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New Computer Sync issue Mac: Seeing offline folders in Finder

I'm starting with a new Mac but a long-time Dropbox and Mac user. In the past when I do this, I've been able to see all of my folders/file in my Dropbox folder on my computer, even though they are online only with Selective Sync. Now, within my Dropbox Folder in the Finder, I can only see files/folders that are synced locally. I can then take them offline, but it seems that I have to make them online first-- likely one-by-one, or a-few-by-a-few, as I don't have enough space on my drive for all of them. I'm trying to figure out how to do that more efficiently. In the past, this happened automatically.

My goal is to be able to see the names of all of my Dropbox content folders in my Finder, while keeping them online only. In the past, when selectively not bringing everything online, the folder and content names still appeared in my Finder.

What am I missing?

Also, I'm seeing info about "Dropbox for macOS on File Provider", which might clear up (or exacerbate) this problem. I've read a little bit about it, but am leery to try.

Thanks in advance for any help!

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Accepted answers

Jay

If you first choose online-only as the default option in the Dropbox desktop application preferences, then when you check the folders from the selective sync window, they'll appear as online-only folders.

Otherwise, once the folders appear on your machine, you can right click the folder and immediately mark it as online-only by right clicking it from Finder.

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Jay

Hi @DCulton, thanks for messaging the Community.

There are two features here you've mentioned, which have different functions. Selective sync prevents entire folders from appearing on your machine completely, so they only appear on the site.

The feature you're referring to is the online-only feature. To enable this, you need to select all the folders from the selective sync window, and then mark the folders as online-only. You can even make this the default for files added from the site.

If you need any further assistance, please let me know!

DCulton

Thanks @Jay . What I'm a little confused about is that in my selective sync window, I do not see an option to mark the folders as online only. When I select folders and click update, the folders get fully downloaded on my computer. I've done that with a few folders, then on my computer make them online only. I don't have room on my drive to do that with all the folders.

How do I make them online only without first having to download them to my computer?

Thanks

Jay

Otherwise, once the folders appear on your machine, you can right click the folder and immediately mark it as online-only by right clicking it from Finder.

DCulton

Perfect! Done. Thank you so much. It just wasn't clear to me that they would be listed as online only and not downloaded, but makes sense!

Jay

I'm glad to hear that it's working for you now. Enjoy the rest of your week!