Dropbox: Add Automation to Folders

Environment

U-M Dropbox

Issue

Can I automate my folders in Dropbox? If so, what can I automate?

Resolution

You can use folder automation options in Dropbox to organize and automate tasks, like unzipping and converting files. Refer to Dropbox automation options for more information and instructions on creating, editing, and deleting automations.

Automation options include:

  • Files added to a folder are saved as PDFs
  • Files added to a folder are watermarked
  • Files added to a folder are unzipped
  • Files added to a folder are tagged
  • Files added to a folder are saved as images
  • Files added to a folder are saved as videos
  • Files saved to a folder are sorted based on category.
    • This is one option you would use if you wanted to sort files within one folder into different folders based on specific characteristics. (You can also do this using the multi-file organize feature, and it can either be automated or used once.) To sort files into different folders using automation:
      1. Hover over the folder in Dropbox you want to organize and click the three-dot icon.
      2. Select Add automation from the drop-down menu.
      3. Select "Choose a category to sort files by."
      4. Select "files are added to a select folder" under "When..."
        1. Check the "Apply it to current files" box if you want to apply it to files currently in the folder.
      5. Select Custom filters under "Then organize into folders grouped by" and click Add filters.
      6. Select the rule you want to use from the Select rule drop-down menu (i.e., file extension, keyword, or size).
      7. Select the file extension type or size from the drop-down menu or enter the keyword in the field that appears.
        • You can always add an additional rule after entering this first one.
      8. Click Choose folder and select the folder you want these specific files to be sorted into next to "Move files to:"
      9. Click Save, then click Save again.

You can use automation on the "Email Attachments" folder that's used when someone emails you an attachment via your Email to Dropbox email address. You can also use automation on the folder you selected to store your File Requests.

Additional Information

Dropbox has two additional ways to organize files within folders: multi-file organize and naming conventions.

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.

Print Article