Sharing
View-Only vs Editable Note Links
Choose whether a shared ThrowNotes link should be read-only or editable before you send it—and avoid the usual permission mistakes.
Written and reviewed by ThrowNotes Editorial Team. Published July 12, 2026. Updated July 16, 2026.
The permission choice matters more than the URL
Once someone has the link, the real question is what they can do with it. View-only means they can read and copy. Editable means they can change the same note you are looking at.
Pick that up front. Changing your mind later is harder once the link is already circulating.
Use view-only when
- You are handing off a finished checklist or draft.
- You do not want accidental edits.
- Several people may open the link, but only you should write.
- The note is temporary and mainly for reading.
Use editable when
- You are co-writing the same text.
- The other person needs to fix or add lines.
- A back-and-forth in chat would be messier than one shared note.
A few habits that save headaches
If the link might get forwarded, add a password—even on view-only notes. If the note is only for you across devices, skip sharing and use an account room after login.
And keep secrets out of either mode. A permission setting is not encryption.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between view-only and editable links?
View-only lets people read and copy the note; editable lets them change the same note you are working in.
Can I change the permission after sharing?
It is best decided up front. Changing it is harder once the link is already circulating.
Should I add a password to a view-only link?
Yes, if it might be forwarded. A permission setting is not encryption, so a password adds a useful extra step.