Dropbox: Using Selective Sync in the Desktop App

Environment 

U-M Dropbox

Issue

How do I use selective sync in the Dropbox desktop app to choose which folders to sync to my computer?

Resolution

• Selective sync lets you choose which folders are visible in your desktop file system (File Explorer/Finder) from all the folders and Team Folders you have access to in your U-M Dropbox account. Deselecting a folder with selective sync removes it from being visible in your file system on the hard drive and only stores it on the web.
  • By default, files in these folders are kept online-only until you open them from your file system or mark them for offline use.
  • When you open the file, it is downloaded to your computer.
• Note: Automatic, local desktop syncing for Team Folders is turned off by default. You will have to use selective sync in the desktop app to add it to your computer.
• You can view the sync status of your folders from your desktop app preferences or the Dropbox folder on your computer.
• Refer to the Dropbox Help Center for a thorough overview of the sync icons in the desktop app on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
  • If you haven't updated your desktop app to the Microsoft "cloud files" sync on your Windows computer or Apple's File Provider on your Mac computer, your icons may look slightly different because you are on a legacy version.
  • Learn more about online-only files (previously known as "Smart Sync").
  • Learn more about sync errors.

Choose which folders to sync to your computer

To check and un-check which folders to sync on your computer:

1. Open the Dropbox desktop app.
2. Click your profile picture in the lower left corner and select Preferences.
3. Click Sync from the left navigation.
4. Click View folders under "Selective sync."
5. Check the boxes next to each folder you want to sync to your desktop app, and uncheck the ones you don't.
6. Click Save once you've made your selections.
7. Click Confirm.

Additional Information

• Once a Team Folder is created, it may take time to appear in selective sync so you can select it. When selective sync is opened, there may be a notice that says, "ITS has added you to [GROUP]. However, it will not sync to your computer." It may take 10 to 20 minutes for the Team Folder to appear in the folder list, as outlined in the steps above.
• One common cause of content not syncing is that certain characters in the folder name are not allowed on the target operating system. Refer to the Dropbox Help Center for more information.

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