Having to first open cloud stored files in finder before attaching or using them.

Hey knic024 - sorry to hear you're having issues with this.

When you say cloud stored files, are you referring to online only files perhaps and the requirement to make them available offline to your computers before attaching or using them?  

What happens exactly when trying to attach them or work on them via 3rd party apps? Are they giving you any particular errors? 

Also, are you seeing these sync icons or these ones perhaps?

Let us know more and we'll take it from there. 

Thanks Walter. Yes I am referring to online only files.

As an example I just tried placing an online file directly into adobe indesign and got a error message that said 'import failed'. But when I opened it first in finder, waited till the icon turned green and then placed it into indesign it works fine. This just means so many of our daily actions become a 2-step process. Hope theres a solution.

Hey knic024, sorry to jump in.

You mentioned that this happened recently; did something happen, like an OS update or a Dropbox update before you noticed this?

Have you updated your Dropbox app to the new Dropbox for macOS version?

To find out, check the "sync" tab in your preferences; if the Dropbox folder is in ~/Library/CloudStorage, you will be on the new version.

Hi Hannah, On following your advice I see in the preferences a note "you are not eligible for the updated Dropbox for macOS on File Provider at this time". 

Even though I'm on a 13.4 OS??

Do you happen to have stored your Dropbox folder on an external drive perhaps knic024? 

If so, it's normal that you're not eligible for this update. 

If you're an admin of the team, you can also take a look here. 

I hope this helps a tad. 

Thanks Walter. I am admin so have gone and set that toggle to on and saved. It hasn't yet made a change to the previous setting notification?

Hey knic024, is your Dropbox folder currently on your internal or an external drive?

internal. Thanks.

Hi knic024, thanks for the information. It's possible that some other reason is preventing the ability to upgrade to the newer version of the Dropbox desktop application.

Regarding your original query, if files are online-only, then it could be a recent change with Adobe which requires files to local first in order to open and edit those files.