How to keep new files online-only in online-only folders?

Question

Hello.

I’m using Dropbox on macOS 14. Previously, I was on macOS 12 with the same Dropbox settings.

In Preferences/Sync/Default Sync Preferences, I selected “Available offline”.  For specific folders in my Dropbox folder, I chose "Make online-only".

On macOS 12, whenever I dragged a file into one of those online-only folders, Dropbox uploaded it and the local copy was removed automatically. Now on macOS 14, when I drag files into the same folders, they remain available offline after uploading.

Is there a way to get the old behavior back? In general, I want new files to be available offline by default. However, if I add files to a folder that's set to online-only, I want those files to be uploaded and remain online-only automatically.

Megan · Accepted Answer

Hey there, @PeterMueller, welcome to our Community!

Do you upload your files directly through the desktop app or via the Dropbox site? It sounds like the former, but I wanted to be sure.

In that scenario, if you move a file directly from your computer to your Dropbox folder (even inside an online-only folder), its status will be 'available offline' until you manually set it to be online-only.

Essentially, the setting described here is for files that sync from the web (i.e., the cloud) down to your computer.

I'll be waiting for your updates!

Megan · Accepted Answer

Hey there, @PeterMueller!

Do you recall if you were using Dropbox with File Provider on macOS 12?

If yes, then it was indeed expected behavior if you were running low on hard drive space. As per this Help Center article: "Dropbox files or folders not previously set to Make available offline may be automatically set to online-only when your hard drive is low on disk space."