How can I see files that someone else shared with me in my Dropbox folder?

[reka00]

I can see all my files in finder on a MacBook pro but I am not able to make files or folders shared with me by others there, only in browser.  How do I make those visible without the need to log in on a browser?

[Hannah]

Hey @reka00, thanks for posting today!

Are the files in question saved to your account (when you access them from a browser) or did the owner send you a link for you to access them?

Let me know and we'll go from there.

[reka00]

Hey, thanks!  It's a link.  We want both to work on it - if I save it to my account, I don't think it would work that way.  (??)

[Nancy]

Hi from me too, @reka00! Hope you’re well. 

In this case, you’ll need to save the files to your Dropbox account first, so that they can also sync to your desktop app. 

When sharing a Dropbox link, the files aren’t actually stored on your account, so this is expected behavior.

[reka00]

Sorry, how do I "save" the file to my Dropbox account?  And if I do so, will it still sync to or with the original that is shared by someone else?  Or "save" means to link it somehow?  

[Hannah]

Hey @reka00, if you both need to be working on the same original file and have both updates show up for both of you, the best way would be to have them either send you a "can edit" link, or to put the files in a folder and then invite you to edit the folder.

You can find the steps to create a "can edit" link here and to invite someone to a shared folder here.

I hope this helps!

[reka00]

Thank you but I know how to create a can edit link etc.  I would like to know how these files/folders can be made to show in my desktop app (on mac), when someone else shares them with me.  I don't see them show on my desktop app and I don't see a way to make them show up.

[Hannah]

These steps are actually for the person that shared the link with you; they need to follow them on their end, so they can correctly share the files with you.

In order for the files to sync to your desktop, the shared folder is the way to go, as the shared folder gets added to your account and also to your desktop.

[reka00]

Thank you!!  It worked!

[Hannah]

Happy to hear that, @reka00!

If you need anything else, just give us a shout.

Have a great day!