You might see that the Dropbox Community team have been busy working on some major updates to the Community itself! So, here is some info on what’s changed, what’s staying the same and what you can expect from the Dropbox Community overall.
Forum Discussion
Dallenwake
2 years agoNew member | Level 2
View and edit files without syncing to hard drive
Hello,
I am using Dropbox on my laptop, I chose not to sync files to my laptop, because I don't want the files on my hard drive (kind of a main reason for using Dropbox personally).
Once I open the app on my laptop it shows no folders.
I just want the app to show me the folders and files inside them. I want to access these files through the Dropbox app and work on them through an internet connection.
This is how it works on my android phone. I can see and edit all my files on my phone app and they are not saved on my phones storage.
How can I achieve this with my laptop, and the desktop app?
Thank you for all your help!!
-Dominic
I am using Dropbox on my laptop, I chose not to sync files to my laptop, because I don't want the files on my hard drive (kind of a main reason for using Dropbox personally).
Once I open the app on my laptop it shows no folders.
I just want the app to show me the folders and files inside them. I want to access these files through the Dropbox app and work on them through an internet connection.
This is how it works on my android phone. I can see and edit all my files on my phone app and they are not saved on my phones storage.
How can I achieve this with my laptop, and the desktop app?
Thank you for all your help!!
-Dominic
Dallenwake wrote:
I want to access these files through the Dropbox app and work on them through an internet connection. This is how it works on my android phone.That's not how Dropbox works on a computer. In order to edit files on a computer, the file needs to be downloaded to your local drive before it can be opened. Dropbox doesn't work as network storage where you access files directly on their servers.
You may not see it, but your Android works the same way. When you open a file on the mobile app, it's downloaded to your phone's local storage. Any changes you make are saved and uploaded back to the Dropbox servers. The local file is kept in cache for a short time before it's deleted.
The only way to edit a file directly on the Dropbox servers (and only certain supported file types) is to open the file through the Dropbox website and edit it in the browser, again, if it's a supported file type.
Edited to add... If you want a more mobile-like experience on your laptop and you're on Windows, consider using the Dropbox app that's found in the Microsoft Store instead. It's meant for tablets and works more like the other mobile apps. Just remember that just like on your phone, the file will still be downloaded and stored locally when you open it, then deleted from cache sometime later.
- RichSuper User II
Dallenwake wrote:
I want to access these files through the Dropbox app and work on them through an internet connection. This is how it works on my android phone.That's not how Dropbox works on a computer. In order to edit files on a computer, the file needs to be downloaded to your local drive before it can be opened. Dropbox doesn't work as network storage where you access files directly on their servers.
You may not see it, but your Android works the same way. When you open a file on the mobile app, it's downloaded to your phone's local storage. Any changes you make are saved and uploaded back to the Dropbox servers. The local file is kept in cache for a short time before it's deleted.
The only way to edit a file directly on the Dropbox servers (and only certain supported file types) is to open the file through the Dropbox website and edit it in the browser, again, if it's a supported file type.
Edited to add... If you want a more mobile-like experience on your laptop and you're on Windows, consider using the Dropbox app that's found in the Microsoft Store instead. It's meant for tablets and works more like the other mobile apps. Just remember that just like on your phone, the file will still be downloaded and stored locally when you open it, then deleted from cache sometime later.
- DallenwakeNew member | Level 2Thank you Rich.
Your response is very much appreciated.
About Storage Space
Looking for help with managing the storage space in your Dropbox account? Talk to the Dropbox Community and get advice from members.
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!