When viewing your files in Sync, there is a Date Modified or Last Modified column showing when each file was last changed. This timestamp can vary slightly depending on where the file was uploaded or modified (desktop, web, or mobile). This article explains how timestamps work across each platform and why they may appear different in some cases.
Overview
Sync currently displays a single timestamp for files, the Last Modified date. This represents when the file’s content was last changed, but the behavior depends on how and where the file was uploaded:
| Platform | Label shown | Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | Date Modified | Reflects the local “Date Modified” timestamp of the file on your computer. |
| Windows | Date Modified | Syncs with the original local “Date Modified” timestamp of the file. The desktop app preserves this value when uploading. |
| Web panel | Last Modified | If you upload directly through your web browser, Sync assigns the upload date and time as the modified date. The original “Date Modified” from your device is not retained, and folders don’t display a modified date. |
| Mobile app | Last Modified | For both direct uploads and camera uploads, Sync fetches and preserves the file’s original metadata (including the original modified date) from your device. |
Why the “Date Modified” may appear different
You might see a newer “Date Modified” date even if you haven’t changed the file.
This can happen in a few situations:
Files uploaded via the web panel:
When you drag-and-drop or manually upload a file in your browser, Sync sets the “Last Modified” timestamp to the date of upload rather than the file’s original modified date.Files copied or recreated by another app:
Some third-party apps or editors (like Microsoft Office or Final Cut) create new versions of files rather than modifying the original. The OS treats this as a new file, resulting in a new modified date.Files downloaded and re-uploaded:
Re-uploading a file, even without changes, creates a new version with a current timestamp in the web panel.
Tip: If you rely on modified dates for organization, consider using a consistent file-naming convention that includes the date (for example, YYYY-MM-DD_ProjectName_Version), so files stay sortable and easy to track even if timestamps change.
On desktop and mobile uploads, the original file metadata is preserved. The web panel is currently the only surface where timestamp differences can occur.