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

    Yes, that would be fine. Thank you!

    • Megan's avatar
      Megan
      Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
      4 years ago
      You should have received my email pablopaul!

      Let's see what we can find out about this. 

      Cheers!
      • enivrezvous's avatar
        enivrezvous
        New member | Level 2
        3 years ago

        Hi,

        I have the same issue, but I cannot see whether the issue in the thread was solved, and, if that was the case, how. Could you please enlighten me on how to fix this?

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