Unlock Unlimited Storage Space: How to Make Dropbox Files Online-Only on Mac and Free Up Your Hard Drive
What To Know
- Smart Sync is a Dropbox feature that allows you to choose which files are stored locally on your Mac and which are kept online-only.
- What if I want to make a file online-only but keep a copy on my Mac.
- You can use Smart Sync or Selective Sync to choose which files to keep locally and which to make online-only.
Dropbox is an indispensable cloud storage service that helps you keep your files safe and accessible from anywhere. However, if you’re running low on storage space on your Mac, you might want to consider making certain files online-only. This allows you to free up space on your local drive while still having access to the files when you need them.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Open Dropbox: Launch the Dropbox application on your Mac.
2. Select Files: Choose the files or folders you want to make online-only.
3. Right-Click: Right-click on the selected items and select “Make Online Only.”
4. Confirm: Dropbox will ask you to confirm your action. Click “Make Online Only” to proceed.
5. Check Availability: The selected files will now be available online-only. You can access them by clicking on the cloud icon next to their name.
Additional Features
Smart Sync
Smart Sync is a Dropbox feature that allows you to choose which files are stored locally on your Mac and which are kept online-only. This gives you more control over your storage space.
To use Smart Sync:
1. Click the Dropbox Menu: Click on the Dropbox icon in the menu bar.
2. Select Preferences: Choose “Preferences” from the menu.
3. Enable Smart Sync: Go to the “Sync” tab and enable “Smart Sync.”
4. Choose Files: Select the files you want to keep locally and click “Apply.”
Selective Sync
Selective Sync allows you to choose specific folders that you want to sync to your Mac. This is useful if you have large folders that you don’t need to access frequently.
To use Selective Sync:
1. Open Finder: Launch the Finder application on your Mac.
2. Go to Dropbox Folder: Navigate to the Dropbox folder in your Finder.
3. Right-Click on Folder: Right-click on the folder you want to selectively sync.
4. Select “Selective Sync“: Choose “Selective Sync” from the menu.
5. Uncheck Folders: Uncheck the folders you don’t want to sync locally.
Benefits of Online-Only Files
1. Save Storage Space: Online-only files don‘t take up space on your local drive, freeing up valuable storage for other important files.
2. Access Anywhere: You can access online-only files from any device with an internet connection, regardless of your location.
3. Faster Synchronization: Since online-only files don‘t need to be downloaded to your Mac, they can be synchronized much faster.
When to Use Online-Only Files
Making files online-only is a great option when:
- You have limited storage space on your Mac.
- You need to access files from multiple devices.
- You don’t need to edit or access the files frequently.
Recommendations: Reclaim Your Mac’s Storage
By making Dropbox files online-only on your Mac, you can significantly reduce your local storage usage while maintaining access to your important files. Whether you’re using Smart Sync or Selective Sync, you have the flexibility to customize your storage preferences and keep your Mac running smoothly.
What You Need to Know
Q: What happens if I make a file online-only and then lose my internet connection?
A: You will not be able to access the file until you reconnect to the internet.
Q: Can I make a file online-only and still edit it?
A: Yes, you can edit online-only files by downloading them first. Once you’re done editing, you can make them online-only again.
Q: What if I want to make a file online-only but keep a copy on my Mac?
A: You can use Smart Sync or Selective Sync to choose which files to keep locally and which to make online-only.
