FAQs about Microsoft Office for Dropbox
This integration lets you open Office files stored in your Dropbox, make changes in the Office mobile and web apps, and save those changes directly back to your Dropbox.
Not using Dropbox yet? See how Dropbox can help with content collaboration.
What file types can I edit with the Dropbox Office Online integration?
- docx (<100 MB)
- .xlsx (<100 MB)
- .pptx (<2 GB)
How do I create new Office Online files from Dropbox?
- Log in to dropbox.com.
- Click Create.
- Hover over Document, Presentation, or Spreadsheet depending on the type of file you’d like to create.
- Click Word Document, PowerPoint Presentation, or Excel Workbook to create the file.
Important notes on creating Office Online files from Dropbox:
- When you click Create and select a file type, you'll be redirected to Office Online.
- When you create a new file through Office Online, a link to this file is automatically saved to Dropbox for easy access.
- You must have an Office Online subscription to use this feature.
- Your Microsoft Office must be on version 2311 or later for compatibility with Microsoft co-authoring for Dropbox. Learn how to install Office updates.
Watch this video for a quick overview of how to create documents in Dropbox.
Do I need a special license to edit my Dropbox files in an Office Online application?
If you have a Dropbox Basic, Plus, or Family account, you won't need a Microsoft account or Office license to edit your files.
If you have a Dropbox team account, you'll need an enterprise Microsoft account with a license that allows editing in Office Online (Business, Business Premium, ProPlus, E3, E4, or E5).
Additionally, if you're using a tablet larger than 10", Microsoft requires that you have an O365 license to use Office applications.
What if I have a personal account and a team account? What license do I need then?
If the file you're editing is stored in your personal account, you won't need a Microsoft account or Office license to edit your files. If the file is stored in your team account, you'll need an enterprise Microsoft account with a license that allows editing in Office Online.
When is my document saved?
Office Online auto-saves your content back to Dropbox at regular intervals. Clicking Save and return to Dropbox will also ensure that your file is saved after you return to dropbox.com.
Does the Dropbox Office Online integration support real-time collaboration?
Yes. The integration allows you to simultaneously edit files saved in shared folders.
Learn more about co-authoring Dropbox Office Online documents.
How do I share Microsoft Office files with Dropbox?
You can share Microsoft Office files exactly the same way you would share any file stored in Dropbox.
You can choose to give Can edit or Can view access to your Microsoft Office files, even when sharing with a link. You can further limit access to your shared links in your file’s Link settings or deactivate a link after you’ve created it.
Can I add Dropbox as a Place in Office 365 Online?
Microsoft no longer supports Dropbox as a Place in Office 365 Online.
Can I edit password protected Microsoft Office files in Office Online?
No, you can't open or edit password protected Microsoft Office files using Office Online.
Can I change the default place where my Microsoft files open?
You can change the default place where your Microsoft files open in the Default apps section of your account settings.
| You can set… | To open in… |
Microsoft Word Files (.docx) |
|
Microsoft Excel Files (.xlsx) |
|
Microsoft PowerPoint Files (.pptx) |
|
For example, you can set all Microsoft Word (.docx) files in your Dropbox account to open in Google Docs by default.
- Log in to dropbox.com.
- Click your avatar (profile picture or face icon) in the upper-right corner.
- Click Settings.
- Click the Default Apps tab.
- Under Default editing apps, choose how you would like to open each file type in the dropdown under Open with.
FAQs about Microsoft Office and Dropbox on Android
What file types can I edit from the Dropbox app with the mobile Office apps?
On Android, editing is available for the following file types:
- .docx
- .xlsx
- .pptx
You can view and edit other Office file formats by opening them directly from the Office apps for mobile (Word, Excel, or PowerPoint). From the appropriate Office app, tap on the Account tab and connect your Dropbox if you haven't already. Once connected, you can access the files in your Dropbox from the Open tab.
Note: Any other Office files will be read-only.
Do I need to sign in with a Microsoft login in order to edit Office files?
You can edit files stored in your personal Dropbox account (Basic, Plus, or Professional) without logging in with a Microsoft account (e.g. Hotmail, Outlook.com), however you'll eventually be required to do so.
A Microsoft login is also required when opening the Office apps directly to access your Dropbox files there.
