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
Download option no longer available
Suddenly, the "download" option has disappeared from the page and drop-down menus. I can do anything else to my files, but there is no longer an option to download. Any thoughts?
When you're viewing a file on Dropbox.com that's synced to your computer by the Dropbox desktop application, you'll see an Open option instead of Download. Clicking Open will open the file on your computer and automatically sync back any changes you make. When viewing a file that isn't synced on your computer, you'll continue to see the Download option.
More information is available on our Help Center: https://www.dropbox.com/help/8571
I agree with Michael P. The download button should be returned as an option. Josh am disturbed by your statement: "everyone would have to understand the distinction between the two and choose accordingly" - it seems pretty clear DB's assumption is that DB users are too clueless to understand, and that is a window into the arrogant tech mindset behind many changes like this one, that actually reduce functionality rather than adding to it.
Like Michael P - and like thousands of other people I'm sure - I also prefer to download a copy of a file and work on it without touching the original.
Your assumptions are wrong here. 1) We're not stupid and 2) there are different ways of working that do NOT fit in with your 'new model'. Elegant and well-designed software does not remove functionality. You could easily return the download button, you're just choosing not to, seemingly because you think you know best. Fact is, you don't know what is best for everyone, and the arrogance that you think you do know is upsetting.
Please return the download button as an option. It would restore a lot of good will and you might prevent a lot of users from leaving your service.
PLEASE PLEASE Put the DOWNLOAD button back!!
I want a static copy that does not sync. Opening and then downloading files adds an extra step in what could be the download of hundreds of images per day. NOT efficient. Your "improved" functionality will likely result in the loss of this customer.
- Ditto--it's completely ridiculous to remove the download link, it's self explanatory. What is open, I passed over it multiple times before google searching and finding this thread. I had to read through multiple posts back and forth before you explained it. I got it--the the price of my TIME was more than I wanted to spend.
By the time your users are using google to figure out your site it's already too late.
It's nice that DB syncs files but honestly, I would rather go back to the download approach and sync files on my own. I COMPLETEY agree with Michael, you are breaking my (mental) workflow and I hate to say but pissing me off.- Rich
Super User II
devccs wrote:
I would rather go back to the download approach and sync files on my own.Then uninstall the Dropbox client (or remove local copies of folders using Selective Sync) so that the files aren't already on your computer, and the Open button will go back to a Download button.
The only reason it's an Open button is because the file is already on your computer. In order words, it doesn't need to be downloaded because it's ALREADY on your computer. Remove the file from your computer, or exit the Dropbox client so it can't communicate with the website, and the Download button returns.
Well said, Valerie. However, I suspect our pleas are falling on deaf ears. Guess the tech people know better about what customers want than their actual customers do. That's ridiculous and offensive.
JoshKDropbox Staff
When you're viewing a file on Dropbox.com that's synced to your computer by the Dropbox desktop application, you'll see an Open option instead of Download. Clicking Open will open the file on your computer and automatically sync back any changes you make. When viewing a file that isn't synced on your computer, you'll continue to see the Download option.
More information is available on our Help Center: https://www.dropbox.com/help/8571
I'm having the same issue. When I want to send an entire folder of files to my clients, at times I give them a link. Other times I want to send a zip file. Previously I could go directly to that folder, download the folder, which created a .zip file that contained the most updated files (and the same ones other clients received). Now I can only open the files, not send them as a collection unless I send the link. Bummer. I also would like to have both options available so I could choose whether to Open or Download or send a link or the .zip file. I loved that Dropbox could house lots of files for various clients. Now it is not quite as convenient or user friendly. Please give us back both options. Thanks!
Josh, my workflow is such that I'm working with hundreds of art files and multiple co-workers across the state, country, and world. Each project requires its own up-to-date set of files and links. It is not only far easier for me to search for the correct files on DB, it also is far easier to determine which files are the most up-to-date. (Search results on my desktop computer include far more unnecessary files to sort through.) Additionally, it makes communication (and pinpointing the correct files) easier when all co-workers are using and working from the same interface (in this case, DB). While it's not essential that I use DB for searches and downloads, it's far more efficient and it helps ensure that the proper files are being used and linked. I couldn't imagine why DB would want me to spend less time on their site, but if that's what you want...(we may even have to switch services because of this)...
Josh, I put the files (mainly art files) into a specific "Links" folder for that particular graphic design project. These art links are spread out across 20+ DB folders and are constantly being updated by artists. Searching and downloading via DB is far more efficient (as I said) than searching and linking to my desktop DB folders. I fully realize I can link to the various desktop DB folders, then package my native files for print where a new connect Links folder will be generated, but that, too, creates duplicate files anyway.
For the sake of argument, let's say I'm being completely ridiculous and irrational about the new "Open" button. I still fail to see why DB doesn't just add the "Download" option back in for those that want it, even if DB can't understand why their customers (I'm not alone in this) might choose to use it. Why do you have to take away one button to add another?
Agreed Michael! Still worth making our voices heard. I will write directly to DB about this. Maybe if we both do someone will reply.
Please help! I've been sending links to my customers so they can download the photos they have bought from me.
I started doing this on Monday and it worked really well with the all the photos displayed in squares and a top right 'Download' button....fantastic and clear for my clients.
Now with deadlines looming it's gone pear shaped and the link seems to just take me back into a list of images with lots of text and of no help to my clients.
Would love some advice please....
I work in a school district that doesn't allow the dropbox software on the computers so I have been using the website and downloading in order to print. Now I will need to email myself my files.
