Add file stubs/placeholders so you can see your files but they don't take space on your computer.

Hi there,

Sorry for the late response - are you still having issues?

This post was basically a feature request. So, yes technically I'm still having the problem. I guess I'm simply looking for a way to use my Dropbox account as a external drive since my laptop has limited space. I function via the sync'd folder in my Finder window so it would be great if I could use that to manage and navigate files that aren't actually stored locally on my laptop (just stored on Dropbox). The whole point of my using Dropbox is for a central storage location. But if I were to pay for 1TB of Dropbox storage, that would mean I need 1TB of disk space to use the folder sync feature. Kinda defeats the purpose. So, I've held off upgrading and just use the free version for my small file needs. I realize I can access files via the website but that is waaaay too cumbersome. I need Finder access for non-local files for it to be useful. A great example of this is the new Photos app on iCloud. I have a full index of pictures I can manage and reference and only download the full version if needed. Wow! If I could have that functionality for files I'd upgrade to Dropbox in a heartbeat and ditch my hard drive. Again, not a problem (unless I'm missing something here) just a feature request and suggestion for how to get an upgrade out of me (and perhaps lots of others)

Long time Dropbox user & supporter, great software.

I was thinking this would be a great feature to add to selective sync. You can currently choose to sync, or not sync, certain folders but how about a third option, file stubs.
Many of us store a lot of data in Dropbox, often more than a typical laptop or desktop can store (e.g. my laptop has 500GB SSD and its not enough). File stubs would take up minimal space but still allow you to still see all the files in Dropbox, if you open a file stub then Dropbox would download a local copy of the file and start sync'ing it.

In the Dropbox selective sync dialog you could choose to sync, not sync, or file stub a folder. This would be a similar feature to the Dropbox mobile client's Favourite files

MC

Eeeeeexactly. What we want is finder integration like the iOS app with non-local files showing up too with the option to download them. The way iTunes match works. Or Photos app works.
Why hasn't dropbox or someone else written an app that does this?
All it has to to is be a native app from which you can view your dropbox and download as and when you want.

Try expandrive for the time being

Hi.
I have a feature request that I would find really useful!
If I have selective sync on, I still want to see what folders and files I have in my Dropbox. Perhaps it could be an option that made me see all the files and folders, but with a symbol or grayed out that meant that it's not synced because of the selective sync options! Maybe a double-click could start a download?

/Niklas

or Odrive https://www.odrive.com/links/dropbox

We use dropbox a lot and have all our work on there. We have synced and un-synced folders depending on the projects we work on. The un-synced folders are of course gone from your computer, but the overview is lost as well.

I am suggesting replacing un-synced folders with links to the corresponding folder online. And even better if this link could have "drop file here to upload" functionality to make it easy to backup stuff. This would not only make it easy to save space, but also give the real overview of the folder structure and make it easier to organize files online.

Fingers crossed this could make it to a future build.

Best, 

Pelle

Just updating to close the loop here.

This is now possible with Smart Sync, where your files are visible on your desktop without them taking space on your hard drive! Find out more here. ☁️

Thanks for sharing!