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Where does Dropbox inform potential users of unsupported file types

I am a fairly new Dropbox user and thus far very satisfied until I tried to upload certain file types developed by Google. Dropbox would not allow them to be uploaded claiming they are not supported. I don't recall anywhere in the sign up process for creating a Dropbox account seeing a disclaimer or warning stating which file types are not supported. The Terms of Service do not mention or refer to unsupported file types. It simply refers to content as your "stuff" without mentioning specific limitations on file types.

Unless I missed it, wouldn't it be a good idea to make any limitations on file types a big noticeable warning/disclaimer as part of the sign up process (?).

Shouldn't the Terms of Service include or refer to a section that states such limitations of the service (?)

Regards

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Jay

Thanks for the update, this is the case if you're adding files directly from Google docs, since they won't be supported on Dropbox.

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

All comments

Jay

Hi @jim10705, thanks for contacting us!

There are no restrictions on the type of file you can upload to the Dropbox site.

Are you referring to uploading Google doc files which were already downloaded from Google, or some other type of files?

Any other info or screenshots would be helpful!

jim10705

Thanks for replying.

After doing more searching in Dropbox online Help I confirmed that Dropbox (or perhaps Google?) does not allow Google Docs Google Workspace file types moved/uploaded into Dropbox. See attached screenshot of Dropbox help page. I think this limitation, along with other noteworthy ones, should be a warning disclaimer (with explanation of alternative options) as part of the sign up process so that users can decide beforehand the impact on planned usage of Dropbox.

Screenshot 2021-05-12 7.58.13 PM.png

Jay

Thanks for the update, this is the case if you're adding files directly from Google docs, since they won't be supported on Dropbox.

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

Andyjenk2

Further, as Dropbox allows you to UPLOAD unsupported files but not download them isn't that a form of theft? How DO you get your own property back?

Andyjenk2

I am collaborating with an author to convert his book to an ebook. It is big. I use Dropbox to transfer .docx and the converted epub and mobi formats for checking. His book is unprotected on Dropbox and neither he nor I can access our work. Help please

Jay

Hi @Andyjenk2, there aren't any unsupported document formats aside from Google Docs created outside of Dropbox.

The file types you've mentioned aren't Google Docs, so they can be downloaded from the site. What error are you getting exactly when attempting to download them?

Andyjenk2

"File type not supported

Couldn't download file. Please try opening in another app"
(Purple dartboard, single dart)

Have note that
Share
Send copy of file
then save to device appears to work.

Walter

Hey @Andyjenk2 , sorry to jump in here, but could you maybe send us a screenshot of the exact error you and your collaborator are getting so that we can have a visual too?

If you could clarify your device's OS as well, I'd appreciate it.

Andyjenk2

Android 10. I took a screenshot, copied i exet get "Chrome does not support

Andyjenk2

Will try with a different browser tomorrow. Bed now.

Megan

Hi @Andyjenk2 , just checking to see if you tried a different browser on your end.

You should be able to click the camera-like icon when responding back to us, and attach your screenshot that way.

Andyjenk2

Sorry for not getting back on this. I have just checked. The problem is with the Android App. Even accessing through a browser on Android I can download the files without problem. I am interested in knowing if others have the same problem with the Android App (I am on Android 10). Thanks all for looking at my problem.

Nancy

Thanks for keeping us in the loop, @Andyjenk2 !

Can you also upload the screenshot you took previously in this email thread, so that we can check it, as well?

Andyjenk2

Have created an epub file which I need to share with the author. I cannot upload this to Dropbox from Android but I can from Windows. The app only allows photos. Will it work to run Chrome on Android and do it from there? The app is useless. I do not want to upload photos to Dropbox. Amazon lets me upload as many as I want.

Jay

Hi @Andyjenk2, which option are you choosing to upload files manually?

There should be two options, one for photos and video, and one to create or upload file?

Andyjenk2

Think I've got it! Was looking for the option in the icons on the bottom, not after hitting '+'. Thanks for the help .