The Viewer role in Zoho WorkDrive provides read-only access to files and folders. A user with Viewer permission can open and read any file in the folder but cannot edit content, leave comments, rename files, move items, or delete anything. It is the most restrictive access level for users who are members of a Team Folder.
Viewer access is appropriate for team members who need visibility into a project’s files for reference purposes but should not make any changes. Examples include senior management reviewing project documentation, cross-functional team members who need to read a department’s standard operating procedures, or new employees who are in an orientation phase and should not modify established files.
The Viewer role is assigned to named users who are members of the WorkDrive team. Public share links (external shares) also grant view-only access to recipients who do not have a WorkDrive account. The difference is that named Viewer users are tracked in the audit log and account activity, while anonymous external link recipients are not identified individually.
By default, Viewers can download files unless the folder Owner has enabled the download restriction setting. Zoho WorkDrive allows Owners and Admins to turn off download permissions for Viewers and Commenters, ensuring sensitive files can be reviewed on screen but cannot be saved to a personal device.
Yes. Folder Owners and Admins can change an existing member’s permission level from Viewer to any higher role (Commenter, Editor, or Owner) directly from the folder’s member management panel. The change takes effect immediately without requiring the user to leave and rejoin the folder.
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