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GMoneyy's avatar
GMoneyy
Explorer | Level 4
3 years ago
Solved

Exclude folder from syncing - but KEEP on desktop

I can't seem to find an answer to this issue specifically. I have a folder within a folder that contains many files I do not want added to my dropbox. Attempting to use selective-sync, I went into my...
desktop
Mac
sync
  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    3 years ago

    Hi GMoneyy, thanks for messaging the Community!

     

    If you choose 'Get info' on the folder in question, you would get the full file path.

     

    That is where you would replace the example files path in the command line for Terminal.

     

    If you have any further queries, feel free to message back.

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

Hey irenesf, I'm afraid the only way I can think of is by using our ignore feature as outlined here which would require you to use the terminal.

 

I wish I had a better answer for you. 

irenesf's avatar
irenesf
Helpful | Level 5
3 years ago

Thank you Walter, but phooey!    Too bad adding a tilde ~ to the name of the folder does not indicate to DB that is is hands off!

 

Am I correct about putting it in one's HOME folder would work?

 

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

    HI irenesf, aside from using Terminal command, it wouldn't be possible to prevent files from automatically syncing to the Dropbox site.

     

    Regarding the shortcut, what exactly are you trying to achieve? Is this to access certain folders in Dropbox quickly via the desktop?

    • irenesf's avatar
      irenesf
      Helpful | Level 5
      3 years ago

      Many things are  needed urgently and often for a week or two. Then they are deleted. 
      No need to waste DB space on those items. .

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

        Thanks for the additional information and elaborating on your use-case irenesf 

         

        The best workaround we can suggest for the moment is the one which includes using the terminal as outlined here.

         

        You can also keep an eye out on this idea as the team is working on bringing folder selection for Dropbox Backup, in case this helps with what you had in mind. 

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