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MacOS 10.14 SmartSync files included in disk storage calculation
So I don't think I'm the first to ask this, but I don't see any real solutions, so here goes...
I have 2016 MacBook Pro 13" 250GB which is now showing storage issues.
For example, one of the docu...
Thanks for the swift and elaborate response thefc - most appreciated.
First off, thanks for using our BETA versions - I guess you've opted in "early releases" on your Dropbox account, right?
[Kindly note that as beta builds are still in the testing process, you could experience some issues or an inconsistent experience.]
Now, as per the matter at hand, from what I see in your last screenshot this specific file is physically taking up no space (i.e. this is what the "Zero bytes on disk" means). Read on for more context:
As there are various places to see the size of a file in Finder, it's good to know that some of these locations will display the logical size, others the physical size. A Smart Sync placeholder takes up approximately 0kb, this is the pysical size. The logical size of the file is the actual size of the file, if it were downloaded to the device (the size reported through your "Large File Report" is the physical size of the file).
To see both the logical and physical file size:
- Right click on a file/folder
- Select 'Get info'
- In the properties window you will see the original file size, followed by the actual on-disk size:For example:428,510 bytes (0 KB on disk)It is important to be able to view both sizes, not just to reassure you that the file is not taking up space, but also to understand the space and speed implications of returning the file(s).
In other views of Finder, the operating system will report the logical size. For this reason you shouldn't be concerned if it initially appears that the placeholder is taking up space. To confirm the file or folder is not taking up space, please check via the above steps. Files that are not taking up space on disk will have an icon overlay that changes from the usual green tick to the grey cloud icon, denoting that the file isn't locally present.
Please note that third party disk management software may not read the physical size of a Smart Sync placeholder, therefore that software may not correctly report disk usage.
I hope this inforrmation helps and please let me know if there's anything else I can do.
Walter
Dropbox Community Moderator
Dropbox Community ModeratorThanks for the swift and elaborate response thefc - most appreciated.
First off, thanks for using our BETA versions - I guess you've opted in "early releases" on your Dropbox account, right?
[Kindly note that as beta builds are still in the testing process, you could experience some issues or an inconsistent experience.]
Now, as per the matter at hand, from what I see in your last screenshot this specific file is physically taking up no space (i.e. this is what the "Zero bytes on disk" means). Read on for more context:
As there are various places to see the size of a file in Finder, it's good to know that some of these locations will display the logical size, others the physical size. A Smart Sync placeholder takes up approximately 0kb, this is the pysical size. The logical size of the file is the actual size of the file, if it were downloaded to the device (the size reported through your "Large File Report" is the physical size of the file).
To see both the logical and physical file size:
- Right click on a file/folder
- Select 'Get info'
- In the properties window you will see the original file size, followed by the actual on-disk size:
For example:428,510 bytes (0 KB on disk) It is important to be able to view both sizes, not just to reassure you that the file is not taking up space, but also to understand the space and speed implications of returning the file(s).
In other views of Finder, the operating system will report the logical size. For this reason you shouldn't be concerned if it initially appears that the placeholder is taking up space. To confirm the file or folder is not taking up space, please check via the above steps. Files that are not taking up space on disk will have an icon overlay that changes from the usual green tick to the grey cloud icon, denoting that the file isn't locally present.
Please note that third party disk management software may not read the physical size of a Smart Sync placeholder, therefore that software may not correctly report disk usage.
I hope this inforrmation helps and please let me know if there's anything else I can do.
Hi,
I'm bringing up this old post to point out that, in fact, this problem hasn't been solved yet.
As has been made clear in the above and below posts, most (if not all) applications actually only look at logical space files occupy. This means that, in practice, online-only syncing is useless.
In other words, what use is having an empty hard drive if every application (including those from Apple such as Boot Camp) still sees files as though they were never moved in the first place?
Maybe I'm getting this the wrong way so I'd love to stand corrected, but I don't think this problem has been solved.
Hi
I raised this a while ago and am a 'beta adopter' of the Dropbox system that is supposed to have resolved this - admittedly I only started using it last week.
Initial results looked OK and I did regain 10-15 GB of space, but now I have a new lump of storage referred to as 'Other' and like 'System' storage, I can't drill down to see what is in the 'Other' 102 GB.
So I too would like to know if there really is a solution or if I should just look at other solutions - perhaps not have Dropbox on my Mac or exclusively the projects I'm currently working on?
Look forward to others thoughts and experiences.
- Daphne
Hey peeps, hope you're both well today!
Would you mind letting me know if you've contacted the Support team to be opted in for "Zero Size Placeholder" beta as Walter mentioned previously?
This sets the logical size of the file to 0KB and so should resolve the issue you're having with not seeing the reduced space on your devices.
If so, please let me know the ticket numbers you have (eg. #1234567). If not, please make a ticket from here first to receive the ticket number.
Let me know - thanks!
Hey Daphne, Thanks for letting me know about the program. I just filed in ticket #10071196; please let me know if I can try that solution.
Thanks!
Still not working for me either. Everything is set for 'on line' only but still my Macbook shows 'out of space'. Incredible for all we pay!!
