Add Files to Dropbox

Dropbox is an online file storage service that allows users to upload, share, and access files and folders via mobile and desktop apps, plus a web-based interface. If you are using the app on your computer, adding files to your Dropbox is as simple as dragging them to the Dropbox folder. Uploading files from your smartphone (or using the Dropbox website on a more public computer) is just as easy. Once your files are in your Dropbox, they will be available for download on all of your Dropbox-enabled devices.

Steps

Dropbox Website

  1. Log in to the Dropbox website using the email address and password associated with your account.[1] Dropbox has a web interface that makes it easy to upload files to your account when you are on-the-go.
    • If you’re on your own computer, use the desktop app to add files to your Dropbox. The desktop app also allows you to automatically sync files on your Mac or PC with your Dropbox account.
    • If you have not yet made a Dropbox account, you should create one before continuing.
  2. Navigate to the folder where you’d like to update your file. You can skip this step if you just want to upload your file to the main area of your Dropbox.
    • If there is a folder in your Dropbox in which you’d like to place the file, double-click it to open it.
    • To create a new folder, click the “New Folder” icon, which looks like a folder with a plus sign (+) on it.
  3. Click the “Upload” icon. The icon looks like a sheet of paper with a plus sign (+) on its bottom right corner.
  4. Click “Choose Files,” and then double-click the file you want to add.
    • It is not possible to add files over 20GB on the Dropbox website. If you need to add a larger file to your Dropbox, use an app on any mobile or desktop device.[2]
  5. Click “Start Upload” to add the file.

Desktop App

  1. Download the Dropbox app. Installing Dropbox on your computer creates a folder that will be automatically synced with all of your devices. Any files in your Dropbox folder will be automatically backed up to your Dropbox account. Point your web browser to Dropbox.com and click “Download the app” on the top right corner of the page.[3]
    • Mac: When the download is complete, a window containing a Dropbox icon will appear on the screen.
    • Windows: Save the file to your Downloads folder. When the download completes, navigate to that folder to find the Dropbox installer (it will end with .exe).
    • Never install the Dropbox app on a public computer. If you’re not on your own computer, use the Dropbox website.
  2. Double-click the Dropbox icon to begin the installation. You may see a pop-up asking you to confirm that you want to run the installer. Click “Yes” or “Open” to continue.
  3. Enter your Dropbox account information, then click “Sign In.” If you have not yet made a Dropbox account, click “Sign Up” to create one now.
  4. Click “Open my Dropbox Folder.” This is where you will be able to store files you can access even when away from your computer.
    • Windows: The Dropbox folder is created in your main user folder. If your Windows user name is Darrell, you will find a folder called “Dropbox “in C:\Users\Darrell.[4]
    • Mac: The Dropbox folder is created in the Home (main) folder.[5]
  5. Drag a file or folder from any location on your computer to the Dropbox folder. Once you drop the file inside the Dropbox folder, it will automatically sync to your Dropbox account.
    • This will move the file or folder from its original location to the Dropbox folder on your computer.[6]
    • To make a copy instead, select the file, then press Ctrl+C (Windows) or ⌘ Cmd+C (Mac) to copy. Paste it into the Dropbox folder with Ctrl+V or ⌘ Cmd+V.
  6. Set up Dropbox to automatically sync other folders on your Mac. If you want to sync a different folder to your Dropbox, move that folder to your Dropbox and create an alias at its old location.[7]
    • First, drag the folder (don’t try this with a built-in system folder, like “Documents”—these shouldn’t be moved) to the Dropbox folder.
    • Right-click the moved folder and select “Make Alias.”[8] This will create a duplicate folder with the word “alias” at the end of its name.”
    • Drag the alias folder back to the original folder location. The folders are now linked, meaning that anything you do to one will do the same to the other.
  7. Set up Dropbox to automatically sync other folders in Windows. If you want to sync a different folder to your Dropbox, move that folder to your Dropbox and create a a symbolic link to its old location.
    • First, Download and Install Microsoft SyncToy.[9]
    • Create a new folder(Ctrl+⇧ Shift+N) in the “Dropbox” folder with the same name as the one you want to link.
    • Open SyncToy from the Start menu and select “Create a New Folder Pair.”
    • Click the first Browse… and select the folder inside Dropbox.
    • Click the second Browse… and select the original folder.
    • Click “Next,” then choose “Synchronize.”
    • Click “Finish,” and then “Run” to create the link. The folders are now identical and will remain so. Anything you do in one folder also happens in the other.

Mobile App

  1. Install the Dropbox app from the App Store or Play Store.[10] If you have not already installed the Dropbox app on your iPhone or Android device, do so now.
    • Turn on Wi-Fi before installing apps or uploading files to save your mobile data.
  2. Open Dropbox and tap “Sign Up.” Enter your name and contact information, then tap “Create Account” to complete the sign-up.
    • If you already have a Dropbox account, tap “Sign in” and log in with your Dropbox username and password.
  3. Tap the + (plus) icon. If you are using an Android device, the + icon is located in the Files folder.
  4. Select “Create or upload file” (iPhone) or “Upload files” (Android).
    • If you are uploading photos, tap “Upload photos” instead. The rest of the steps will be the same.
  5. Select the file(s) you want to upload, then tap “Upload files.” This will add the files to your Dropbox folder.
    • Android users: if the file you want to upload is located on your SD card and you do not see it listed, tap the Menu button at the top of the screen, select “Settings,” then place a check in “Show advanced devices.”


Tips

  • Think of the Dropbox folder on your computer as your new Home folder. Everything you save to this folder will be automatically backed up to your Dropbox account and accessible from anywhere.
  • Only files and folders in the Dropbox folder on your computer are synced. If you edit the original file or folder outside of the Dropbox folder, remember to copy the new version over so it will sync.
  • If you’re using a computer, you can also save files directly to your Dropbox folder right from most applications. Click “File,” then “Save As,” then select your Dropbox folder in the list of save locations.
  • Dropbox makes it easy to share documents with others. Learn how to share folders with your friends and colleagues.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ https://www.dropbox.com/help/4455?path=sharing_files_and_folders
  2. ↑ https://www.dropbox.com/help/4455
  3. ↑ https://grok.lsu.edu/Article.aspx?articleid=15146
  4. ↑ https://www.dropbox.com/en/help/4454
  5. ↑ https://www.dropbox.com/help/4455
  6. ↑ https://www.dropbox.com/en/help/152
  7. ↑ https://www.dropbox.com/en/help/12
  8. ↑ http://thesweetsetup.com/quick-tip-use-dropbox-and-an-alias-folder-to-process-attachments-from-ios/
  9. ↑ http://www.pchell.com/support/synctoy.shtml
  10. ↑ https://www.dropbox.com/help/84?path=mobile
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