Edit a text (*.txt) file in Chrome browser

[jb43]

Hi there,

I'm struggling to edit a TXT file in Chrome browser on Dropbox. I'm sure I've done it with a .docx file before. 

When I search for this feature, Google returns results asking for it back to 2012, but there's nothing recently, the feature requests such as this one have been closed, so I'm assuming I'm having an issue with my account. Especially since Dropbox is pushing Family plans, signature, and other feature way more complex and less universal as a simple TXT editor. I've been using link removed it has looked the same for years and works fine, but I find it extra weird that a giant company like Dropbox doesn't have a similar feature.

How do you usually edit a TXT file in the browser? I only have a few lines to add/remove, when I'm on a machine without the Dropbox app/daemon installed, and don't want to leave any file traces on that machine.

See my environment in Chrome on a Macbook air, as a Dropbox Plus paying client. On TXT files, I have an "Open in" Menu, but the arrow only opens a 2px high line. This is definitely not expected behavior, as if the submenu was empty, it should not appear with an arrow in the first place. What could I be I missing here?

[L0]

Dear support,
I am a very old user of Dropbox (maybe 2007/2008) and I suggested moving many of my friends to use it, but now I am really disappointed.
Every year the Dropbox team "forgets" to implement a web plain text editor for the browser.
This is a simple COMMODITY that all the competitors already have, and I am thinking to switch to a different service.
There is a plan to deliver it and a deadline or do I have to move to a different service?
Thank you

# SOME OLD REQUEST
2023: https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Delete-edit-and-organize/Edit-a-text-txt-file-in-Chrome-browser/td-p...
2021: https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Dropbox-ideas/Add-universal-txt-file-edit-interface/idi-p/550439
2021: https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Delete-edit-and-organize/Edit-text-files/td-p/504160
2018: https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Dropbox-ideas/Create-files-text-and-markdown-in-Dropbox-via-web-inte...
2015: https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Dropbox-ideas/Edit-text-file-in-browser-window/idc-p/300594
2015: https://www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Dropbox-ideas/Edit-text-file-in-browser-window/idi-p/19795
(And many more)

[Jay]

Hi @L0, I've merged your post to this thread to keep similar feedback together.

Currently, we have no new information regarding the implementation of a text editor on the website.

[L0]

Hi @Jay

thank you for the useless update to merge/close a post as all of the Dropbox team has done since 2012 for this request.

Have a nice day and I hope to not come back.

[Mark]

---

@Jay wrote:

Hi @L0, I've merged your post to this thread to keep similar feedback together.

---

Out of interest @Jay why? Why are some posts merged and others not allowed to be merged? It seems to me like there is no rational to this (or rather its a way of hiding well requested updates). 

[L0]

> Update: When changing my default application for TXT from Notepad to Notepad++, it also updates that menu on the Dropbox website.

That's very good news (FROM: jb43 DATED: February on this post)

Hi all, there is some way to let work the WORKAROUND with notapad++?

Installed Chrome, installed Notepad++, set Notepad++ as the default .txt editor, open Dropbox in Chrome, doesn't appear that menu on the Dropbox website.

# INFO

OS used: Windows 10 Pro(x64) - 22H2

Chrome: 112.0.5615.50 (64-bit)

Notepad++:  v8.5

[dick6jane]

In other words, is it possible to update text in a way that the file retains the same URL? Thanks.

[Megan]

Hey @dick6jane, welcome to our Community!

You can't directly edit a text file in Dropbox and keep the same URL. You need to download the file to your computer, edit it in a text editor and then re-upload it to your account.

If you have any other questions, let me know! 

[dick6jane]

Megan,

Am I right that the new file would generate a different URL?

[Megan]

Yes @dick6jane. 

The newly uploaded file wouldn't be linked to the initial one. 

[Roxx13]

I was wondering also if i could edit a text file online in the Cloud....apparently this is not possible without downloading it, editing it and syncing it back online....would love to see a better solution to this problem....:)