A direct link is a web address (URL) that lets you link directly to a file. This is different from a regular web link, which rather than going to the file directly, takes a person to a page (hosted by Box.net) where they can click to download the file.

Direct links end with the file's extension type. So, if you are linking to a Microsoft Word document, a direct link will end with *.doc. When a user clicks on the link, the file will either open in Microsoft Word or download to that user's computer.

To send a user a file without having them see Box.net, a direct link is best. To host an image on your website, you will also need a direct link. A link to a folder will always be a web address (not direct link).

You can get a direct link by right-clicking on a file in the 'My Files' tab and selecting 'Link to this file'. Direct linking is a pay-user feature only. If you wish to have this available, please upgrade your account.

To create a direct link, right-click on a file or folder and select 'Link to this file'.  The top link is the public address, which lands on a Box.net page, the Direct link below it goes straight to the file.