All plans

Turn off downloads on your link

By default, viewers can download the original file. Turn this off to keep it view-only in the browser — nothing to save, forward, or edit offline.

1

Open your link's settings

Go to your document, then click Create Link (or edit an existing link).

2

Find "Allow Download" in Access Control

It's on by default for every new link.

Allow Download toggle, on (default)
3

Flip it off to make the link view-only

The download button disappears from the viewer for anyone who opens the link.

Allow Download toggle, off
4

Save your link

Click Create Link (or Save) at the bottom of the page like normal.

Good to know

  • This only removes the download button in the viewer — pair it with Screenshot Blocker for stronger protection.
  • You can flip this per link, so the same document can have one downloadable link and one view-only link.
  • Available on every plan, including Lite.