How To Stop Syncing Certain Files To Dropbox

[PastorReformed]

OK, seems like this ought to be real easy, but it is not apparent. 

I have certain large files on my hardrive/desktop that I don't want to be synced to Dropbox. How do I prevent this from happening? I tried Selective Sync, but that removes the file from the computer and leaves it in Dropbox. I need it the other way around. 

Thanks,

Chris

[Здравко]

Hi @PastorReformed,

There is currently a way which might work for you. This way, unfortunately, works only in command line and have many disadvantages. You can vote up my idea for improvements in this direction.

Hope this clarifies matter.

[Jay]

Hi @PastorReformed, thanks for posting on the Community!

You can selectively prevent files and folders from syncing to the site via the Dropbox desktop application using the steps here further down the page, instead of using the command line.

Let me know how it goes!

[PastorReformed]

I've seen that, but when I right click, there is no option to stop syncing to Dropbox that I can see.

See attached image.

Chris

[Jay]

Could you try reinstalling the Dropbox desktop application using this link to see if this brings up the option there?

[PastorReformed]

I tried reinstalling and that didn't change anything unfortunately. 

[Walter]

In that case, I'd suggest using the command line on your Mac to set this file to be ignored, @PastorReformed.

For context, this feature is currently being rolled out so may not be available to you at present, however, the same functionality can be achieved using these steps: 

• Open the Terminal application on your computer.
• Type the code below, replacing the file/folder path placeholder (the bold text below) with the file/folder path you’d like to ignore:

xattr -w com.dropbox.ignored 1 /Users/yourname/Dropbox\ \(Personal\)/YourFileName.pdf

• Press return on your keyboard. 

The icon beside your file or folder will change to a gray minus sign indicating that it has been ignored.

I hope this helps and let us know if you have any more questions!