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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! 
jquintanilla4's avatar
jquintanilla4
Explorer | Level 4
7 years ago

Ticket number #7274033

 

Here's the snapshots you asked for. I've blurred and redacted information that I cannot share on a public forum. But as you can see, mostly everything is online-only.

 

 

  • Jane's avatar
    Jane
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    7 years ago
    - Hey PhilipvS, thanks for sharing your positive thoughts with us here on the Forum & expressing your interest on this Smart sync functionality. I’ve made sure to add your voice to the feedback gathered internally :pushpin: & I’ve made a note of your comments to our team specialists. 
     
    Feel free to write us again at any time in case there's anything you'd need us to clarify or in case you'd like to share additional feedback. Happy Friday! 
     
    - When it comes to your previous ticket with our team jquintanilla4, I’ve located it on our system & I could see that it had been closed due to inactivity, therefore I created a follow-up request on my end, so as to look into your inquiry more closely based on the info I have available on our system. 
     
    You may have a look at your inbox for my latest reply whenever you find some time & I’ll be awaiting your next message, in order to investigate this behavior you’ve described here in more depth. 
     
    Thanks again for checking in with us on the Dropbox Forum & for your ongoing cooperation & I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead! 
    • crompsy's avatar
      crompsy
      Helpful | Level 5
      7 years ago
      Is this not a well know issue by Dropbox? I've had this problem since I started using smart sync. The online-only files still take up space. Is there still no solution?
      • Jane's avatar
        Jane
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
        7 years ago
        Hey crompsy, thanks for posting on the Dropbox Community on this matter!
         
        As I prefer to treat each Smart Sync-related case individually (eg. there may be a different setup/ settings/ permissions &c., therefore the troubleshooting steps may vary), I’d like to ask you to describe what you’re experiencing in more detail. Where do you see a discrepancy? Have you tried to troubleshoot the issue you’re experiencing previously? What steps did you follow? 
         
        Additionally, I’d also appreciate a screenshot indicating the behavior here, so that we work on that together as closely as possible. Thanks again & I’m looking forward to hearing back from you on this discussion. Welcome to our Forum! 
    • PhilipvS's avatar
      PhilipvS
      Helpful | Level 6
      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
        7 years ago
        Hey PhilipvS, I’ve made sure to “Accept your reply as a Solution”, since this may be a good workaround for other users in the future & thanks for taking the time to post us here on your findings. :slight_smile:
         
        I’m wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead & we’re always here in case you’d like to share your thoughts or you may need any assistance. Cheers! 

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