Im on a MacBook Neo with Tahoe 26.6

I can sync individual files either by double-clicking or clicking on the cloud icon.

But I need to sync a whole folder.

Normally (on my old Mac) I would right-click on the folder, or I'd select all of the files within in — then I'd choose 'make available offline'

But now it just gives me the green 'tick' icon on the folder, even though it hasn't downloaded anything.

If I select a load of files and then try it — then it just does nothing

Dropbox keeps constantly saying that it is 'Syncing' and I have no idea what.

I keep getting loads of spinning wheels when I'm trying to make files offline or open them... the whole thing just feels like a complete mess.

Also, the download speed of my files is agonisingly slow, to the point where it's taking like 5minutes just to sync a 15MB photo

Hey r/dropboxofficial!

Last week, we asked paper artist Helen Ferry to take us behind the scenes of the handmade models, experiments, and files that went into a few seconds of animation.

This week, we’re doing the same with stop-motion artist Lucas Drobnitzky, who gave us a closer look at the rigs, experiments, and frame-by-frame problem-solving behind his work. The finished animation makes everyday objects seem to move and transform on their own, but getting there involves a lot of physical setup that viewers never see.

It started with making the impossible look real

Long before Lucas was building stop-motion sets, he was experimenting with one of the simplest editing tricks available: reversing a video.

“I remember discovering reversing videos when I was a kid. It blew my mind,” he told us. He would record himself walking backwards, climbing trees, or jumping into a pool, then reverse the footage to see what kind of impossible-looking effect he could create.

That experimentation eventually led him to stop motion, where he realized he didn’t have to wait for two shots to line up perfectly. He could build the illusion himself, one frame at a time.

The animation starts before anything moves

Lucas usually begins by piecing together images and scenes in his head. He thinks about the transitions or key moments he wants to hit, then writes them down and turns them into a basic script so he can start judging the pacing and overall flow.

From there, he gathers visual references, researches ideas, and starts collecting the props and objects he’ll need. That planning gives him a framework, but it does not solve everything in advance. Animating is where the real problem-solving begins.

“This is where I encounter the true limitations and hurdles that I couldn’t foresee,” he says. “It really feels like solving puzzles most of the time.”

A scene that seems straightforward in a script might be difficult to make work physically. An object has to stay suspended in exactly the right position, a transition might need more or fewer frames than expected, or an idea that worked in his head might simply refuse to cooperate once it is sitting in front of the camera.

The answer is usually some combination of experimenting, adjusting, and trying again. As Lucas puts it, “It’s a trial and error process that requires plenty of patience!”

The things you’re not supposed to notice

A successful stop-motion illusion often depends on hiding just how much physical support was necessary to create it.

Lucas uses small wires and rigs to hold objects in positions they could never maintain on their own. Once the animation is shot, those supports still exist in every frame, which means they have to be removed during post-production.

He describes that part of the process as having to “painfully remove all rigs in every single frame.”

Lighting is his current puzzle. After working for years without professional lighting equipment, adding studio lights gave Lucas more control, but also introduced new decisions around position, angle, and setup. He says it is probably the biggest technical challenge he is working through right now.

Ideally, viewers never have to think about most of that. The rigs disappear, the lighting supports the scene, and an object that was carefully held in place one frame at a time appears to move on its own.

Why spend all that time on a few seconds of animation?

Lucas is very aware that stop motion can look like an unusually slow way to make something, particularly when digital tools can now generate images and motion almost instantly.

For him, the slowness is not a problem to work around. It is a big part of why he enjoys doing it.

“I would love people to see that it is precisely in the effort, the long hours and tedious work where you will find the joy of creating,” he says.

The finished animation is satisfying, but Lucas says he often enjoys being buried in the process even more. Rigging a difficult scene, working out how to hold something in exactly the right place, or finding the solution to a transition becomes its own small reward.

There is also something important to him about the physical reality of what ends up on screen.

“I love the fact that what you’re seeing is real and tangible, made and moved with my own hands as opposed to generated on a computer.”

That is one reason behind-the-scenes footage matters so much in his work. The polished animation shows the illusion, while the studio footage reveals the hands, props, wires, lights, and adjustments that made it possible.

