Forum Discussion

pablopaul's avatar
pablopaul
Explorer | Level 4
4 years ago

Move online only files and folders within my Dropbox folder without downloading them

I would like to understand why, when moving or copying "online only" files and folders between folders in my Dropbox account, that it must download them to my computer first. Using the Dropbox deskto...
desktop
Download
sync
Jay's avatar
Jay
Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
4 years ago
Hi pablopaul, thanks for messaging the Community!

In general, if files are online-only, dragging them from one folder to another wouldn't force them to download to your computer first.

Are you copying and pasting files, or dragging them within Explorer/Finder?

This will help me to assist further!
pablopaul's avatar
pablopaul
Explorer | Level 4
4 years ago
I am using a Finder window when dragging files from one Dropbox folder to the other, but why does this force a download of those files to my device first?
  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    4 years ago
    Hey there, pablopaul, how are you today? 

    That sounds interesting indeed. Does that happen with all of your online-only files? 

    Can you check the version of the app that you have installed on your device? You can do this by hovering your mouse over the little Dropbox icon next to your WiFi. 

    Thanks!
    • pablopaul's avatar
      pablopaul
      Explorer | Level 4
      4 years ago

      I am using Dropbox version 142.4.4197

       

      I have had this issue with Smart Sync since I signed up for it a couple years ago, so I don't think it is related to the Dropbox version or Mac OS. I think this is an issue with the Finder requiring that a file must be present locally in order for it to be moved from one folder to another, even if our intent is to move the file from one location to another remotely (i.e. online only on the Dropbox servers). It should simply be a matter of updating the pointers in the Mac file management system, but apparently that is not how the Finder works.

       

      Is this an issue Dropbox developers are aware of and can possibly fix?

      • Megan's avatar
        Megan
        Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
        4 years ago
        Hi pablopaul!

        Thanks for all the additional information! Would it be okay for me to reach out via email in order for us to have a look? 

        Let me know.

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