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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 documents in the Large File report shows a PSD file at 827MB - this file is an 'online-only' file. Looking at it in Finder and requesting the File Info and sure enough, Finder reports it as 827MB. EVERY Dropbox folder with 'online-only' content is included in the physical storage report to the point where I have to exclude folders in my sync preferences as the only way to free space - not what I thought this feature was supposed to deliver in user experience?
So what do I have to do to 'free' space in a way my Mac can really use?
FYI this is not a recent file waiting for some sort of memory snap-shot to exclude.
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.
22 Replies
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- Daphne
Dropbox Community Moderator
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!
- Daphne
Hey mbac!
I just located that ticket and can see a colleague of mine has already sent your case to our specialists to opt you in.
For the moment, please just keep an eye on your inbox for any further info the team might get back to you with.
If there's anything I can assist with in the meantime, don't hesitate to give me a nudge.
Hope you have a great day!
Hi. So is there any solution yet? I see the difference between logical and physical size. But that still is not enough. The Mac still donĀ“t see the difference between those two. And I donĀ“t think You can say that this is a Mac issue. OneDrive has solved this, and it works. So I will have to convert to OneDrive if this will not be fixed soon. Please fix it.
Wow, one hour ago, I'm so glad people are still talking about this. By now I think dropbo would have solved this, and not in BETA. I love dropbox, and have been a paying customer since 2010, but they really need to fix this, I have music and a lot of other things I create taking up massive space on my hard drive!
- Daphne
Thanks for joining the discussion here tgev and Michele K.6!
Are your files showing that they're online only in your Finder with the grey cloud icon, but your Mac storage is still showing the original size of your files?
If you right click an "online only" file and choose "Get Info", do you see what the "Size on disk" is reporting?
Should you see the "Size on disk" reporting a decreased size, then I would suggest checking out this post here with some more info on how this can be resolved.
If you're seeing something different then please feel free to get back to me with some screenshots and I'd be happy to investigate further with you.
Let me know what you find!
Hi Daphne. In File info it says that my dropbox folder is 40,7 MB size, but in the info on top of the file info it says that the file is taking 114,53 GB space on my harddrive. IĀ“ll attach two screenshots so You can see for yourself. All but one of my files are online only. You need to find a solution to this now. Or I will have to move my business to Onedrive.
Best wishes
TommyEdited by moderatorEdited by moderator
Hi Daphne!
That did the trick! Thank You so much, and keep up the good work:-)
Best wishes
Tommy
- Daphne
