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Andrew-RFLB's avatar
Andrew-RFLB
Helpful | Level 5
9 years ago
Solved

Smart Sync and Quick Preview on Mac

Smart Sync causes my quick preview function (spacebar) to not function properly on my Mac. I can't preview thumbnails, or quick preview any videos or photos. Any ideas why this happens?
desktop
Mac
Setting up the apps
  • Rich's avatar
    Rich
    9 years ago

    Likely because you're trying to preview a file that doesn't exist on your computer.

     

    When you set a file to Online Only, the only thing that's left of that file on your computer is the necessary information to make it appear in the folder. Since there's no content in the file, your OS (nor any other program) is able to preview it.

     

    Remember, when you set a file to Online Only, the file is removed from the computer leaving behind only a marker file. In order to access that file, whether it be to open and edit it or simply preview it, the file needs to be on the computer (Smart Sync doesn't allow you to open files directly from the Dropbox servers). When you open a file, it's synced back to your local drive and then opened as normal. When you're done with the file, if you want it to be online-only again, you need to mark it as such.

Lauri I.'s avatar
Lauri I.
Helpful | Level 6
8 years ago
Hey,

From the emaiI support I only got instructions how to take screenshots on mac and asked to describe the problem, which I have already done here.

Ewest: Re-installing of the dropbox client does not help so I personally do not recommend wasting time on that.
Sanchez's avatar
Sanchez
Icon for Dropbox Community Moderator rankDropbox Community Moderator
8 years ago
Hey again, Lauri I., 

I’ve asked our agent to reach back out to you about this. They’ll be in touch as soon as possible. 

Thanks! 
  • Norah's avatar
    Norah
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    8 years ago
     
    Hey Lauri I., I have reached out to you once more! :upside_down:
     
    I understand the procedure can be frustrating,however, in order to have a better understanding on why you are experiencing this issue I will need you to provide me with all the details requested.
     
    Thank you for your time and cooperation!

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