You might see that the Dropbox Community team have been busy working on some major updates to the Community itself! So, here is some info on what’s changed, what’s staying the same and what you can expect from the Dropbox Community overall.
Forum Discussion
mcurry
8 years agoNew member | Level 2
How do I remove files from my computer but keep them in my Dropbox account?
I am out of space on my pc. I would like to delete some of the files in the dropbox on my pc. Will that cause the same files to be deleted in my dropbox storage?
- 7 years ago
Fiona M.9 wrote:
To work around this, I'm going to have to set up a separate folder (Selective Sync) and move the files to that folder, correct? Then after making sure it IS synced to Dropbox, I will then choose to selectively sync this folder.
Correct.
Do I then delete this folder entirely until the next time I want to do the same thing?The folder will be deleted automatically when you save your Selective Sync settings. This is why it's important to make sure it's fully synced BEFORE you uncheck it in Selective Sync.
Rich
Super User II
Dropbox will sync any changes you make across all of your devices and your account online. Add a file to Dropbox on your computer and it's added everywhere. Delete a file and it's deleted everywhere.
In order to remove the local copy of a folder from your computer while leaving it in your Dropbox account online, use Selective Sync. Just be sure that the folder in question is fully synced BEFORE you remove it within the Selective Sync options.
Fiona M.9
7 years agoHelpful | Level 6
This is going to be a pain bc I still want the deleted files to stay within the Dropbox folder on Dropbox.com, but I do not want the (large) files to remain on my computer. To work around this, I'm going to have to set up a separate folder (Selective Sync) and move the files to that folder, correct? Then after making sure it IS synced to Dropbox, I will then choose to selectively sync this folder. Do I then delete this folder entirely until the next time I want to do the same thing?
Any other suggestions greatly appreciated.
- Rich7 years agoSuper User II
Fiona M.9 wrote:
To work around this, I'm going to have to set up a separate folder (Selective Sync) and move the files to that folder, correct? Then after making sure it IS synced to Dropbox, I will then choose to selectively sync this folder.
Correct.
Do I then delete this folder entirely until the next time I want to do the same thing?The folder will be deleted automatically when you save your Selective Sync settings. This is why it's important to make sure it's fully synced BEFORE you uncheck it in Selective Sync.
About Storage Space
Looking for help with managing the storage space in your Dropbox account? Talk to the Dropbox Community and get advice from members.
Need more support
If you need more help you can view your support options (expected response time for an email or ticket is 24 hours), or contact us on X or Facebook.
For more info on available support options for your Dropbox plan, see this article.
If you found the answer to your question in this Community thread, please 'like' the post to say thanks and to let us know it was useful!