For Android tablets with screens larger than 10.1", an Office 365 subscription is also required to edit Office files stored in Dropbox Basic, Plus, and Professional accounts.
How do I unlink or relink my Dropbox account from the Office Mobile apps?
To unlink a Dropbox account from an Office Mobile app:
- Open the Office Mobile app.
- Tap the folder icon.
- From the list of places, tap and hold Dropbox.
- Once you've held your finger on Dropbox for a few seconds, a trash can icon will appear in the top right corner of the screen. Tap the trash can to remove Dropbox from the Office Mobile app.
To re-link a Dropbox account to an Office Mobile app:
- Open the Office Mobile app.
- Tap the folder icon.
- Tap Add a place.
- Tap Dropbox.
- Tap Allow next to the Dropbox account listed (if you're already signed in to the Dropbox app). Or, to link a new Dropbox account, tap Use a different account. You'll be directed to a browser window where you can enter the credentials for the Dropbox account you'd like to connect.
Do I need to pay for Office in order to edit my Office files?
The Office apps are free to download onto your mobile device. Editing is free for Dropbox Basic, Plus, and Professional accounts.
Dropbox team accounts need an Office 365 account that includes Office client licensing (Business, Business Premium, ProPlus, E3, E4, or E5) in order to edit files with the mobile apps.
Additionally, if you're using a tablet larger than 10", Microsoft requires that you have an O365 license to use Office applications.
Note: Business Essentials and E1 licenses are web-only and don't include this feature on mobile.
How do I edit Office files stored in the Dropbox mobile app?
How do I set or clear an Office app as the default app for opening files?
When you edit or open your Dropbox files with a third-party application, you have the choice to set that app as the default for opening files of that type. To set a default app to open certain file types:
- Tap on the file you'd like to open/edit to preview it.
- Once the document preview loads, tap the Edit icon (it looks like a pencil and paper).
- You will see a list of available third-party apps.
- Tap the app you'd like to use to open your file.
- You'll have the option to use this app Always or Just once.
- Choosing Always sets this app as the default app for opening this file-type from Dropbox.
If you ever want to change or clear your default apps, you can do so from the Dropbox settings:
- Open the Dropbox app.
- Tap the menu button.
- Select Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Manage default apps.
- Find the app you'd like to remove and tap Remove.
- Confirm the removal by tapping Clear.
Is offline editing supported?
The Dropbox app allows you to make files available for offline use. Please follow the guidelines below if you'd like to edit your files while offline:
The Dropbox mobile app allows you to make files available for offline use. Learn how to make files available offline.
How is this different from what I've already been able to do with third-party apps on Android?
While the Dropbox app has supported editing files via third-party apps and saving them back to Dropbox for quite some time, this integration goes far deeper. We've streamlined the experience so that fewer steps are needed to edit and save your files. For the first time, you'll be able to install Office through the Dropbox app. Office Mobile will also include ways to share links via Dropbox and open up the Dropbox app directly, making the experience more seamless than ever before.
I'm not seeing the Microsoft Office integration—how do I get access?
The Office apps are not currently available in all countries. Once available, you'll be able to utilize this integration. For those countries, we won't show the Edit icon within the Dropbox app.
Tapping the Edit icon while viewing an Office file in your Dropbox will show you an option to directly install the Office app.
You can also go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) to search for the Microsoft Office apps to install. You will not be able to download the apps, however, if your App Store or Google Play Store account is based in a country where the Office apps aren't available.
How do Save and Save As work on Office Mobile for Android?
The Office Mobile app on Android provides the options to Save or Save As in the menu when viewing and editing documents.
Using the Save option will replace the original file with your new edits.
The Save As option is similar to using this feature on a computer—it will save a copy of the current file to your Dropbox. Please note that this saves the file in the home (or root) directory of your Dropbox; it will not save to the location of the original file and you won't be able to select a subfolder within your Dropbox to save the file.
You can use the Dropbox app, desktop client or website to move the newly edited copy anywhere in your Dropbox, including the original folder location. If the original file is still present, your new file will have a (1) appended to it.
Please note that if the original file is stored in a shared folder, and you want the new file to be shared as well, you'll need to to move the newly edited file into the shared folder, or simply use the Save option.
FAQs about Microsoft Office and Dropbox on iPhone
How do I create office documents in the Dropbox app?