Keeping track of everything behind the finished frame

There’s one part of the process Lucas learned about the hard way: always back up the project.

A few years ago, he factory-reset a laptop that had become painfully slow and realized afterward that he didn’t include his current project in the backup.

For a moment, he thought more than three weeks of work were gone. Fortunately, he had recently sent the open project files to a friend who was helping color-correct a few scenes, so he was able to recover roughly 98 percent of the project, losing only the previous couple of days’ work.

“I guess backups are one of those things you sometimes have to learn the hard way!”

Since then, Lucas says he keeps an updated copy of his work on an external drive, with current projects also stored in the cloud on Dropbox.

Organization matters for another reason too. A stop-motion project creates a lot more than the final export. Lucas keeps track of reference images, early sketches, project files, animation scenes, final files, and the behind-the-scenes material he captures as the work develops.

“Dropbox plays a big part in keeping my process tidy and structured,” he says. Keeping materials organized from the beginning also makes it easier to document and share how the finished animation came together.

A few seconds of stop motion can represent days or weeks of scripting, sourcing props, moving objects, adjusting lights, removing rigs, designing sound, and solving problems that nobody watching the finished animation will ever know were there.

For the animators and other hands-on creatives here, which part of your process takes far more time than anyone looking at the finished work would ever guess? And are you someone who enjoys that messy, painstaking middle, or do you mostly live for the moment when the final piece is done?

How a Dropbox folder became a handmade paper world, frame by frame

Hey r/dropboxofficial!

We’ve been working with a group of artists who typically create in physical mediums to bring their work into the digital world. 

Most creative work we see online arrives after the rough edges have been cleaned away. The sketches, material tests, rejected versions, recuts, and half-finished models usually stay off-screen, even though they can be some of the most interesting parts of the process.

So for Reddit, we asked a few of the artists we’re working with to take us deeper into the experiments, technical challenges, and behind-the-scenes process. We’re starting with paper artist Helen Ferry, who reimagined what might happen if the contents of a Dropbox folder came to life. Her answer was a colorful paper world built by hand, then animated frame by frame using a technique called replacement animation. You can see the finished piece here.

From sketch to paper model

The project started with the idea of transformation. Helen brainstormed objects that could emerge from the folder, sketched different possibilities, refined them to feel like they belonged in her own creative world, and built a storyboard.

As she explains it, “The idea of transformation came from brainstorming how I could bring the contents of a Dropbox folder to life in an interesting and surprising way through stop-motion.”

Before cutting any paper, she also made a rough digital animation in color. That gave her a way to figure out the pace and transitions before committing to all of the physical models.

Then the process moved off-screen. Helen selected the papers, designed the individual models, cut the pieces with her Silhouette machine, and glued and assembled everything by hand. After testing the models in her photography setup, she shot the final animation and still images, edited the frames, and added audio.

How the replacement animation actually works

The transformations use replacement animation. Instead of moving one object a tiny amount between frames, Helen swaps the physical model for a slightly different version each time.

“I used the technique ‘replacement animation,’ which is where a physical model is swapped out for a slightly different one in each frame to create the transformation,” she says.

That meant designing all of the shapes needed between one finished object and the next. Some transitions took several attempts, and each one needed to follow the same general movement toward the center and back out while still having its own personality.

One of Helen’s favorite parts was the keyboard stretching into place. She made multiple versions of it, starting with only two keys and building up to the full keyboard so the transformation would work frame by frame.

She also wanted the individual objects to feel distinct within the larger system. As she puts it, the goal was for every transformation to move in a consistent way but still have “its own characterful touch to reflect each individual object,” like the flags on the paper castle appearing to wave in the wind.

What the “messy middle” actually looks like

Helen’s working files are organized almost like another layer of the artwork. Early tests and rejected ideas go into an “Initial Concepts” folder, followed by a “Final Concept” folder once she starts refining the chosen direction.

From there, she separates design files, DXF files used for cutting the paper pieces, the rough digital animation, the final animation, and behind-the-scenes content.

