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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?
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.
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I have hit and miss performance with previewing cloud files in Finder. It looks like it works alright in the new Dropbox App. I'm guessing that is what the official solution will be to this problem.
I need an answer to this.
- Walter
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hi all!
If this is not too much to ask, could all the affected users log a ticket with our team providing all the relevant information so we can assist further (while being able to drill into your account specifics)?
Thank you all for your cooperation and patience on this matter.
PS: You can submit a ticket through this page directly:
I am having the same problem in august 2020
- Walter
Hi jgalindo; thanks for joining our Community and thanks for using Dropbox!
Just to make sure we're on the same page, can you please let us know some additional information so we can advise further?
Are the files that are showing this behavior set to be 'Online Only' via the Smart Sync feature perhaps? Do the previews come back when you right (or control) click on them and set them to be 'Local' again?
Any additional information will be much appreciated. Hi, no they are not set to online, they are normal, thats why I dont understand why.
