Direct download link to a BOX file

Hello ,

to download files you have the REST API: https://docs.box.com/v2.0/reference#download-a-file

https://api.box.com/2.0/files/FILE_ID/content

That would be the proper way to do it. But, the appuser has to have access to the file. The shared link will not be always available and I would not use it as the way to retrieve documents.

I hope that helps.

Regards

Thanks,

we know that we can download a file via API.

We would like to know if there is a general rule/algorithm to apply in order to build the complete HTTP link to a file in a BOX folder, for visualizing the files in BOX UI or downloading or managing the files acccording to the user grants on such file.

Another question: if the file owner create a shared link to a files and an expiration date is not set, could you confirm us that the created shared link will not expire?

Thanks, Antonio

can anyone help on this point ? 

thanks for your help its really slowing down our project ! 

thanks,

Fabio

Hello Antonio,

I would say that there is no a general rule. At least I am not aware of any. I mean, when you execute the api.box.com/2.0/files/${"fileID"}/content method that returns a temporary URL like the following one:

dl.boxcloud.com/d/1/uydh28ktI4yTOgpeh7jf5gSVcx-(...) jtlyu9fOIeYVhGhf2nL460paarA../download

So.. to download a document the only URL to be built is the one with the API. What I do not get is what do you try to do 🙂 I mean, the URL to be built using the rest services is pretty easy and it is the pattern that you are searching for (for what I understood).

The only reason to use the "Shared links" approach I understand is because you are using an "open security shared link". I understand that the app you have opens those links that do not need authentication. Am I right? That way you can bypass the authentication step.

Sorry for not being able to help further on that.

Thank you.

Vicenç

Is there a reason you can't programmatically generate the shared link?

Asif Kamboh has explained on his blog how to create a direct download link of box.com files with the help of pictures.