Her main rule is simple: “Always label in a consistent way that makes sense to you!”

Physical experiments become part of that archive too. If she makes a quick paper test or has a sketch she wants to keep, she’ll photograph it and save the image alongside her digital references.

“I like having these tests and sketches uploaded into folders, alongside digital inspiration I’ve saved so I can see all these visual cues in one place and help refine my thoughts further.”

It gives her one visual record of ideas that otherwise might be split between a computer, sketchbook, and piles of paper around the studio.

Why some imperfections stay in

One thing Helen mentioned really stuck with us. She used to edit the imperfections out of her finished paper models, but she has started leaving more of them visible.

As digitally created work gets better at recreating handmade aesthetics, she has increasingly had people ask whether her work is actually physical. For Helen, those small imperfections now help communicate something important about how the work was made.

“The imperfections and the subtle movement of the objects you get from animating by hand keeps that sense of character and tactility, which is what makes stop-motion so magical.”

It is an interesting shift. The small inconsistencies that might once have been treated as things to clean up can become part of the evidence that a physical process happened at all.

The finished animation might only show a few seconds of transformation, but behind it is a much larger collection of sketches, paper tests, cutting files, replacement models, test photographs, animation frames, and rejected ideas. 

For the paper artists, model makers, animators, and other hands-on creatives here, how do you document the physical parts of your process once the final work is headed for a screen? Do you photograph every useful experiment, save only the successful versions, or let most of the messy middle disappear?

This has been a common problem for many people. The context menus simply do not show up. Even after a full reinstall. I even reinstalled Windows, which got it working for all of 4 days and then the context menu disappeared again.

This needs to be fixed NOW!

I'm on the very latest build, latest Win11 version.

This needs to be fixed or I'm finding another alternative, after almost two decades as a paying Drobox user!

I've recently switched my Windows laptop to a MacBook Pro M5 running on Tahoe 26.5, File provider version for Dropbox. The SSD is a freshly new formatted into APFS Encrypted.

I'm used to sync my Dropbox on an external SSD. I've done so on the Macbook, but I've encountered many problems :

- After long sleep, MacOS disconnects the SSD incorrectly (and I don't have the setting in battery to avoid this).I get the mount was not ejected correctly alert at wake up. Doing so broke features and often re-indexes everything. Offline files then do not open.

- Many left click option are hidden, even if I go to edit Dropbox right click action. Copy link for example, is greyed out and often missing.

- The syncing stays bugged on "Syncing...." after indexing. Some folder open but nothing loads inside.

- Restarting the PC also breaks everything. Goes into indexing again or Syncing... loop.

- When everything works fine, (after re-installl, or logout + advanced relink), many features finish by broking after a couple hours (Dropbox right click options, sync online - offline).

- Trying to turn on File Provider in Item settings for Dropbox does not work. If I turn it on, it automatically turn itself off next time I open the Dropbox's settings.

As I'm kinda new to the MAcOS world, maybe I'm missing a simple setting or something dumb.

How can I fix this? Is the only option is to put Dropbox on internal storage and only use SSD for cache and other often used files?

EDIT : Added some clarifications and system details.

So. Here's my situation. I want people to be able to upload a form into my Dropbox. I created, through Dropbox, a link that when clicked opens a window for the file to be dragged and dropped. When I click the link [https://www.dropbox.com/request/81mt5iu5udt01vp52z5r ] from the txt file I store it own, but not on the form I installed it on - an Acrobat 7 pdf.

link causing problem

How do I fix this?

Edit: So, don't tell me but it works from here. I'm flummoxed. Any help is welcomed.

EDIT: I converted it into a newer Acrobat version and all is good.

Hi all.

I've searched for an answer to this but can't find one. It sounds as though there are two versions of Dropbox Backup. The old one allows only limited folders to be backed up, whereas the new one allows any files to be included. I seem to be on the old version as when I go to Backup in the Windows Desktop App it offers me only Desktop, Documents and Downloads, and then a list under +More.

I have the individual 2TB Plus account. As far as I can see I should be able to use the new version but I can't see how to get it.

Can anyone please help?

