I'm having some problems with Smart Sync. Any ideas why?

[jamesatkins]

Latest max OS.

I switched on smart sync for a folder to try it. The folder was already selectively (un) synced. ie not on my desktop using selective sync.

Decided i didnt want to smart sync. I'm now resyncing this folder with my local HD to do an offline duplicate by using selective sync.

Selective sync then stops and i go back into smart sync and find that my previous settings don't 'stick'. Go back into smart sync and sure enough the settings are not staying.

Also the dialog box in smart sync doesnt use the MacOS standard wheras the Selective sync does.

Seems to me like something's borked.

Selective sync seems okSmart Sync not using correct font

[Jane]

Hey James (@jamesatkins), thanks for checking in with us on the Dropbox Community; let me follow-up on your description a bit closer & we’ll take it from there. 

• Just as a point of reference (as you’ve already tried to illustrate your point using these screenshots here James) can you clarify if you’ve followed the steps for one of the folders in the screenshots? Please include a step-by-step description, so as to try & re-create the behavior on my end. 
• From there, I’m wondering whether you had removed a folder from your desktop using Selective Sync & then you set its parental folder as Online-Only by changing your Smart Sync settings; please let me know if this is happening or I’ve misunderstood your description.

Once I have these details, I’ll try to address your initial inquiry in a bit more depth. Thanks in advance & I’ll be awaiting your next message on this discussion! 

[jamesatkins]

The parent folder was selective sync - as online only.

i then changed this to smart sync. just to see what smart sync does.

i've since turned off smart sync on the parent folder. (I have loads of disc space)

i'm now selectively syncing sub folders in order to do a local archive/backup.

the smart sync settings are 'staying stuck' on subfolders and not downloading.

the screenshots are to show that the smart sync dialog looks a bit screwed compared to the rest of the interface. So i'm assuming it's either badly installed or something that should have stayed in beta.

I've been loyal to dropbox for ages -- but i don't like not trusting 30 years of files and archives to some badly rolled out software feature. this is why i'm backing up locally. 

[Jane]

I appreciate it that you took the extra step to let me know of how this discrepancy has manifested itself on your end James (@jamesatkins). I’ve already made sure to pass your thoughts on the Smart Sync dialog box to our team specialists for future iterations, as we take your feedback seriously & we aim to provide all Dropbox users the best experience possible.

---

the smart sync settings are 'staying stuck' on subfolders and not downloading.

Following your initial inquiry, I understand that maybe you need some additional assistance setting up your Selective Sync & Smart Sync settings on your Mac. If you’d like to work on that with me, please feel free to ping me back here & I’ll reach out to you on my end via email (i.e. it would be best to have direct access to your account setup to further advise). Thanks again & I’m looking forward to hearing back from you!

[jamesatkins]

not sure i need any help in setting anything up -- i've been using dropbox 2009 and using a mac since 1987... I'll delete it an reinstall it.

[Jane]

Thanks for letting me know James (@jamesatkins) & taking a bit of your time to post us here; positive or negative, your feedback is valuable to us. 

Please feel free to ping me back here in case you have any more Dropbox-specific inquiries & I’d just like to remind you that our Forum Wall is always open to your feedback or questions!