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
Download option no longer available
Suddenly, the "download" option has disappeared from the page and drop-down menus. I can do anything else to my files, but there is no longer an option to download. Any thoughts?
When you're viewing a file on Dropbox.com that's synced to your computer by the Dropbox desktop application, you'll see an Open option instead of Download. Clicking Open will open the file on your computer and automatically sync back any changes you make. When viewing a file that isn't synced on your computer, you'll continue to see the Download option.
More information is available on our Help Center: https://www.dropbox.com/help/8571
I agree with Michael P. The download button should be returned as an option. Josh am disturbed by your statement: "everyone would have to understand the distinction between the two and choose accordingly" - it seems pretty clear DB's assumption is that DB users are too clueless to understand, and that is a window into the arrogant tech mindset behind many changes like this one, that actually reduce functionality rather than adding to it.
Like Michael P - and like thousands of other people I'm sure - I also prefer to download a copy of a file and work on it without touching the original.
Your assumptions are wrong here. 1) We're not stupid and 2) there are different ways of working that do NOT fit in with your 'new model'. Elegant and well-designed software does not remove functionality. You could easily return the download button, you're just choosing not to, seemingly because you think you know best. Fact is, you don't know what is best for everyone, and the arrogance that you think you do know is upsetting.
Please return the download button as an option. It would restore a lot of good will and you might prevent a lot of users from leaving your service.
