, click Copy link. The link is automatically copied to your clipboard.

Screenshot of the copy link dialog box

2. (Optional) Click the dropdown list to change the type of link. The Details pane opens, where you can change who can access the link and whether people can edit the item you’re sharing.

 Options for Who would you like this link to work for (options vary based on admin settings):

o  Anyone gives access to anyone who receives this link, whether they receive it directly from you or forwarded from someone else. This may include people outside of your organization.

o  People in <Your Organization> gives anyone in your organization who has the link access to the file, whether they receive it directly from you or forwarded from someone else.

o  People with existing access can be used by people who already have access to the document or folder. It does not change the permissions on the item. Use this if you just want to send a link to somebody who already has access. 

o  Specific people gives access only to the people you specify, although other people may already have access. If people forward the sharing invitation, only people who already have access to the item will be able to use the link.

3. By default, Allow editing is turned on. If you want people to only view your files, uncheck the check box. This can be further restricted by selecting the option to Block download, which means they cannot save a local copy.

When you're done, click Apply.

4. Paste the link (Ctrl+V) to wherever you want, such as a text message or on a website.

Notes: 

o The permission granted by a sharing link lasts only as long as the link exists. For example, when a link is disabled, access is revoked (though people may still have access to the file via other means).

o When Allow editing is selected: After they sign in, people in your organization can edit, copy, or download the files.                 When Allow editing isn’t selected, people in your organization can view, and may be able to copy or download the files.

o Site administrators can restrict sharing so that only owners can share files and sites.

o If site administrators have not restricted sharing to site owners, any user with Edit permissions to a file or folder can share that file or folder with others by clicking Share or Copy link. Users who don't have edit permissions can use Copy link to get a link that will work for users who already have permissions to the file or folder.