Dropbox - Desktop Application

As a Splash team member your computer is already setup with the Dropbox Desktop Application. The below training topics and processes are to help you gain a better understanding of what is available to you and how to use Dropbox on your desktop.

If for some reason you do not have the Dropbox Desktop Application already on your computer please Download the Dropbox Desktop Application

Smart Sync and why Splash uses it

Dropbox offers a number of ways to sync folders and files between your computer and the online portal to ensure all your Dropbox files and folders are saved and shared correctly. At Splash we use the Dropbox feature called ‘Smart Sync’.

!  The files you see, edit, and delete on your desktop via the desktop application are also shared with the larger Splash global team. Again, be careful before deleting folders and files as your actions will more than likely impact a larger group of team members. 

So why do we use Smart Sync at Splash and what does this mean for you?

  1. We use Smart Sync as it is not possible for your computer to store ALL of the Splash files. Smart Sync allows you to only store those folders and files that you use locally on your computer.

  2. You can still see ALL of the folders and files you have access to even if you do not use them.

  3. If you are going to be working offline you need to prepare in advance by making sure you have taken the needed steps to ensure you can edit those files offline. See the ‘Working Offline’ process overview.

Before moving on be sure to review the below Smart Sync symbols:

Where is Dropbox on my Computer?

Wondering where Dropbox is on your computer?

  1. Click on your ‘File Explorer’ on your desktop

2. In the sidebar, you will see ‘Dropbox (Splash)’, click on this Dropbox icon

That’s it! You are now in the Dropbox folder on your desktop via the Dropbox Desktop Application.  


! Any folder or file in the ‘Dropbox (Splash)’ application is also available via the Online Portal

Managing Sync Status

! Before reviewing this process be sure you are familiar with the Smart Sync symbols reviewed in the previous training section.


When using Smart Sync it is very easy to change the sync status of a file or folder. 

  1. Navigate to the folder or file you want to change the sync status on. Note - all files within a folder will have the same sync status as the folder unless you edit the files in the folder independently

  2. Right-click on that folder or file

  3. Find ‘Smart Sync'

  4. Select the new sync status you want (the current status will have a checkmark next to it)

    1. Your choices are ‘Online Only’ or ‘Local’

Note - Whenever you open a file on your desktop from Dropbox it will automatically make that file a ‘Local’ file. You can follow the above steps to make it ‘Online Only’ again if needed.

 

Working Offline

! To work on files that reside in Dropbox offline you need to make those files ‘Local’ before going offline. Follow the steps in the above process to make folders or files ‘Local’.

Any ‘Local’ document will be available offline.

Practice Excercise - Creating a Personal Folder

Most people find it helpful to create a ‘personal’ folder in Dropbox that is not shared with anyone. Doing so is a simple way to practice the creation of a new folder. To do so:

  1. Navigate to the Dropbox folder on your desktop

  2. While in the larger Dropbox folder but not hovering over another folder, right-click > New > Folder

  3. Rename the folder to be your First and Last Name

That’s it! You have created a folder that is personal to you and is not shared with anyone else.