If you're running low on space on your computer, you can use Dropbox to save some room by making some files online only. This way, you can still access them from anywhere, but they won't be taking up space on your device.
To start, you'll need to select the files you want to make online only. You can do this by checking the boxes next to the files in your Dropbox folder, or by selecting them all at once using the "Select all" option.
Once you've selected the files, you'll need to right-click on them and choose "Make online only" from the dropdown menu. This will move the files to the Dropbox cloud, freeing up space on your computer.
Understanding Dropbox Options
Dropbox offers various options to manage your files online, making it easy to access and share your content from anywhere.
You can choose to sync your files to your device, but if you only want to access them online, you can use the Dropbox website or mobile app.
The Dropbox website allows you to upload and download files, as well as view and edit shared files.
To access your Dropbox files online, you'll need to log in to your account on the Dropbox website.
Dropbox provides 2GB of free storage space, which can be increased by referring friends or upgrading to a paid plan.
Making Files Online-Only
To make files online-only with Dropbox, you can use the Smart Sync feature, which is available to customers who have subscribed to one of the paying tiers of the service, including Plus, Professional, or any of the business tiers.
Smart Sync is a handy feature to use for a number of reasons, including improving performance, moving old files, and tracking shared files.
You can start by clicking the Dropbox icon in the system tray or menu bar, followed by clicking on the folder icon in the upper right corner of the menu. Then, find the file or folder that you want to make online-only with Smart Sync.
To make a file online-only, right-click on the file or folder and select Smart Sync, followed by Online Only.
Alternatively, you can use the Dropbox website to make files online-only. Access your Dropbox account at https://www.dropbox.com/, find the files or folders you want to make online-only, and select Online Only from the dropdown menu.
You can also set default values for all files you newly add to Dropbox by clicking on the down menu in the New File section and selecting Online Only.
If you want to have Smart Sync automatically determine which files will become online-only, you can set up this feature by clicking on your avatar, then Preferences, followed by the Sync tab, and turning on Save Hard Drive Space Automatically.
If you want to make newly added files online-only, you can click on your avatar, then Preferences, followed by the Sync tab, and select Online Only from the dropdown menu next to Files Added on Web Default.
To use the Dropbox site to make files online-only, access your Dropbox account, find the files or folders you want to make online-only, select them, and then select Online Only from the dropdown menu.
Here are the steps to make files online-only through the Dropbox website:
1. Access your Dropbox account at https://www.dropbox.com/
2. Find the files or folders you want to make online-only
3. Select the files or folders
4. Select Online Only from the dropdown menu
5. Click on "Create online only" to verify the selection
Note: If you want to create multiple files or folders at once online-only, select all before clicking the gear icon and proceeding with steps 4-6.
Using Dropbox Selectively
To use Dropbox selectively, you can choose to use either Smart Sync or Selective Sync, both of which allow you to move files to online-only storage.
Smart Sync is available to customers who have subscribed to one of the paying tiers of the service, including Plus, Professional, or any of the business tiers (Standard, Advanced, or Enterprise).
To use Smart Sync, you can right-click on a file or folder and select Smart Sync, then click Online Only. This will change the folder to an "online only" status and remove any local copies from your computer.
You can also use the Dropbox app to select the files you want to move to online-only storage. To do this, click the Dropbox icon in the system tray, then click on the folder icon in the upper right corner of the menu that pops up.
With Selective Sync, you'll place the files you want to move off your hard drive in a specific folder, and Dropbox Selective Sync takes care of moving the files to the cloud.
Here's a comparison of the two options:
If you want to use Selective Sync, you can follow these steps: right-click on the Dropbox icon in your notification area, click your avatar icon, then click Preferences. From there, click the Sync tab and select the Selective Sync button.
Potential Drawbacks and Solutions
If you're considering using Dropbox Smart Sync, it's essential to be aware of its potential drawbacks.
Having an internet connection is a must with Smart Sync, as you won't be able to access your files without it. This may not be a concern for most users, but it's worth noting.
A damaged Dropbox.exe file can also cause issues with Smart Sync, leading to a loss of access to your online-only files. It's crucial to keep your Dropbox.exe file in good condition.
Deciding which files to move to online-only status with Smart Sync can be time-consuming. You may want to consider allowing Smart Sync to automatically make the choices for you, but be cautious, as this can lead to issues with files you'd prefer to keep locally stored.
Certain software may force a download of files you've moved to online-only status, even if you don't want them to. This can be frustrating and may require you to adjust your software settings.
To minimize potential issues with Smart Sync, it's a good idea to regularly review your file selection and adjust as needed. This can help prevent software incompatibilities and other problems.
Here are some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Internet connection required
- Damaged Dropbox.exe file
- Picking the right files
- Software incompatibilities
Managing Dropbox Files
To make a file or folder online only, start by clicking the Dropbox icon in the system tray in Windows or in the menu bar on a Mac computer, followed by clicking on the folder icon in the upper right corner of the menu that pops up from the system tray.
You can also use Dropbox Smart Sync to select individual files for online only access. Right-click on the file or folder, left-click on Smart Sync, followed by Online Only.
To save local storage space, you can make your Dropbox files online only. This will reduce the amount of space taken up on your computer or mobile device.
By storing your data online only, you can prevent data loss or unauthorized access in case your device is lost or stolen.
Here are some reasons why you might want to make your Dropbox files online only:
- Save local storage space: By storing your data online only, you can reduce significant space on your computer or mobile device.
- Enhanced security: Files that are only accessible online may help prevent data loss or unauthorized access in case your device is lost or stolen.
- Access from anywhere: If you can access your Dropbox files from any Internet-connected device, you will have more flexibility and convenience when you need those files.
- Sharing: Online file sharing can guarantee every user has access to the most recent version without taking up extra space on their local disks.
- Direct sync: Dropbox eliminates the need for manual file version management by storing your files online and enabling seamless device syncing.
- Robust Workflow: To fully utilize Dropbox's capability, use online files to enhance performance and streamline work procedures.
- Automatic backup: Only your online files can be automatically backed up to the cloud to prevent data loss.
To set default values for all files you newly add to Dropbox, click on the "New File" section and select "Online Only" from the down menu.
Getting Started with Dropbox
To get started with Dropbox, you'll need to create an account. This can be done by going to the Dropbox website and clicking on the "Sign up" button.
Dropbox offers a free plan that includes 2GB of storage space, which is a great starting point for most users. You can also sign up using your Facebook or Google account.
Once you've created your account, you can download the Dropbox app on your computer or mobile device. This will allow you to access your files from anywhere.
Dropbox is accessible from any device with an internet connection, making it easy to access your files on the go.
Sources
- https://nira.com/dropbox-smart-sync/
- https://csuf.screenstepslive.com/m/56871/l/768184-smart-sync-on-dropbox
- https://www.cbackup.com/articles/dropbox-files-online-only.html
- https://www.multcloud.com/explore/how-to-make-dropbox-files-online-only-2223-ac.html
- https://www.wikihow.tech/Keep-Files-Only-Online-on-Dropbox-on-PC-or-Mac
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