- Open the Dropbox app on your iPhone.
- Tap the plus (+) button.
- Choose Create or Upload file.
- Tap Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, or Microsoft PowerPoint to create a new file. Or, tap Upload File to upload an existing file.
You'll be directed to the appropriate Microsoft app (or prompted to install the app if you don’t have it installed) to edit your newly created file.
What file types can I edit from the Dropbox app with the mobile Office apps?
On iOS, the Edit icon in the Dropbox app will appear for the following file types:
- .doc
- .docx
- .xls
- .xlsx
- .ppt
- .pptx
You can view and edit other Office file formats by opening them directly from the Office apps for mobile (Word, Excel, or PowerPoint). From the appropriate Office app, tap on the Account tab and connect your Dropbox if you haven't already. Once connected, you can access the files in your Dropbox from the Open tab. Any other Office files will be read-only.
What if I have the Office Mobile app for iOS but can't open Dropbox files in it?
In order to utilize the Dropbox / Microsoft Office integration, you'll need to download the latest versions of the Microsoft Office for iOS apps. The Office Mobile app and older versions of the Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps don't have this integration with Dropbox.
Do I need to sign in with a Microsoft login in order to edit Office files?
You can edit files stored in your personal Dropbox account (Basic or Plus) without logging in with a Microsoft account (e.g. Hotmail, Outlook.com), however you'll eventually be required to do so.
A Microsoft login is also required when opening the Office apps directly to access your Dropbox files there.
How do I unlink or relink my Dropbox account from the Office Mobile apps?
To unlink a Dropbox account from an Office Mobile app:
- Open the Office Mobile app.
- Tap the folder icon.
- From the list of places, tap and hold Dropbox.
- Once you've held your finger on Dropbox for a few seconds, a trash can icon will appear in the top right corner of the screen. Tap the trash can to remove Dropbox from the Office Mobile app.
To re-link a Dropbox account to an Office Mobile app:
- Open the Office Mobile app.
- Tap the folder icon.
- Tap Add a place.
- Tap Dropbox.
- Tap Allow next to the Dropbox account listed (if you're already signed in to the Dropbox app). Or, to link a new Dropbox account, tap Use a different account. You'll be directed to a browser window where you can enter the credentials for the Dropbox account you'd like to connect.
Do I need to pay for Office in order to edit my Office files?
The Office apps are free to download onto your mobile device. Editing is free for Dropbox Basic and Plus accounts.
Dropbox team accounts need an Office 365 account that includes Office client licensing (Business, Business Premium, ProPlus, E3, E4, or E5) in order to edit files with the mobile apps.
Additionally, if you're using a tablet larger than 10", Microsoft requires that you have an O365 license to use Office applications.
Note: Business Essentials and E1 licenses are web-only and don't include this feature on mobile.
How do I edit Office files stored in the Dropbox mobile app?
How do I set or clear an Office app as the default app for opening files?
When you edit or open your Dropbox files with a third-party application, you have the choice to set that app as the default for opening files of that type. To set a default app to open certain file types:
- Tap on the file you'd like to open/edit to preview it.
- Once the document preview loads, tap the Edit icon (it looks like a pencil and paper).
- You will see a list of available third-party apps.
- Tap the app you'd like to use to open your file.
- You'll have the option to use this app Always or Just once.
- Choosing Always sets this app as the default app for opening this file-type from Dropbox.
If you ever want to change or clear your default apps, you can do so from the Dropbox settings:
- Open the Dropbox app.
- Tap the menu button.
- Select Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Manage default apps.
- Find the app you'd like to remove and tap Remove.
- Confirm the removal by tapping Clear.
Is offline editing supported?
The Dropbox app allows you to make files available for offline use. Please follow the guidelines below if you'd like to edit your files while offline:
For iOS, offline editing is only supported if you've opened the most recent version of the file in the Office app prior to going offline. Editing offline files that have not previously been opened in Office is not supported at this time.
I'm not seeing the Microsoft Office integration—how do I get access?
The Office apps are not currently available in all countries. Once available, you'll be able to utilize this integration. For those countries, we won't show the Edit icon within the Dropbox app.
