If I delete files from my Dropbox folder, do they delete from the site?

[domiono43]

If I delete files from my computer, do they still stay on Dropbox? I mean is this permanent cloud storage of some kind, or does it just reflect what's currently on my computer? I wanted to move files to Dropbox and delete them from my drive to make more room. Now I'm not sure if that's possible. (Sorry if this is a dumb question, not an IT girl)

[Jay · Accepted solution]

Hi @domiono43, thanks for messaging today!

Assuming you have the Dropbox desktop application installed on the machine, and you're deleting files from the Dropbox folder, then these deletions would delete from the site. This is because the Dropbox service is primarily to sync files, including deletions, from computer to site and vice versa.

You could try using selective sync to prevent entire folders in your Dropbox account from appearing on your computer, using the steps in this post of mine.

Hope this helps!

[domiono43]

Thank you for this helpful reply!