How do I remove files from my computer but keep them in my Dropbox account?

[mcurry]

I am out of space on my pc. I would like to delete some of the files in the dropbox on my pc. Will that cause the same files to be deleted in my dropbox storage?  

[Rich]

Dropbox will sync any changes you make across all of your devices and your account online. Add a file to Dropbox on your computer and it's added everywhere. Delete a file and it's deleted everywhere.

In order to remove the local copy of a folder from your computer while leaving it in your Dropbox account online, use Selective Sync. Just be sure that the folder in question is fully synced BEFORE you remove it within the Selective Sync options.

[Fiona M.9]

This is going to be a pain bc I still want the deleted files to stay within the Dropbox folder on Dropbox.com, but I do not want the (large) files to remain on my computer. To work around this, I'm going to have to set up a separate folder (Selective Sync) and move the files to that folder, correct? Then after making sure it IS synced to Dropbox, I will then choose to selectively sync this folder. Do I then delete this folder entirely until the next time I want to do the same thing?

Any other suggestions greatly appreciated.

[jaffa1888]

Would have like a little more free start up space to keep me going

[Rich · Accepted solution]

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Fiona M.9 wrote:

To work around this, I'm going to have to set up a separate folder (Selective Sync) and move the files to that folder, correct? Then after making sure it IS synced to Dropbox, I will then choose to selectively sync this folder.

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Correct.

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Do I then delete this folder entirely until the next time I want to do the same thing?

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The folder will be deleted automatically when you save your Selective Sync settings. This is why it's important to make sure it's fully synced BEFORE you uncheck it in Selective Sync.