File search issues with beta for Mac

Hi dr_chicken,

There are a few reasons why you may be experiencing issues when searching for files within Dropbox using Spotlight.

Following the update where the Dropbox folder was moved to ~/Library/CloudStorage, Spotlight sometimes does not re-index the folder until after it is opened for the first time. 

Could you try opening the Dropbox folder in Finder (it should be under Locations in the left sidebar), and then allow a little time for indexing to take place before retrying Spotlight search?

Another reason is that the Spotlight index may need to be rebuilt (you can check the steps in this article on how to do this). The article mentions the ‘Documents’ folder but you need to use the Dropbox folder instead.

If none of the above steps help, don’t hesitate to ping me!

Hey There!

I've also run in to this issue since upgrading to Dropbox Beta. I noticed it first with Alfred app which I use a lot to find a manipulate files and folders on my system. Since Dropbox moved my files on the recent beta, Alfred can not find any files even though they are searchable by spotlight and are offline files.  I have made sure that Alfred has access to the folders, etc, but to no avail. 

You can see the thread over on Alfred's forum: https://www.alfredforum.com/topic/18184-alfred-cannot-find-files-after-installing-dropbox-beta-for-cloudstorage-intel/#comment-100100

Thanks, Nancy. I left the Dropbox folder open for hours and then followed the Spotlight reindexing steps. It's been a day reindexing and it's still unreliable. Occasionally there's a file/folder that will show up with a normal icon and work but most show up with the Dropbox logo and won't open. 😞

I have the same issue. 

The thing is, the file in the Dropbox folder is shown in Spotlight search, but not in Alfred search. 

Just to reup this, I've still got this issue too. I have to search in finder to be able to find files in my Dropbox folder.

Hi BrandonCho, thanks for posting here.

Can you let me know what’s the app version of your Dropbox app, as well as its current syncing status?

I’m sorry to hear you’re still having trouble with this, dr_chicken. Is it OK if I log a ticket for you, so that we can check this internally?

Hi again, dr_chicken! I’ve just logged a ticket for you, so please reply back to it, when possible.

I also have this exact issue and it appeared ONLY after the Dropbox beta moved everything to the new folder within */CloudStorage. 

I've actually considered migrating away from Dropbox due to this issue as it majorly limits its usefulness as I'm forced to search for my filed within Dropbox - which proceeds to open them within the web browser. 

I confirmed even with all files kept too "offline" that you are unable to search with spotlight, Alfred or any other application other that the Dropbox app. 

I had this issue, and this process worked for me

Open Alfred's preferences and navigate to the following configuration:

Features > Default Results > Search Scope

Perform the following actions:

1. Untick macOS Applications Folder
2. Untick Folders in Home (ignoring the warning)
3. Remove all scope folders by clicking a folder, pressing ⌘A to select all of the folders, then pressing backspace, or the - button below the folder list.