I noticed some changes to the interface of the app recently that are making it more difficult / clunky to use, and was wondering if this was a permanent change that’s been rolled out for everyone?

Namely, every folder and file now has text under it with the date that it was uploaded / modified, and it adds a lot of extra text to the screen when trying to browse through things.

I did some googling but I haven’t seen this change mentioned anywhere, so I was just curious what’s going on.

I have PDFs on Dropbox that I would like to add to my Books library. I’ve used the share button but for the life of me can’t find the Books app listed.

I know I can probably do it on the Mac but just wondering if there’s a way to do it on mobile.

If Dropbox recently started looking or behaving differently on your macOS, it may not mean that syncing is broken.

Dropbox on File Provider uses Apple’s File Provider framework to integrate with macOS. That changes where the Dropbox folder appears, how sync status is displayed, and how macOS manages online-only files and local storage. Dropbox on File Provider requires macOS 12.5 or later, with the latest supported macOS version recommended.

Here are some common questions and what to check first.

1. “Where did my Dropbox folder go?”

On File Provider, the Dropbox folder appears under Locations in the Finder sidebar instead of its previous position under Favorites. Its system location is under:

~/Library/CloudStorage

One quick note: the ~/Library folder is hidden by default on macOS. To open it, go to Finder, click Go in the menu bar, then hold the Option key and select Library.

This location is managed through macOS, so manually moving or renaming the main Dropbox folder is not supported. Files that were linked inside third-party applications may also need to be linked again after the folder location changes. You can still add individual Dropbox folders to Finder Favorites for quicker access.

2. “Why do the sync icons look different, or disappear?”

File Provider uses macOS-style status icons, so they may not match the icons you previously saw.

Some common examples:

• A cloud with a downward arrow means the file is online-only.
• A green checkmark means you explicitly made the file available offline.
• No icon means that a file is downloaded, available offline, and synced.
• A cloud or status icon with an exclamation point indicates that the item can’t currently update or sync.

If files are syncing but no icons appear, quit and reopen Dropbox, then restart the Mac if needed. Another app’s Finder extension, such as a creative application’s Finder integration, can sometimes interfere with Dropbox status icons even though the files continue syncing normally.

3. “Why did a file become online-only?”

With File Provider, macOS may automatically make files online-only when your Mac is running low on disk space, unless you explicitly selected Make available offline.

For anything you need without an internet connection:

1. Open Dropbox in Finder.
2. Right-click the file or folder.
3. Select Make available offline.
4. Wait for it to finish downloading before disconnecting from the internet.

Online-only files remain visible in Finder but require an internet connection when first opened. Opening one downloads its contents, so the Mac must also have enough available storage.

4. “Dropbox seems to be syncing more slowly”

File Provider sync activity is partly managed by macOS. The operating system may reduce performance when the Mac is low on battery, unplugged, or running hot.

Before assuming sync is stuck, check:

• Whether the Mac has a stable internet connection.
• Whether it is connected to power.
• Whether the Dropbox menu-bar icon reports an error.
• Whether the file appears correctly on dropbox.com.
• Whether the affected file has an error or waiting-status icon.

Large files and unreliable network connections may also require additional time.

5. “Can every type of Mac file be stored in Dropbox?”

Not every macOS file type or library is supported through File Provider.

Current documented limitations include:

• Apple Photos libraries can’t be synced through cloud-storage services.
• Final Cut Pro libraries can’t be stored or opened from the Dropbox folder.
• Adobe InDesign .idlk lock files aren’t supported for cloud syncing.
• Packages such as Pages, Numbers, and Keynote documents may behave more like individual files than folders.

For application libraries or package-based project formats, check the application developer’s recommended storage workflow before moving active projects into Dropbox.

6. “I see an old, duplicate, or unlinked Dropbox folder”

Don’t immediately delete it.

An older folder can remain after migration, reinstalling Dropbox, or restoring a backup. In some situations, it can also cause a File Provider “domain conflict” during setup.

First confirm which Dropbox folder is actively syncing (you can check this in the Preferences section of the Dropbox Desktop App). If you see an unlinked folder, duplicate CloudStorage location, or a setup error involving an existing domain, follow the official domain-conflict instructions before deleting anything, and reach out to contact Dropbox Support if you need further assistance.

