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.

Smart Sync and Quick Preview on Mac | The Dropbox Community

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User4759
Helpful | Level 6
7 years ago
What does "completely closed" mean? As Support instructed, I clicked the DropBox icon, clicked the gear, clicked "Quit Dropbox." And yet, I could still access files which were stored on DropBox only via SmartSync. If I completely closed out of DropBox, shouldn't I be unable to see those files?
Jane
Dropbox Staff
7 years ago
Sure, let me clarify in a bit more detail below User4759!

Once you “Quit Dropbox”, the application is no longer actively running on your device, hence it’s a valid troubleshooting steps for us, so as to determine whether it’s affecting any other functionality.

Your folderstructure remains intact on your device though & you can access your files normally regardless, as the Dropbox folder that remains on this device is merely a regular folder on your computer.

I hope this sheds some more light on your query User4759 & I’m wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead!
User4759
Helpful | Level 6
7 years ago
So, even though I only have those filed stored online, not locally, I can still access them locally with DropBox turned off? I'm use SmartSync so I don't have to keep so many files on my limited hard drive. It doesn't make sense that I'd be able to access them if DropBox was truly deactivated. Plus, I'm not talking about the Dropbox folder. I'm talking about other folders that have SmartSync set to store the files online only. You're saying I should be able to see them without Dropbox being active on my computer?
Jane
Dropbox Staff
7 years ago
If your files are set to “Online-only” (☁️) on your device, you shouldn’t be able to access them locally once you disconnect your Dropbox account from your desktop (though this should apply only to the files inside your Dropbox folder).

As per Rod2’s description on the previous page though, it was my understanding that we were discussing that Smart Synced files are set to local & after doing so, you’re still unable to use the Quick Preview. Am I right or are you seeing something else User4759? If so (namely your files are available locally), then Quitting the Dropbox application should be a a valid troubleshooting step.

Of course, I could happily analyze all the above in more detail in case you have more questions, so please do keep me updated if you’d like me to here to explain any of the above more. Happy Monday!
AlyssaP
New member | Level 2
7 years ago
I am having the same issue as the above posters. I just installed Dropbox the other day (after upgrading to High Sierra). Now, none of my files can be previewed in Finder. When I relaunch Finder, previews will show again for a few minutes, but then the same issue happens again and I can't preview files anymore. I have tried turning off Smart Sync and online-only settings, but it hasn't worked. How do I turn off the online-only setting so that all of my files can be downloaded and previewed in Finder?
jefflandon
Helpful | Level 5
7 years ago
I am having this same issue. Previews sporadically working on High Sierra. Having to Force close Finder just to get it working for a few moments. This absolutely is a bug that needs to be fixed. They will of course not admit that.

So far my Dropbox customer service experience has been terrible. It took them 7 days to allow me to upgrade my plus account to pro. I am now experiencing these issues and I will not hold my breath about Dropbox caring in the least bit. I think each person simply has to decide if they can live with this arrangement.
Jane
Dropbox Staff
7 years ago
Hey AlyssaP & jefflandon, apologies for the slight delay in reaching back out to you, let me follow-up on your requests & we’ll take it from there.

Just so as to make sure I’m analyzing the issue you’re facing correctly, can you confirm whether you’re experiencing the issue described by Rod2 here?

Based on your description AlyssaP, you’re having an issue opting out of system extensions, in order to disable Smart Sync. Assuming that you’re not a team admin, can you please make sure you’re following the steps listed here:

#1. Go to your Account tab online.

#2. Scroll to Dropbox system extension & toggle this setting to off.

In case you can’t do so or you experience any difficulties in any way, can you please let me know here?

Following, when it comes to your inquiry jefflandon, I understand that your previous experience may haven’t been ideal, though I’m here to focus on the matter as closely as I can. If it’s not too much trouble for you, can you let me know whether you’ve followed any of the suggestions we’ve posted above?

Of course, once I have this info, I’ll make sure to get back in touch in a bit more detail on this conversation. Thanks again & I hope you both have a wonderful week ahead!
Lauri I.
Helpful | Level 6
7 years ago
Anyone tried is the same problem also in the latest Mojave betas?

Mojave is coming out today and as always I'm really afraid of upgrading because of dropbox and how well it will work with the new OS.
Lauri I.
Helpful | Level 6
7 years ago
Just as I feared, the problem is actually much worse in Mojave. We did a clean install of Mojave for two new Macbook Pro's and the quick preview stopped working completely after using dropbox for a while.
The only new thing is that force quitting finder no longer fixes the issue temporarily. Rebooting does not fix it either. Great stuff!
DO NOT UPDATE TO MOJAVE YET IF YOU WANT TO USE QUICK PREVIEW IN FINDER
Leahlc
Helpful | Level 6
7 years ago
Has anyone here considered switching to Box.com, or already using Box and not having any of these issues? I use to be on Box through my previous job and never had issues like this. Im nearing desperate to move on from this issue as I have to look through tons of photos a day and this is really hindering my productivity.

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Smart Sync and Quick Preview on Mac

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