Dropbox: Cannot Edit Files on Dropbox Website

This article provides information regarding why you may not be able to edit files on the Dropbox website.

Environment

U-M Dropbox

Issue

I have edit access to one or more files in Dropbox. However, I'm unable to edit them from the Dropbox website, and it incorrectly shows that I have "Can view" access rather than "Can edit" access. 

Resolution

Opening files from the Dropbox website will open them within a Dropbox Preview window. The Dropbox Preview window is intended for viewing, commenting on, and sharing files without needing to download them. As such, its editing capabilities are limited to images, videos, and PDF files. Other file types will need to be opened using an appropriate application for editing them, such as Microsoft 365 for Microsoft files stored in Dropbox.

Please refer to the steps outlined below for correctly opening Dropbox files for editing.

Method 1: Open from the Dropbox Preview window

1. Open the file in Dropbox on the web.
2. Click Open in in the top left and select the appropriate application from the drop-down menu.
   • Note: Some options will only be available if the Dropbox desktop app is installed on your computer. Please refer to Download Dropbox Application / Client for installation instructions.
3. Edit and save the file as needed. The changes will automatically sync with Dropbox.

Method 2: Open from your computer's file system

Note: This option is only available if the Dropbox desktop app is installed on your computer. Please refer to Download Dropbox Application / Client for installation instructions. 

1. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
2. Open the "Dropbox (University of Michigan)" folder.
3. Locate and open the file.
4. Edit and save the file as needed. The changes will automatically sync with Dropbox.

Additional Information

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