Why are Dropbox files still on my computer?

When you use Dropbox, you have the option to set files or folders as “online-only.” This means that although you’ll still see the files or folders in your Dropbox folder on your computer, they are actually just placeholders or shortcuts. The actual file data is stored in your Dropbox account online, and you can only access it when you’re connected to the internet.

This feature is particularly useful if you have limited storage space on your computer’s hard drive. By setting files or folders to online-only, Dropbox removes the actual file data from your computer, freeing up valuable space. This way, you can still see the files and folders in your Dropbox folder, but they don’t take up physical storage on your hard drive.

Imagine you have a large collection of photos that you want to keep in your Dropbox account but don’t necessarily need constant access to on your computer. By setting the photo folder to online-only, you can still see the folder in your Dropbox folder, but the actual photo files are stored online. This allows you to save storage space on your computer while still having the convenience of organizing and accessing your photos through the Dropbox folder.

The online-only feature is especially beneficial for users who work with large files or have multiple devices connected to their Dropbox account. It allows you to have access to all your files and folders without worrying about running out of storage space on your computer. Additionally, it provides a seamless experience across different devices since the online-only files and folders sync to all your connected devices.

It’s important to note that when you open an online-only file or folder, Dropbox retrieves the file data from your online account and temporarily downloads it to your computer. This allows you to view and edit the file as if it were stored locally. However, any changes you make will be synced back to your online account when you’re connected to the internet.

Another advantage of the online-only feature is that it provides a level of data security. If your computer gets lost, stolen, or damaged, your files and folders stored in your Dropbox account are still safe and accessible from any other device with an internet connection. This feature acts as a backup, ensuring that your important files are protected even in unforeseen circumstances.