Dropbox Desktop App: Sync Files Between PC, Mac and Phone

Dropbox adds a folder to your computer that mirrors itself to the cloud and to your other devices. Put a contract in it at the office, and it is on your laptop and phone by the time you get home.

What the desktop app does

• Sync: Files in the Dropbox folder stay identical across your computers.
• Online-only files: Keep files in the cloud and download them only when you open them, saving disk space.
• Sharing: Send a link that lets anyone view and download a file, even without a Dropbox account.
• Version history: Restore deleted files or roll back to earlier versions.
• Photo uploads: The mobile app can upload your phone’s photos and videos.

Installing Dropbox

1. The Download button opens Dropbox’s official install page.
2. The installer detects your system; Windows, macOS and Linux are supported.
3. Sign in or create an account, choose where the Dropbox folder lives and which folders to sync.

Free Basic plan

According to Dropbox, the free Basic plan includes:

• 2 GB of storage.
• Up to 3 devices connected.
• File recovery and version history for 30 days.

Paid personal and team plans start at 2 TB and add longer recovery, more devices and admin features.

Tips

Large shared folders count against your quota, so check what colleagues share with you. For sensitive files, consider encrypting them first with VeraCrypt before they reach any cloud. Other options include Google Drive for desktop and pCloud Drive.