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Forum Discussion

Andrew-RFLB's avatar
Andrew-RFLB
Helpful | Level 5
8 years ago

Smart Sync and Quick Preview on Mac

Smart Sync causes my quick preview function (spacebar) to not function properly on my Mac. I can't preview thumbnails, or quick preview any videos or photos. Any ideas why this happens?
desktop
Mac
Setting up the apps
  • Rich's avatar
    Rich
    8 years ago

    Likely because you're trying to preview a file that doesn't exist on your computer.

     

    When you set a file to Online Only, the only thing that's left of that file on your computer is the necessary information to make it appear in the folder. Since there's no content in the file, your OS (nor any other program) is able to preview it.

     

    Remember, when you set a file to Online Only, the file is removed from the computer leaving behind only a marker file. In order to access that file, whether it be to open and edit it or simply preview it, the file needs to be on the computer (Smart Sync doesn't allow you to open files directly from the Dropbox servers). When you open a file, it's synced back to your local drive and then opened as normal. When you're done with the file, if you want it to be online-only again, you need to mark it as such.

Murphy8503's avatar
Murphy8503
Explorer | Level 4
Well I was going to buy the business advanced for me and 2 other people to get the unlimited storage but because of this issue and how it’s still not been appropriately handled, I’m going to Drive Stream.
jefflandon's avatar
jefflandon
Helpful | Level 5
6 years ago

I have hit and miss performance with previewing cloud files in Finder. It looks like it works alright in the new Dropbox App. I'm guessing that is what the official solution will be to this problem.

  • SidianMSJones's avatar
    SidianMSJones
    Explorer | Level 4
    6 years ago

    I need an answer to this.

  • Walter's avatar
    Walter
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    6 years ago

    Hi all!

    If this is not too much to ask, could all the affected users log a ticket with our team providing all the relevant information so we can assist further (while being able to drill into your account specifics)?

    Thank you all for your cooperation and patience on this matter.

    PS: You can submit a ticket through this page directly:

    https://www.dropbox.com/support 

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