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Mac App - Can't see files/folders in app, but can see in browser
I have the Mac dropbox app. I want to view files in the app without having them stored on my hard drive - but when I go into the app I don't see the files. However, I can see them when logged into ...
Hey lloydchrein, great questions you got there!
Correct. You sync the content locally, by checking the folders under the Selective Sync preferences.
Once the app is up to date, and the content is synced to the hard drive, you follow these steps to apply the Smart Sync settings.
In this Help Center article, you can see more regarding the Save hard drive automatically feature, and how the feature works.
Can you try, and let me know how it goes?
Cheers!
Walter
Dropbox Staff
Dropbox StaffYes, you're correct, Lloyd.
Un-checking folders in the selective sync settings would remove them from your computer to save up hard drive space, but you should be able to access those normally via the website.
Just to make sure I got it right though, could you send me a screenshot of how the content of your Dropbox folder looks like?
Specifically, I'd like to check the syncing icons on the folders you mentioned.
MeganDropbox Staff
Dropbox StaffHey lloydchrein, thank you for the screenshots!
Can you share your syncing status with me?
Also, if you have un-checked these particular folders under the selective sync settings, then they wouldn't sync on the app, hence why you may not be seeing them. Can you confirm if this is the case?
Cheers!
Can you share your syncing status with me?
Also, if you have un-checked these particular folders under the selective sync settings, then they wouldn't sync on the app, hence why you may not be seeing them. Can you confirm if this is the case?
Cheers!
Hi,
- Synching Status - it's all synched - doesn't show that anything remains to be synched.
- Selective Sync - yes, I did uncheck all in selective sync. I guess that's the crux of my question: When I choose items to selective sync, do they then save to my hard drive, and thereby take up space on the hard drive? Or do they just appear as available in the app/desktop folder, but are actually stored on Dropbox/online only? (I'm hoping it's the second option).
Thanks!
- MeganHey lloydchrein, thanks for getting back to me!
There you go, the Selective sync setting is the key here.
When you uncheck folders under the Selective Sync settings of the app, they aren't visible inside your Dropbox folder.
They remain visible on the website if you need them. You can have them accessible on your hard drive, but not to put a strain on your device's storage, by syncing them locally and then using Smart Sync.
Give me another shout if something comes up!
Thank you! Just so I'm totally clear on this....
In order to view files in the App or in the Dropbox folder on my computer HD:
- I use Selective Sync to select the files/folders that I want to view locally on my HD
- Then in Preferences > Sync, do I select the option to Save hard drive space automatically or select Let my admin manage this setting?
- And for the files and folders, do I set their Smart Sync setting to Local or Online Only?
