Editing PDF or JPG files in my macOS Dropbox folder creates a copy

[sfemet]

Hello,

System: MacOS 12.7.4, Dropbox 198.4.7615

All files are stored locally in Users>Username>Library>CloudStorage>Dropbox

Issue: When I open a pdf or jpg file in my Dropbox folder to make a change (rotate, delete a page, annotate) the file opens as a copy.

If I stop Dropbox sync, the same thing happens, it opens as a copy.

This issue does not occur with txt, rtf, docx, xlsx. They can be edited without a copy being generated.

If I pull the file to my desktop (out of Dropbox folder) it edits without a copy being made.

I have another system (MacOS 10.14.6, Dropbox 198.4.7615) all files stored locally in Users>Username>Dropbox that does not have this problem.

Can anyone clarify if this is a MacOS or Dropbox issue and how to fix it?

Thanks for your help.

[sfemet]

I have checked the preferences in both versions of Preview, they are identical.

I also looked at the System Information

(About this Mac>System Report>Software>Applications)

Preview version 11 is listed as “Universal"

Preview version 10 is listed as "64-bit"

Near as I can make out, that is the only difference, being that version 11 is for Intel and M chip macs, version 10 is for Intel only.

Anyway, I admit this is a very unique issue and I appreciate your help. I would appreciate it if this thread was not marked “solved” since a resolution was not found.

I have also posted this on an Apple Community page, it will be interesting to see if they are willing to help as much as your team was.

[sfemet]

Hello again,

A followup post:

1. I just got a new MacBook Air M2 running Sonoma. The issue does not happen at all. I opened a PDF, rotated a page, no copy created, smooth as glass. Same with a JPG. All good. The weird only happens on my 12.7.5 system.

2. No one on the Apple message board has replied to my post.