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Forum Discussion

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.

TangoDB's avatar
TangoDB
Explorer | Level 4
8 years ago

Hi Jane, 

Thank you for your prompt reply, most appreciated. I am more concern with other local disk file preview than the Sync Dropbox file. I know you cannot preview files that is not sync down to the local drive. 

I will hold the upgrade till this is resolved. Thank you and appreciate if you would let me know once it's resolved so I can upgrade to Pro. Cheers

Jane's avatar
Jane
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
8 years ago
As an initial point of reference, you may refer back on the client changelog posted here when it comes to the most recent changes in our desktop app, though I’ve also made a note of your request & I’ll circle back here if I have an update on the progress. 
 
Happy Dropboxing ahead & thanks for taking the time to share your interest on our Forum; please don’t hesitate to get back in touch at any time in case you need assistance or you have more questions. Until we talk again, take care & have a wonderful rest of your day!

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