How does syncing work between devices, and does it happen automatically?

Question

Hi all,

I don't understand the syncing option of Dropbox. Please help me to understand

* If I download a file/folder 'a' from my PC into Dropbox the file is synced on my i-Phone and i-Pad.
* If I make changes to 'a' on my PC, the changes will be synced with the files on the other devices. But it doesn't work like that.

My question: I download a file/folder from my PC into Dropbox. Next I make changes to this file/folder. Do I have to download it again from my PC into Dropbox?

I'am sure I am missing something.

Thanks in advance and with kindest regards, Leo.

lpvmc · Answer

For my test I used the app.

I made a text file for my test on my PC. Then downloaded it into Dropbox. Next IO changed the file on m,y PC and checked if anything changed to the file in Dropbox: 1. explorer > Dropbox; 2. App > World icon 3. App > Folders.

None of the testfiles in Dropbox showed the changes I made.

'Keep in mind that when you download and install the desktop app, a dedicated Dropbox folder is created on your device.'

Is that the one I see through the explorer? Or App > worldicon?

Selective syncing means Dropbox only syncs the files/folders I selected? My testfile doesn't show in the folder where I put it.

Kindets regards, Leo.

P.S. I watched a lot of videos, including those on the Dropbox site, but it didn't help me understanding 'syncing'..

Megan · Answer

Hi there, @lpvmc, I'd be happy to look into this with you!

The first thing I would like to clarify is the location of folder "A" when you try to download it. Do you use our desktop app to access the file, or do you download file or folder "A" from your Dropbox account online? It sounds like the former, but I want to be sure.

You mentioned that you "download a file/folder from my PC into Dropbox." Is that a shared file that someone sent to you, or is it already inside your Dropbox account?

Keep in mind that when you download and install the desktop app, a dedicated Dropbox folder is created on your device. That folder mirrors your online account, meaning you can see all your content locally (unless you selected otherwise on your selective sync settings). If you add, edit, or remove files in that folder, the changes reflect in your online account and vice versa.

Provided that the file or folder is inside your Dropbox folder when you make changes, you should not have to upload it again for the changes to sync to your online account or other devices.

Let me know more, and we'll take it from there!