'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Share a Microsoft Sway Link That Opens in Design View
Question details
The user needs to share a Microsoft Sway presentation so that recipients view the final design rather than the backend editing interface.
- Product
- Microsoft Sway
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing a completed Sway presentation with an audience or stakeholders.
- Observed behavior
- The shared Sway link currently opens in Storyline view, exposing the editing backend instead of the finished Design view.
Ensure you have finished editing your presentation and are logged into the Microsoft account that has owner or editor permissions for the Sway.
Set Sharing Permissions to View-Only
Adjusting your sharing link permissions from 'Edit' to 'View' guarantees that recipients see the polished Design view.
When a Sway is shared with 'Edit' permissions, Microsoft automatically directs the recipient to the Storyline view so they can collaborate and make changes. By generating a 'View' link, you force the presentation to open in presentation mode.
Log in to Microsoft Sway and open the specific presentation you want to share.
Click the 'Share' button located in the top right corner of the Sway navigation bar.
Under the sharing options, select 'Anyone with a link' to ensure external recipients can access it without signing in.
Under the 'Invite people to' section, click the radio button for 'View'. Do not select 'Edit'.
Click the 'Copy link' icon next to the generated URL and share this specific link with your audience.
Create and Share Stunning Presentations with WPS Office
While Microsoft Sway offers unique web-based formatting, configuring permissions can sometimes be confusing. WPS Presentation provides a powerful, free, and lightweight alternative for creating professional slideshows. Enjoy full compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, a familiar interface, and straightforward sharing settings so your audience always sees exactly what you intend.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free software suite.
- 2. Create a Presentation: Open WPS Presentation to design your slides using rich formatting tools or built-in templates.
- 3. Share with Ease: Use the built-in Share button to generate a secure, view-only link for your audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Sway link open in Storyline view for others?
If you selected 'Edit' under the 'Invite people to' settings, Microsoft Sway assumes the recipient is a collaborator and automatically opens the presentation in the backend Storyline view.
How can I test what my audience will see before sending the link?
Copy your generated Sway link and open a new Incognito or InPrivate browsing window. Paste the link there to see exactly how the presentation appears to users who are not logged into your Microsoft account.
Can I change permissions after sharing a Sway link?
Yes. Go back to the Share menu in your Sway, click 'More options', and select 'Reset the Share settings'. This will revoke access to previously shared links, allowing you to generate a new View-only link.
