If you're looking for a more secure cloud storage solution, moving your files from Dropbox to Sync is a great choice. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to transfer your files from Dropbox, including:
- Transferring your files from Dropbox using a web browser
- Transferring your files from Dropbox using the desktop apps
- FAQs
Transferring your files from Dropbox using a web browser
Using a web browser to transfer your files from Dropbox to Sync works best if you don't have the Dropbox desktop app installed, and you have a smaller data set up to 250 GB with fewer than 10,000 files (including files in nested folders).
If you already have the Dropbox desktop app installed, or are transferring a larger data set, skip to the next section.
1. Download your files from Dropbox to your local drive:
- Sign in to Dropbox from your web browser.
- Select all your files stored in Dropbox by checking them off on the left panel.
- Click the Download button.
- By default (unless your settings are changed), your files will be saved to the Downloads folder on your computer as a compressed file called Dropbox.zip.
2. Upload your files from your local drive to Sync:
- Install the Sync desktop app on your computer. This will create a special Sync folder on your computer.
- Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) and move the Dropbox.zip file into the Sync folder.
- Unzip the Dropbox.zip file. Here’s how to unzip files on Windows and macOS.
- The Sync app will upload all of the files.
- Once all of the files have been uploaded you can delete the dropbox.zip file.
Transferring your files from Dropbox using the desktop apps
If you already have the Dropbox desktop app installed, or have large amounts of data, this is the fastest way to get your files in Sync:
- Install the Sync desktop app. This will create a Sync folder on your computer.
- If you don't already have the Dropbox desktop app installed, install it now.
- Ensure all your Dropbox files are available offline (downloaded to your computer). You'll need about twice as much free space on your computer to ensure all your Dropbox files can be transferred. To make all your Dropbox files available offline:
- Open File Explorer (Win + E).
- Navigate to your Dropbox folder.
- Select the files or folders you're going to transfer.
- Right-click and hover over the Dropbox tab then select, Make available offline.
- Verify Dropbox is fully synced to ensure all files are up to date.
- Now that all your Dropbox files have downloaded to your computer, you can move them to Sync:
- Open two File Explorer windows side by side.
- In one window, open the Dropbox folder.
- In the other, open the Sync folder.
- Drag or copy files from Dropbox to Sync.
- Once the files are moved, the Sync app will automatically upload your files to the cloud!
- Install the Sync desktop app. This will create a Sync folder on your Mac.
- Install the Dropbox desktop app. This will create a Dropbox folder on your Mac.
- Ensure all Dropbox files are available offline:
(Note: Your local drive must have enough free space to accommodate the files).
- Open Finder and navigate to the Dropbox folder.
- Locate the files or folders you want to make available offline.
- Command-click (or right-click) the item and select Make available offline.
- Verify that Dropbox is fully synced to ensure all files are up to date on your Mac.
- Transfer files to Sync:
- Open two Finder windows side by side.
- In one window, open the Dropbox folder.
- In the other, open the Sync folder.
- Drag or copy files from Dropbox to Sync.
- Once the files are moved, the Sync app will automatically upload your files to the cloud!
FAQs:
Can I transfer files directly from Dropbox to Sync without downloading them?
No, Dropbox does not offer direct integration with Sync. You must first download your files to your local device and then upload them to Sync.
Can I place the Dropbox folder inside the Sync folder?
No, placing the Dropbox folder inside the Sync folder (or vice versa) can cause syncing conflicts and unexpected behaviour. Keep both folders separate to ensure smooth and uninterrupted file transfers.
How long does it take to transfer files from Dropbox to Sync?
The transfer speed with Sync can reach up to 40 Megabits per second (5 Megabytes per second) per thread. However, the total transfer time depends on factors like the size of your files, your internet speed, and whether you're using the web or desktop apps.