We are aware of the issue with the badge emails resending to everyone, we apologise for the inconvenience - learn more here.

Forum Discussion

slypapp's avatar
slypapp
Explorer | Level 4
7 years ago

Re: Smart Sync set to Online Only but still taking up storage on macOS 10.13.4.

Hello!   I am also having the same problem with smart sync, although I am using macOS 10.13.4. I have a folder set to online-only, but it is still taking up the free space from my SSD.
Sync
  • Jane's avatar
    Jane
    7 years ago
    Thanks a lot for getting back in touch with me here with these additional details slypapp! 
     
    As it’s my understanding that there’s a discrepancy when it come to the usage reported on your hard disc, I’d like to send you a couple more details below & we’ll take it from there. 
     
    • Initially, do you see all your files in this folder being saved locally (despite your choice being otherwise) or some of your files in this folder? 
    • Can you also let me know some example file types, where you’ve noticed this behavior? 
     
    Incidentally, are there any applications that constantly or persistently look at your files (or monitor your Dropbox folder)? If so, please note that your files may be accessed in the background if you didn't recall them manually & for that reason these are saved locally anew. If this is the case, I'd suggest testing by temporarily quitting or disabling applications systematically until you see that the issue is resolved (i.e. once you set the folder to “Online-only” & this doesn’t change without your input). 
     
    Thanks again & I’ll be awaiting your next reply with your findings here!
  • PhilipvS's avatar
    PhilipvS
    7 years ago

    And here's more GOOD news!  I just realized that on a Mac, at least, I can simpy use <command> i to get info on any folder on my (500GB) mac. The Dropbox folder is 942GB - that's what shows in Finder. BUT!!!  <command> i shows BOTH:  942,787,185,844 bytes (352 GB on disk) for 392,264 items This works at all folder levels.  - Voila!  Solution to MY problem. Hope that helps others.... 

Jane's avatar
Jane
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
 
Hey jquintanilla4, thanks for your very detailed reply here with the screenshots of the behavior you’re getting; I hope you’re doing well today!
 
I was able to run a search on my end & I’ve made sure to release your post from our Spam filter, hence we now have both comments here. I’d also like to follow-up on any open tickets you have with our team, so please let me know of your ticket ID here & I’ll make sure to check back on that internally. 
 
Following, let’s focus more on the issue in question. In order to determine whether your files are taking up the space the screenshots are indicating, I’d like to ask you an one more screenshot of your folder structure (i.e. ideally including the folders in question) & your overlay icons. For example, have you set your “Draid_Private” folder as online-only? Do you see the cloud icon or the green checkmark? 
 
Thanks again for posting here & I’ll be awaiting your next message, so as to clarify the best next steps to address this case! 
PhilipvS's avatar
PhilipvS
Helpful | Level 6
7 years ago

I started using SmartSync a few months ago instead of SelectiveSync, which was difficult to keep track of.... I love SmartSync!  BUT......

 

Yes, my Mac shows the full file size, even of files and folders which are online only. I have 850GB in DropBox, only about 350 is LOCAL.  This maybe the problem the users above are seeing.  It's not really a problem - it's important to know how large files and folders would be if I clicked on them and made them local!  This was a big issue with Selective Sync - now better in SmartSync.

 

This is fine, but when I have a folder that is mixed, I can't tell how much space it is really taking up on Mac. Would be great to know both!!

 

 

About Create, upload, and share

Find help to solve issues with creating, uploading, and sharing files and folders in Dropbox. Get support and advice 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!