We are aware of the issue with the badge emails resending to everyone, we apologise for the inconvenience - learn more here.
Forum Discussion
LB851
8 months agoNew member | Level 2
"Can't load this file type. This file type is unsupported here." when uploading certain filetypes
I am new to Dropbox. I started adding some files and when I clicked on a couple of the files it said "Can't load this file type. This file type is unsupported here." I tried with two different files....
- 8 months ago
LB851 wrote:
... when I clicked on a couple of the files it said "Can't load this file type. This file type is unsupported here."
That just means that Dropbox isn't able to show a preview of the file because it doesn't understand what it is. Only certain files types support previews. You can still store your files in Dropbox and open them in whatever application created them.
I also need to access them on multiple devices. Is this possible?Yes.
... I didn't know you wouldn't be able to open certain file types.As long as you have an application installed that can open the file, you'll be able to open it.
Is there a way to set it up to open the file directly in the program I need to use it in?Your operating system handles that; not Dropbox. When you install an application it registers itself with your OS and basically says "Hey! I support these file types!" Then when you click on a file in your Dropbox folder, your operating system knows which program to send the file to.
Rich
8 months agoSuper User II
LB851 wrote:
... when I clicked on a couple of the files it said "Can't load this file type. This file type is unsupported here."
That just means that Dropbox isn't able to show a preview of the file because it doesn't understand what it is. Only certain files types support previews. You can still store your files in Dropbox and open them in whatever application created them.
I also need to access them on multiple devices. Is this possible?
Yes.
... I didn't know you wouldn't be able to open certain file types.
As long as you have an application installed that can open the file, you'll be able to open it.
Is there a way to set it up to open the file directly in the program I need to use it in?
Your operating system handles that; not Dropbox. When you install an application it registers itself with your OS and basically says "Hey! I support these file types!" Then when you click on a file in your Dropbox folder, your operating system knows which program to send the file to.
- LB8518 months agoNew member | Level 2
Hi Rich,
thank you for your reply. It is also prompting me to download the file. So does that mean I will need to download the file to my computer each time I want to access it? Also, doesn't that defeat the purpose of using Dropbox to store my files if I will have to download it to my computer anyway? Or am I missing something as far as opening the file once in Dropbox? When I click on it, I only have the option to download. Thanks
- Rich8 months agoSuper User II
LB851 wrote:
It is also prompting me to download the file. So does that mean I will need to download the file to my computer each time I want to access it?
Your computer can't open a file if it's not on your local drive or a drive that it can access, so yes, the file would need to be downloaded to open it on your computer.
Also, doesn't that defeat the purpose of using Dropbox to store my files if I will have to download it to my computer anyway?The main purpose of Dropbox is to sync the files that are located in your local Dropbox folder with your account online, and to any other device where Dropbox is installed. It's not a cloud-based drive where your files only exist online or a network drive like you would have in an office environment. Yes, it has some features to only store files online, but this is meant as a way to save local drive space and those files still need to be made local again if you wish to open them.
When I click on it, I only have the option to download.So you're only working with the Dropbox website? You haven't installed the Dropbox application? If that's the case, then you need to upload and download files as needed. To open a file locally you would have to download it first. If you make any changes you would then have to upload it back to Dropbox.
The easier method is to install the Dropbox application so your files sync, then just work directly in your local Dropbox folder.
- LB8518 months agoNew member | Level 2
Ok, thank you. I appreciate your help!
About View, download, and export
Need support with viewing, downloading, and exporting files and folders from your Dropbox account? Find help from the Dropbox Community.
Need more support
If you need more help you can view your support options (expected response time for an email or ticket is 24 hours), or contact us on X or Facebook.
For more info on available support options for your Dropbox plan, see this article.
If you found the answer to your question in this Community thread, please 'like' the post to say thanks and to let us know it was useful!