can I send a project board to a client and just give them viewing access and not editing access ?

[Rhythm Bhatt]

I want to create a project schedule. I wish to send the client the project board link just to allow them to view it and not allow them to edit it.

Can you do so in the Jira free plan? 

[Ben Finn]

You can add them as users and then edit their permissions so they only have view access to the issues but no edit or transition access. 

I would recommend creating a group for customers (you may need one group per customer) and then adding your customer to the group. Then add the group to the permission scheme only giving them "Browse Projects" permissions and no others. Please let me know if you need more detailed instructions. 

[Ben Finn]

Apologies. No this is not available for free users. Custom Permissions can only be done on a paid version.