Moving default docs and photos to dropbox

[sward445]

Does anyone know how I can move my default docs and photos folder to dropbox?
I tried to move the home library and it locked me out of the computer and had to restore from time machine.
I am on mojave 10.14

 

[MacInWin]

Welcome to the forum.

Dropbox is a sync service. As such, it stores copies (for sync) of whatever is in the source folder for Dropbox. When you say "move" are you implying that you no longer want these docs and folders on your Mac, but just at Dropbox? I don't think that can be done.

The home folder is key to how the operating system works, so you cannot just do away with it altogether, as you found out.

Apple provide a service in iCloud whereby you can store your home folder documents in iCloud and not have them on the Mac until you call for them. Is that what you are trying to do?

Finally, what Mac are we talking about?

 

[carlhataway]

Welcome to the house!
I use "DROPBOX" an FTP site, to send video's, and multiple .MP3's to friends that are too large file wise for email. I would not try to store anything on Dropbox because you would run out of space unless you have purchased extra GB's. MacInWin had the best advice in my opinion.

 

[carlhataway]

sward445, be sure and go into settings for the forum and check all the topics for your info. list what type of Mac you have, the OS and any other specs you want to list. This info helps responders to suggest and or solve your issue. Welcome on board, I to am fairly new here but everyone is very helpful. Be sure and introduce yourself on the page at the beginning of the forum if you haven't already.
Carl

 

[IWT]

Jake said:

Dropbox is a sync service. As such, it stores copies (for sync) of whatever is in the source folder for Dropbox. When you say "move" are you implying that you no longer want these docs and folders on your Mac, but just at Dropbox? I don't think that can be done.

It can be done, but at a price. If you subscribe to Dropbox Plus (or above), when you put files/data in your Dropbox Folder on the mac, you can Right Click on the item and choose "Smart Sync".

Smart Sync gives you the choice to store the data locally (which means on your Mac) or "Online Only".

Online Only means that you can free up space on your Mac. The folders in your Dropbox Folder on the Mac will show a "cloud icon" against all those stored Online. You can re-download them to your Mac should you need to access them or alter their content. After use, Right Click > Smart Sync > Online Only.

HTH

Ian

 

[carlhataway]

IWT, I did not know about the Smart Sync option on Dropbox. I have always just used it to transfer large video or MP3 files to friends. I would imagine that option is an ongoing expense that has to be renewed or lose the data. Thanks for the info on dropbox.
Carl