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Key Command/Shortcut to "Copy Dropbox Link" from Mac Finder.
I copy download links all day from the Mac Finder. It would be great to assign a key command so that you can highlight a file in your Dropbox via Mac Finder, and press a key command to copy the link ...
Update (2023-01-17)
I've moved the script to a repository and expanded on the instructions.
I wanted this now, so I wrote a Python script to get the URL from the command line and created an Automator QuickAction that calls the script with the selected file(s) in Finder:
Now, ^⌘L copies the Dropbox URL of any number of files selected in the Dropbox folder.
Yes, you have to put the script in a bin folder in your home directory. Follow the instructions in the comment below the script to get it set up.
Another alternative is to buy BetterTouchTool and assign the Trigger Context Menu Item action to a keyboard shortcut in Finder.
Gene_Parmesan I've been using your script for a few months now and it's such a game changer — thank you!! I've noticed two quirks that I thought I'd share, in case you see any obvious solutions:
- Running the script on a file that's still syncing to the Dropbox cloud sometimes returns the following API error: ApiError('540888ba9ce3415db11214e6da16949d', CreateSharedLinkError('path', LookupError('not_found', None))) I've noticed this happens more often with larger files (>500MB) What's interesting is that I can still use the finder contextual menu item "Create Dropbox Link" for the same file when the script isn't working.
- When the script is working, it runs quite slowly. It usually takes 4-5 seconds to copy the link to the clipboard, whereas using the contextual menu item copies a link almost instantly. Any thoughts on how to speed this up? Would you guess that it's a function of response time from the Dropbox API, or something happening locally?
In any case, grateful to you for putting this together!
thanks! I'll try this!
the thing is, I'm trying to find a way where I don't need to point my mouse at the file....only the keyboard highlight wold be enough...
I don't think it's possible to fix either problem, unfortunately dhermanq. If the API can't find the file to create a shared link with (presumably because it's not yet fully uploaded), then that error makes sense. As to why it works when using the contextual menu item, I have no idea. Perhaps they're using another method which is unavailable to the Dropbox Python API. And the speed thing is unfortunate, but kind of comes with the territory of Automator/AppleScript. 😞
And mbiaso you're right, I forgot that the BTT action uses the location of the cursor, not the Finder selection. You have to use Automator to get that, which means you're back using my script. So follow the setup instructions and hopefully it will work for you.
Hi Gene_Parmesan,
Migrate your code to use refresh token (together with the access one). Otherwise your script users will need access token update by hands quite often. Also cache the access token and wipe out all calls not related to the link receiving to speed up the process (every call - meaningful or not - takes time).
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