Does Dropbox Backup create a snapshot backup of my files or a live one?

Question

if I make a backup using the drop box app and subsequently alter or delete  some of the files (still on my computer) , do they get altered in the backup? or as  a backup  a snapshop of the  files  at the  time, and I will need a new  backup  regularly

What is the  relationship with files  in my  dropbox  folder  which are it seems  automatically  updated in the  cloud  copy

Hannah · Answer

Hi again, Mandy!

So, basically the Dropbox folder is just a folder that's created when you install the Dropbox desktop app on your computer.

This folder has syncing abilities, so it will automatically download any files you already have in your Dropbox account and also, if you change/add/delete files in it, the changes will sync to your account online or any other devices you might have linked to your account as well.

As for the backup feature, I'm not sure it's what you're looking for, because it won't back up a snapshot of your files, but rather a live backup that will keep updating if you change your files.

I hope this clarifies things, but let me know if you need anything else!

mandywr · Answer

what is the significance of the drop box folder on my iMac I had thought that it was the only folder synced with the drop box cloud,  but I think now that I am wrong and I'm very confused. I want to do a backup of several folders, (not currently in my  dropbox folder)  and which will not keep updating every time I update the content of my drop box folder but will effectively be a snapshot at the time I make it.. how can I achieve this? I have no wish to share  any data.

Hannah · Answer

Thanks for your question today, @mandywr!

The backup created by the Dropbox Backup feature is actually a live one, meaning that if you alter your files on your computer, the Dropbox desktop app will update the backup as well.

Depending on the Dropbox Backup version you're using, updates will be made automatically or every 15 minutes (or you can even schedule them).

You can read more about the feature here and here.

Let me know if you have any more questions.