Can we create a URL to access a local copy of file in Dropbox

[pgb22]

I work remotely and share content with colleagues via Dropbox. Often we'll drop a generated Dropbox share URL into a chat box as a quick way of indicating a particular file. However, when we click on that link, it of course opens the file at dropbox.com in Firefox, my default browser. Is it possible to change or intercept that behaviour so that the local copy of the file opens instead if Dropbox is installed? I think it's possible in theory since dropbox.com already has links (such as Manage backups > Open Backup setting) that prompt the local Dropbox software to perform an action.

Alternatively is there a more suitable link we can generate?

Thanks,

Peter

[maher1982]

If I got your point; 

No, it is not possible to create a URL that directly accesses a local copy of a file in Dropbox. Dropbox is a cloud storage service, and it primarily operates by syncing files between the cloud and your local devices.

When you access a file in Dropbox, whether through the Dropbox website or the Dropbox desktop app, you are typically accessing the file stored in the cloud. The file is downloaded and synced to your local device for viewing or editing. This synchronization process ensures that you have the most up-to-date version of the file.

but it is possible to change the behaviour of Dropbox share links so that they open the local copy of the file instead of the file on the Dropbox website. Dropbox provides a feature called "Smart Sync" that allows you to control how files are synced and accessed on your computer.

By enabling Smart Sync, you can choose to store files either locally or online-only. When a file is stored as online-only, it appears in your Dropbox folder, but the actual file content is stored in the cloud. When you click on a Dropbox share link for an online-only file, Dropbox will automatically open the local copy of the file if you have the Dropbox desktop app installed.

[Jay]

Hi @pgb22, thanks for messaging the Community!

Currently, this wouldn't be possible, since every user doesn't have the Dropbox folder in the exact same location on their own machines, and even the names of shared folders can be different if a user chooses to rename it.

If you have any further queries, feel free to message back.