Shared folders are an important feature in file-sharing applications as they allow multiple users to collaborate on the same set of files. Dropbox is one such popular file-sharing service that provides shared folders functionality. However, one limitation of Dropbox is that it doesn't allow sharing folders in a read-only mode. This means that all shared folder members have the ability to modify and delete files within the shared folder.

In some scenarios, it can be desirable to have read-only access to shared folders, especially when you want to share files for reference or viewing purposes only, without the risk of accidental deletion or modification.

To overcome this limitation, we can use a combination of Dropbox and an email client called MailBrother to simulate read-only shared folders.

Step 1: Create a Dropbox Shared Folder

First, create a shared folder in Dropbox with the files you want to share. This folder will serve as the source for our read-only shared folder simulation.

Step 2: Set folder permissions in Dropbox

To restrict editing capabilities for shared folder members, you need to set the folder permissions to "Can view" in Dropbox. This can be done by right-clicking on the shared folder, selecting "Share," then clicking on "Folder settings." Under the "Sharing" tab, choose "Can view" from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Set up MailBrother

MailBrother is a powerful email client that can sync with your Dropbox account. It allows you to send emails with Dropbox links as attachments, providing read-only access to the shared files. Download and install MailBrother on your computer.

Step 4: Compose an Email with Shared Folder Link

In MailBrother, compose a new email and attach the Dropbox shared folder link by clicking on the Dropbox icon in the toolbar. Select the shared folder and choose the "Link" option. This will generate a read-only link to the shared folder, which you can now send to the recipients.

Step 5: Recipients Access Shared Folder via Email

When the recipients receive the email, they can click on the shared folder link to access its contents. Since the folder is set to "Can view" in Dropbox, they will only have read-only access, preventing any accidental modifications or deletions.

By using MailBrother to send Dropbox shared folder links as email attachments, you can simulate read-only shared folders with Dropbox. This is an effective workaround that allows you to share files while maintaining control over their editing capabilities.

Note that this method doesn't provide real-time collaboration features like simultaneous editing, but it ensures that the shared folder remains read-only for all recipients.