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Andrew-RFLB's avatar
Andrew-RFLB
Helpful | Level 5
8 years ago

Smart Sync and Quick Preview on Mac

Smart Sync causes my quick preview function (spacebar) to not function properly on my Mac. I can't preview thumbnails, or quick preview any videos or photos. Any ideas why this happens?
Desktop
Mac
Setting up the apps
  • Rich's avatar
    Rich
    8 years ago

    Likely because you're trying to preview a file that doesn't exist on your computer.

     

    When you set a file to Online Only, the only thing that's left of that file on your computer is the necessary information to make it appear in the folder. Since there's no content in the file, your OS (nor any other program) is able to preview it.

     

    Remember, when you set a file to Online Only, the file is removed from the computer leaving behind only a marker file. In order to access that file, whether it be to open and edit it or simply preview it, the file needs to be on the computer (Smart Sync doesn't allow you to open files directly from the Dropbox servers). When you open a file, it's synced back to your local drive and then opened as normal. When you're done with the file, if you want it to be online-only again, you need to mark it as such.

Jane's avatar
Jane
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
Hey TangoDB, thanks for checking in with us on the Dropbox Community on this question, let me clarify matters in a bit more detail below & we’ll take it from there! 
 
It’s my understanding that you’re referring to this thread here, which could’ve triggered your inquiry. (Note: If so, then you may keep in mind that I’ve slightly modified the flow there by un-accepting the previous Solution & accepting Rich’s comment as a Solution instead, which best describes what’s happening.)
 
Simply put, currently it’s not possible to preview your Smart-synced files on your Mac, as these are only markers of the original files, which you can preview online (i.e. assuming that they’re supported). 
 
Based on a search I run on my end, I could see that the issue you reported is something our development team is currently aware of and investigating further. The issue appears to be related to an interaction between the Smart Sync feature and OS file explorer behavior as we attempt to sync previews of the files. 
 
We do not have a current timeline I can provide on improvements to this behavior, though for the time being our higher-level technicians are aware of this behavior & are working on a resolution. 
 
Hopefully this addresses your Smart sync-specific question, though please let me know if you need further assistance& I’ll follow-up with you as closely as possible! 
TangoDB's avatar
TangoDB
Explorer | Level 4
7 years ago

Hi Jane, 

Thank you for your prompt reply, most appreciated. I am more concern with other local disk file preview than the Sync Dropbox file. I know you cannot preview files that is not sync down to the local drive. 

I will hold the upgrade till this is resolved. Thank you and appreciate if you would let me know once it's resolved so I can upgrade to Pro. Cheers

  • Ckrupinsky's avatar
    Ckrupinsky
    Helpful | Level 6
    7 years ago

    If you relaunch your finder from your desktop it seems to fix it (for the time being).

     

    This has only been happening to me since I upgraded to DP Pro. Something isn't right. I has to be a bug on the DB side. Hopefully they can get this resolved, I definitley don't want to relaunch my finder every hour or so.

     

    Thanks for the intel thus far.

  • Jane's avatar
    Jane
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    7 years ago
    As an initial point of reference, you may refer back on the client changelog posted here when it comes to the most recent changes in our desktop app, though I’ve also made a note of your request & I’ll circle back here if I have an update on the progress. 
     
    Happy Dropboxing ahead & thanks for taking the time to share your interest on our Forum; please don’t hesitate to get back in touch at any time in case you need assistance or you have more questions. Until we talk again, take care & have a wonderful rest of your day!

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