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Likewise, if you attempt to copy a placeholder file via the Finder from one volume to another, Dropbox downloads the data to the source, then copies the original file (leaving the downloaded source file in place). As noted above, when you open a placeholder file in the Finder, Dropbox downloads the original. When you ask Dropbox to store a file only in the cloud, Dropbox deletes the local copy of the file and replaces it with a proprietary, 0-byte placeholder file. Dropbox placeholder files are backed up as placeholder files
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Before using the Smart Sync feature, you should consider whether you are comfortable with not having a local backup of the files that you choose to store only in the cloud. While this is a convenient feature that allows you to free up some space on your Mac, this feature removes files from your local storage, which means that CCC can't make a backup of these online-only files. If you attempt to open the placeholder file, Dropbox automatically downloads the data of the file to your Mac and the document opens. What remains on your Mac is a 0-byte placeholder file.
Dropbox smart sync still take up space professional#
Dropbox Professional offers a "Smart Sync" feature that allows the user to store files only in the cloud.