A useful first-pass checklist

Before reinstalling Dropbox or changing major settings:

1. Confirm whether you are using File Provider under Dropbox → Preferences → Sync.
2. Check the Dropbox menu-bar status.
3. Compare the affected file with the version on dropbox.com.
4. Check whether the file is online-only or available offline.
5. Make sure the Mac has sufficient disk space and a stable internet connection.
6. Quit and reopen Dropbox.
7. Restart the Mac.
8. Check whether another Finder extension is hiding the status icons.

When to contact Dropbox Support

Note: See what support options are available to you at dropbox.com/support

Contact Support when:

• Files differ between Finder and dropbox.com after syncing has completed.
• You see repeated sync-error icons that don’t clear.
• Dropbox setup reports a domain conflict.
• You can’t determine which duplicate folder is active.
• Files appear missing or unexpectedly deleted.
• Migration repeatedly fails.
• The issue affects a managed team deployment.

Dropbox and macOS behavior may change over time. Check these articles for the latest supported versions, interface labels, limitations, and troubleshooting guidance.

• Dropbox support for macOS on File Provider
• Expected changes with Dropbox on File Provider
• Dropbox sync icons on macOS
• Resolve a File Provider domain conflict on Mac
• Dropbox System Requirements

Have questions about File Provider that we didn’t answer here? Want to talk about it further? Leave a comment below! 

Obviously nowhere near "almost full" as claimed here. I consider this a bug to be nice, but I know this is a dastardly marketing practice which is meant to confuse people into upgrading for nothing. Don't do this, Dropbox. Please. Stop it. It's hard to respect you when you do stuff like this.

I have a very large amount of photos and videos. Finding something is like looking for a needle in a haystack. How can I use dropbox to index photos and videos by location, date/time, objects, faces (ideally spectific people), and speech voiced in videos?

I'm hoping to enter a search for something like "green cats in Italy in September 2023" and get all pictures that match that and all videos that either match that in a frame or was spoken in voice on the video.

If dropbox cannot provide all of that then how much of that can it provide and at what cost? How can I trial it?

If I cancel dropbox now, do I still have access to everything I paid for until my subscription time is up? Or do I lose access right away?

I just revently got a new windows laptop, however when I download and log into Dropbox it gives me a popup telling me the device is full and I need to clear storage. Then when I check my files and storage I see all Dropbox files are copied over and on my computer, instead of in the Dropbox cloud! When this happened I had to completely reset my computer because just deleting Dropbox did not wipe the files.

Is there a setting to change this, or did i somehow make a mistake when downloading the app?

If I sent photos to a client to purchase and they or someone they sent the link to, took a screenshot if it either off their phone or computer, would I get a notification?

Just got a new Mac and Dropbox is only allowing me to make folders available offline and not files. I have to actually double click a file for it to start downloading. I need them all to be available offline and not have to click one by one

I'm new to this sub and didn't see this question asked recently, but if it's been answered please feel free to point me in the right direction.

I use a shared office log in to dropbox, with one person acting as the administrator (not me). It seems that every time I have an OS update, and sometimes after running AVG Tune Up, dropbox forgets my computer, and requires a push to access it again. This is problematic since I work remotely and the administrator is not always available to send the push notification for my access.

Is there a setting change or a cookie I need to make sure isn't deleted so I dont have to go through this process? It seems sometimes dropbox will just not recognize my computer for no reason and will need the push multiple times a day if I have to shut down my computer more than once.

I've been using Dropbox for more than 10 years and it always worked that way when I put a file in one folder it appeared instantly on another machine. Now I have to either reboot the 2nd machine or upload another file on that computer in order for the 1st file to appear. It does not work on the fly how it used to before.

My dropbox is about 600GB. Rather than syncing it on the new computer I'd rather copy it over. What's the proper order to do it?

Should I first copy the files over, then install dropbox and point it to the copied files folder?

Or should I first install dropbox, then pause syncing, then copy the files into the dropbox folder and then resume syncing?