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vladgasan
Dropbox Product Manager
Dropbox Product ManagerCut the Clutter: Ignore Files Feature is now live
Update: This feature is now live and available to all individual plan customers! Thank you to all our testers, and share your feedback with the team, we're still eager to hear from you!
For years you’ve asked for a simple way to exclude files and folders from sync without using selective sync feature. We’re testing a new way to give you more control over what Dropbox syncs and what it doesn’t. If you’ve ever wanted to keep certain files or folders on your device without syncing them to dropbox.com, this feature is for you.
🤔 What is it?
Ignore Files lets you list exclusion rules in a special text file called rules.dropboxignore placed in your Dropbox root folder. Any file or folder that matches a rule will stay on your computer but will not sync to dropbox.com or count against your storage
👀 Who we’re looking for
- Desktop Dropbox users on Windows, macOS, or Linux
- People who regularly deal with temporary or bulky content, e.g.
- Software Engineers
- Video / audio / 3D creators
- Anyone who hates seeing clutter in their cloud storage
- Someone who is comfortable trying a closed beta feature and sharing honest feedback
🗓️ How the closed beta works
Here’s what to expect if you join the beta for Ignore Files:
- Register - Fill out the form here → [Sign-up link]
- Confirm: Eligible participants will receive an email to confirm their participation, along with the timeline details.
- Get Set Up - Make sure you have Dropbox app installed on your computer
- We’ll Enable It - We’ll activate Ignore Files feature for you.
- Try It Out - Use Dropbox as usual for 1 week, ignoring files and folders as needed.
- Share Your Thoughts - At the end of the week, we’ll send a quick survey. You can also opt into a 30-minute feedback chat (optional, limited spots available!)
✍️ Want in?
- Fill out the quick screener here by date → [Sign-up link]
- Keep an eye on your inbox - we’ll be in touch if you’re selected
Thanks so much for helping us improve Dropbox. We’re excited to hear what you think!
Got questions? Just drop them in the thread below. 💬
50 Replies
- Dell_Dropbox
Community Manager
cyenx, thanks for hanging in there, I completely understand the frustration with the wait.
The Ignore Files feature should now be available for all Beta users.I'm following up to see if you if you ever got enrolled in Early Access.
If not, if you're interested I'll email you with instructions to help with access issues.
Another week has passed — the wait is really too long. I've already seen people on other forums using versions that have the Ignore Files feature.
- Rich
Super User II
Forget about it — it's been eighteen days since I first submitted it, and there's been no response
Be patient. Dropbox moves slowly with things like this. When they're ready to start testing, they'll let you know.
Forget about it — it's been eighteen days since I first submitted it, and there's been no response
I really, really need this feature, and I’m willing to explore it in depth and provide active feedback. I’ve already submitted my application. May I also join the testing program?
- Dell_Dropbox
cyenx apologies for the delay, and I appreciate your understanding while I looked into this.
It looks like you'll be the last one who makes it into the beta. Please give the team a little time to implement this, it should happen "soon" but I didn't get an exact timeline.
For everyone else, the beta is closed!
I've been waiting for this feature for five or six years, and I've submitted three applications, five days since your last latest reply and still no response, are those who are processing applications really doing their job?
- Dell_Dropbox
Hey cyenx, just to set expectations thats not something I have the power to do personally. I dropped a note to the appropriate team who are working on this and will relay any information when I hear back.
Here’s my account: [Removed as per Community Guidelines]. Would it be possible to add me to the beta test directly?
- Dell_Dropbox
I'm actually not sure if signups are still open. Just wanted to pop in and let you know I'm looking into this for you.
