How to Manage Storage: Dropbox files taking up space on Mac

Dropbox uses a ton of hard drive space despite most files being online only

Introduction

Dropbox is a powerful tool for cloud storage and file synchronization. However, Dropbox files can quickly accumulate and take up significant space on your Mac, leading to performance issues. With this tool, you can back up files to the cloud and access them from multiple devices, including computers, phones, and tablets. Understanding how to manage and optimize Dropbox storage can help you reclaim valuable disk space and enhance your Mac's efficiency.

Why Dropbox files take up space on Mac

Dropbox stores files both locally and in the cloud. By default, it syncs all files to your Mac, which can consume substantial storage. Factors contributing to this issue include:

⚡Full Synchronization: All files in your Dropbox account are downloaded to your Mac.
⚡Large Files and Media: High-resolution images, videos, and large documents occupy more space.
⚡Old and Redundant Files: Accumulation of outdated or duplicate files over time.
⚡Selective Sync Settings: Incorrect settings may lead to unnecessary file downloads.

How to solve Dropbox taking up space on Mac issue?

If Dropbox is taking up too much space on your Mac, don't worry. Here are five effective solutions to help you resolve the issue. Follow these detailed steps one by one until your problem is fixed.

Fix 1. Restart Dropbox app

Restarting can often resolve most issues. Try quitting and restarting the Dropbox app on your Mac to see if it helps:

1. Click the Dropbox icon in your Mac's menu bar.
2. Select your profile picture or initials.
3. Choose "Quit Dropbox."
4. Restart the Dropbox app to check if it functions properly.

Fix 2: Try Selective Sync

Selective Sync is a feature that allows you to choose which folders to store locally on your Mac. This can help free up space by keeping certain files only in your Dropbox online account. Here's how to enable Dropbox Selective Sync on your Mac:

1. Click the Dropbox icon in your Mac's menu bar.

2. Select your profile picture or initials.

3. Click "Preferences." Go to the "Sync" tab.

4. Click "Selective Sync." And uncheck the folders you don’t want to sync to your Mac.

5. Click "Update" to apply the changes.

Fix 3: Delete Extra Files

To free up space on your Mac, you can delete unnecessary files by moving them to the Trash. Follow these steps:

1. Drag the item you want to delete to the Trash in the Dock or select the item and press Command-Delete.
2. If the item is locked, a prompt will appear. Click "Continue" to confirm that you want to move the locked item to the Trash.
3. Note that items in the Trash are not permanently deleted until you empty the Trash. To do this, go to the Trash and select "Empty Trash."

Fix 4. Clear the Dropbox cache folder

There is a hidden folder named ".dropbox.cache" in your Dropbox root folder that stores temporary cache files. This folder is visible only if you have enabled the option to view hidden files and folders on your operating system.

If you have deleted a large number of files from Dropbox but the space on your hard drive hasn't been freed up, the deleted files might still be stored in the cache folder. To clear some space on your hard drive, you can manually clear this cache by following these steps:

1. Open Finder and select "Go to Folder..." from the Go menu.

2. A dialog box will appear. Copy and paste the following line into the box and press the return key: ~/Dropbox/.dropbox.cache

3. This will take you to the cache folder. Please select all the files in this folder and move them to the Trash.

4. Finally, empty the Trash to permanently delete these files and free up space on your hard drive.

Alternative Tool: AOMEI Backupper Sync Files on Mac

If Dropbox is taking up too much space and you prefer not to delete any files, you might want to consider using alternative software. AOMEI Backupper Mac is a solid choice for syncing your essential files from a Seagate drive to your Mac. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, it makes data protection simple and effective, ensuring your files are secure and well-organized.

AOMEI Backupper Mac

Free Mac sync software to sync files and folders automatically

Download Freeware
macOS 10.15 or later

Step 1: Download and install AOMEI Backupper Mac. Launch the app and click "New Task" to get started.

Step 2: Choose the sync method that works best for you. You might want to use Mirror Sync or Two-Way Sync for syncing between two folders.

Basic Sync: Moves files to a new location without deleting them from the original spot.
Mirror Sync: Creates an exact copy of source files at the destination, deleting any destination files not in the source.
Two-Way Sync: Updates files in both locations, so changes in one are mirrored in the other.

Step 3: Select the source folder and the target folder for the sync.

Step 4: Set up the sync schedule and any other options to fit your needs.

You can schedule syncs to run once, hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly. You can also set a specific start time and decide if the system should hibernate or shut down after syncing.

In the Options menu, you can tailor the sync process by including or excluding specific files and folders to suit your needs.

Step 5: After setting everything up, click "Sync" to start the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1: How do I free up space on my Mac without deleting Dropbox files?

A 1: Use Selective Sync and Smart Sync to control which files are stored locally. Clearing the Dropbox cache can also help free up space without deleting files.

Q 2: How can I check my available storage on a Mac?

A 2: Go to the Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage to see a breakdown of your storage usage and available space.

Q 3: Can I use Dropbox on multiple devices?

A 3: Yes, Dropbox supports synchronization across multiple devices, allowing you to access your files from your Mac, PC, smartphone, and tablet.

Practical Tips for Managing Dropbox Files

1. Regularly Update Software: Ensure Dropbox and macOS are always updated to the latest versions for optimal performance and compatibility.
2. Monitor Network Connectivity: Keep an eye on your internet connection and address any stability issues to prevent sync errors.
3. Manage Disk Space: Regularly review and adjust Selective Sync and Smart Sync settings to maintain efficient storage usage.

Conclusion

Managing Dropbox files and taking up space on your Mac is essential for maintaining optimal performance and ensuring your data is easily accessible. By following the outlined solutions and leveraging tools like AOMEI Backupper, you can effectively manage your storage, enhance your workflow, and keep your Mac running smoothly. Stay proactive with software updates, network management, and regular storage reviews to enjoy a seamless Dropbox experience.