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jb43's avatar
jb43
Helpful | Level 6
3 years ago
Solved

Edit a text (*.txt) file in Chrome browser

Hi there,

 

I'm struggling to edit a TXT file in Chrome browser on Dropbox. I'm sure I've done it with a .docx file before. 

When I search for this feature, Google returns results asking for it back to 2012, but there's nothing recently, the feature requests such as this one have been closed, so I'm assuming I'm having an issue with my account. Especially since Dropbox is pushing Family plans, signature, and other feature way more complex and less universal as a simple TXT editor. I've been using link removed it has looked the same for years and works fine, but I find it extra weird that a giant company like Dropbox doesn't have a similar feature.

 

How do you usually edit a TXT file in the browser? I only have a few lines to add/remove, when I'm on a machine without the Dropbox app/daemon installed, and don't want to leave any file traces on that machine.

 

See my environment in Chrome on a Macbook air, as a Dropbox Plus paying client. On TXT files, I have an "Open in" Menu, but the arrow only opens a 2px high line. This is definitely not expected behavior, as if the submenu was empty, it should not appear with an arrow in the first place. What could I be I missing here?

 

 

 

Dropbox Plus
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  • Hannah C's avatar
    Hannah C
    2 years ago

    Hi jb43 

     

    I know it's been a while since the request, but we are excited to share that Dropbox now supports text file editing on web. See this post for more information.

     

    We appreciate your patience and please let me know if you have any other questions or feedback.

     

    Thanks!

    Hannah

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  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    3 years ago

    Hi L0, I've merged your post to this thread to keep similar feedback together.

     

    Currently, we have no new information regarding the implementation of a text editor on the website.

  • L0's avatar
    L0
    Explorer | Level 4
    3 years ago

    Hi Jay

    thank you for the useless update to merge/close a post as all of the Dropbox team has done since 2012 for this request.

    Have a nice day and I hope to not come back.

  • Mark's avatar
    Mark
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II
    3 years ago
    Jay wrote:

    Hi L0, I've merged your post to this thread to keep similar feedback together.

     

    Out of interest Jay why? Why are some posts merged and others not allowed to be merged? It seems to me like there is no rational to this (or rather its a way of hiding well requested updates). 

  • L0's avatar
    L0
    Explorer | Level 4
    3 years ago

    > Update: When changing my default application for TXT from Notepad to Notepad++, it also updates that menu on the Dropbox website.

    That's very good news (FROM: jb43 DATED: February on this post)

     

    Hi all, there is some way to let work the WORKAROUND with notapad++?

    Installed Chrome, installed Notepad++, set Notepad++ as the default .txt editor, open Dropbox in Chrome, doesn't appear that menu on the Dropbox website.

     

    # INFO

    OS used: Windows 10 Pro(x64) - 22H2

    Chrome: 112.0.5615.50 (64-bit)

    Notepad++:  v8.5

  • dick6jane's avatar
    dick6jane
    New member | Level 2
    3 years ago

    In other words, is it possible to update text in a way that the file retains the same URL? Thanks.

  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    3 years ago

    Hey dick6jane, welcome to our Community!

     

    You can't directly edit a text file in Dropbox and keep the same URL. You need to download the file to your computer, edit it in a text editor and then re-upload it to your account.

     

    If you have any other questions, let me know! 

  • dick6jane's avatar
    dick6jane
    New member | Level 2
    3 years ago

    Megan,

    Am I right that the new file would generate a different URL?

  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
    3 years ago

    Yes dick6jane. 

     

    The newly uploaded file wouldn't be linked to the initial one. 

  • Roxx13's avatar
    Roxx13
    New member | Level 2
    3 years ago

    I was wondering also if i could edit a text file online in the Cloud....apparently this is not possible without downloading it, editing it and syncing it back online....would love to see a better solution to this problem....:)

  • AngeliqueL's avatar
    AngeliqueL
    Icon for Dropbox Designer rankDropbox Designer
    3 years ago

    Hi jb43 Roxx13 dick6jane L0, I'm on the design team here at Dropbox. We do have a TXT editor on our mobile app. If you install that on your phone or other mobile device, bring up a TXT file and in the lower left (on iPhone) you'll see a icon that looks like cursor. Tap that to edit the file. I hope that helps! Angelique

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