Tapping the Edit icon while viewing an Office file in your Dropbox will show you an option to directly install the Office app. You can also go to the App Store (iOS) to search for the Microsoft Office apps to install. You will not be able to download the apps, however, if your App Store account is based in a country where the Office apps aren't available.
FAQs about Microsoft Office and Dropbox on iPad
What file types can I edit from the Dropbox app with the mobile Office apps?
On iOS, the Edit icon in the Dropbox app will appear for the following file types:
- .doc
- .docx
- .xls
- .xlsx
- .ppt
- .pptx
You can view and edit other Office file formats by opening them directly from the Office apps for mobile (Word, Excel, or PowerPoint). From the appropriate Office app, tap on the Account tab and connect your Dropbox if you haven't already. Once connected, you can access the files in your Dropbox from the Open tab. Any other Office files will be read-only.
What if I have the Office Mobile app for iOS but can't open Dropbox files in it?
In order to utilize the Dropbox / Microsoft Office integration, you'll need to download the latest versions of the Microsoft Office for iOS apps. The Office Mobile app and older versions of the Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps don't have this integration with Dropbox.
Do I need to sign in with a Microsoft login in order to edit Office files?
You can edit files stored in your personal Dropbox account (Basic or Plus) without logging in with a Microsoft account (e.g. Hotmail, Outlook.com), however you'll eventually be required to do so.
A Microsoft login is also required when opening the Office apps directly to access your Dropbox files there.
How do I unlink or relink my Dropbox account from the Office Mobile apps?
To unlink a Dropbox account from an Office Mobile app:
- Open the Office Mobile app.
- Tap the folder icon.
- From the list of places, tap and hold Dropbox.
- Once you've held your finger on Dropbox for a few seconds, a trash can icon will appear in the top right corner of the screen. Tap the trash can to remove Dropbox from the Office Mobile app.
To re-link a Dropbox account to an Office Mobile app:
- Open the Office Mobile app.
- Tap the folder icon.
- Tap Add a place.
- Tap Dropbox.
- Tap Allow next to the Dropbox account listed (if you're already signed in to the Dropbox app). Or, to link a new Dropbox account, tap Use a different account. You'll be directed to a browser window where you can enter the credentials for the Dropbox account you'd like to connect.
Do I need to pay for Office in order to edit my Office files?
The Office apps are free to download onto your mobile device. Editing is free for Dropbox Basic and Plus accounts.
Dropbox team accounts need an Office 365 account that includes Office client licensing (Business, Business Premium, ProPlus, E3, E4, or E5) in order to edit files with the mobile apps.
Additionally, if you're using a tablet larger than 10", Microsoft requires that you have an O365 license to use Office applications.
Note: Business Essentials and E1 licenses are web-only and don't include this feature on mobile.
How do I edit Office files stored in the Dropbox mobile app?
How do I set or clear an Office app as the default app for opening files?
When you edit or open your Dropbox files with a third-party application, you have the choice to set that app as the default for opening files of that type. To set a default app to open certain file types:
- Tap on the file you'd like to open/edit to preview it.
- Once the document preview loads, tap the Edit icon (it looks like a pencil and paper).
- You will see a list of available third-party apps.
- Tap the app you'd like to use to open your file.
- You'll have the option to use this app Always or Just once.
- Choosing Always sets this app as the default app for opening this file-type from Dropbox.
If you ever want to change or clear your default apps, you can do so from the Dropbox settings:
- Open the Dropbox app.
- Tap the menu button.
- Select Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Manage default apps.
- Find the app you'd like to remove and tap Remove.
- Confirm the removal by tapping Clear.
Is offline editing supported?
The Dropbox app allows you to make files available for offline use. Please follow the guidelines below if you'd like to edit your files while offline:
For iOS, offline editing is only supported if you've opened the most recent version of the file in the Office app prior to going offline. Editing offline files that have not previously been opened in Office is not supported at this time.
I'm not seeing the Microsoft Office integration—how do I get access?
The Office apps are not currently available in all countries. Once available, you'll be able to utilize this integration. For those countries, we won't show the Edit icon within the Dropbox app.
Tapping the Edit icon while viewing an Office file in your Dropbox will show you an option to directly install the Office app. You can also go to the App Store (iOS) to search for the Microsoft Office apps to install. You will not be able to download the apps, however, if your App Store account is based in a country where the Office apps aren't available.
