10 Ways to Use Dropbox for File Sharing and Storage

To begin with, we should know what Dropbox is. Dropbox means drop in a box or at least the name suggests so; it is an online file hosting service based on cloud computing that allows users to save, share, and synchronize files across platforms of different kinds. It was established in 2007 and changed how people organize their digital stuff by launching an easy-to-use system for storing/sharing documents over the Net.

Users use Dropbox to store documents, pictures, videos, and other types of things that need to be kept safe on the cloud. Because physical storage is no longer necessary thanks to this technology, users may view their documents from any location as long as they have internet access.

Let’s now examine 10 ways to store and share files using Dropbox in this article.

Before moving further to the ways to use Dropbox, we need to learn how to use it. Because new users who are using this for the first time don’t have the proper knowledge to use it. Large organizations mostly use it to store their important data on the cloud instead of saving data on systems.

To free up space on the hard drives and to back up the contents, people like to use cloud storage. However, new users should note that uploading files to Dropbox does not automatically delete them from your hard drive. If this is your goal, you will need to delete the files from your computer yourself after uploading them to the cloud. 

Dropbox has synchronization features where you can access these files from all your devices. This system keeps your files safe from technical problems you may have with your computer. Suppose, if your hard drive fails, all your important data will be lost forever, but if the same data is stored on the cloud, it won’t be deleted forever. It will always be present on clouds. If you think your computer is safe, there is always a small chance that it will get damaged, die on its own, or even be stolen.

• Go to dropbox.com.
• Click over the file or folder you want to share and click the share icon.
• Enter the email, name or group of the person (or people) you want to share it with and click to select them from the results.
• Select Can edit or view.
• Click Share File or Share Folder.
• The person or group receives an email with a link to the file or folder.

A Dropbox folder is automatically created when you download Dropbox to your desktop. To sync files to this folder, follow the instructions below. Below are the steps:

• Find your Dropbox folder.
• Open Finder and find Dropbox in your favourite tray.
• Drag and drop files into folders.
• You can drag and drop files into your Dropbox folder to add them. You can access the files that are stored on Dropbox accounts using multiple devices.
• Save the files to your Dropbox folder.
• When you save a file, you can choose to save it directly to the Dropbox folder. The files will be saved in your Dropbox account.

You can use Dropbox on the web by creating an account. You simply search on Google for Dropbox and make an account on it.

• Login to your Dropbox account after opening the browser. You can upload a file or folder using the button on the right side of the home screen. Select the option you need.

• Select the file you want to upload and click on “open.” The file will be uploaded to your Dropbox account. Upload a folder by following the same process.

It takes little time at all to locate files on the web application.

• Six options are located on the home screen’s right side. To find a file or folder, click “all files.” You can then browse this section to find the files you want.

•  You can type the name of the file or folder if you have one and type it in the search bar.

Users can monitor file changes from time to time. If a user wants to restore previous versions of the file, it can be accessed using Dropbox’s version history feature. This guarantees that users can access previous versions of files if needed and adds a higher level of security against accidental deletion or change. To further ensure that important information is never lost, Dropbox’s file recovery tool enables users to access deleted files during a certain period.

Dropbox allows customers to increase storage capacity beyond Dropbox’s cloud storage limitations through connectivity with external storage devices such as external hard drives and Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. Users may easily access and manage Dropbox files as well as files stored on external storage devices by syncing Dropbox with those devices.

When you need to get files from staff members or relatives who don’t use Dropbox, you can invite them to upload files to your account using file requests. Teachers can also use this as a good way to gather files from their students.

• To request a file, log in to your online Dropbox account. On the left-hand side, you’ll see “file requests.” Click on it to proceed to the next page.

• Then, from the menu on the right, choose “new request.”

• You will be prompted to name the files you wish on the following page. After deciding on a name, select the folder that Dropbox should store them in. To proceed, tap “Create.”

• You can add the contacts you want to have access to the folder on the following page. You can manually submit the request to the recipient by pasting the shareable link into an email.

You may easily log into your Dropbox account using a web browser to access your files on a new device that are saved to it.

• To download a file onto your computer from the web application, first search the file using the search option. 
• Select the file and click on the checkbox button. From the dropdown menu, select “download.”

Users can conveniently sand sync files within the cloudthem with Dropbox’s backup and sync features. This assures that the records are safe from loss and that the files may be accessed from any place. Dropbox guarantees that users usually have access to their trendy files, whether or not they’re running from a computing device, laptop, or mobile device by way of instantly syncing information between devices.

Users of Dropbox can view files even when they’re not connected thanks to the offline access feature. Users can read and modify files offline by adding them on Bookmark or favorite on Dropbox and turning on offline access on the desktop software. This guarantees that users, whether travelling or working remotely, may continue to be active even in the absence of an internet connection.

• Free.
• Billed monthly for personal use (Plus): $11.99/month.
• Billed monthly for personal use (Essentials): $19.99/month.
• Billed monthly for personal use (Business): $18/user/month.
• Billed monthly for personal use (Business Plus): $30/user/month.
• Billed yearly for personal use (Plus): $9.99 / month.
• Billed yearly for personal use (Essentials): $16.58 / month.
• Billed yearly for personal use (Business): $15 / user/month.
• Billed yearly for personal use (Business Plus): $24 / .user/month

Dropbox is a place where we put all the files together without worrying about storage or hard drives. With things like working together on projects, sharing files easily, keeping backups, and even checking past versions, Dropbox makes it possible. Nowadays, Dropbox is like a trusty friend for anyone needing to handle digital files. It is easy to use, works on different devices, and keeps everything in sync.

So, Dropbox is a great tool that helps people work smarter, keep their files safe, and collaborate with ease. Even if working solo or with a team, it helps at all.

Related Articles

• Difference between Cloud Storage and Traditional Storage
• Difference between Dropbox and iCloud
• Difference between Dropbox and Amazon Drive

How can a new learner use Dropbox?

Beginners can sign up for a free Dropbox account to see if the platform is right for them. 

How do I use Dropbox for storage?

You can either Drag and drop the files or folders into the Dropbox folder on the desktop. or, use the Save As option in most applications to save files directly to the Dropbox folder.

What is the main advantage of Dropbox?

Dropbox makes information available from anywhere by enabling file syncing and backup across devices.

Is Dropbox good for backup?

Dropbox Backup stores your files separate from your shared files, so you won’t have to worry about overwriting your emergency backups.