Dropbox does so much more than back up files. It syncs files across all your devices, and lets you easily share those files and collaborate in the cloud. Get started with Dropbox in 5 easy steps.
1. Install the Dropbox apps
There are 3 ways to access your account: the mobile app, the desktop app, and the Dropbox website. To get the most from Dropbox, install the apps on your phone, tablet, and computer.
Make it happen!
Download and install the Dropbox desktop app on your computer (laptop or desktop)
Download and install the Dropbox mobile app on your phone or tablet
Hint
After you install the desktop app, you’ll see a Dropbox folder on your computer’s hard drive. Files in this folder will sync to Dropbox, meaning you can access them from any device.
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The cloud: Dropbox is a "cloud" service. This means that your files are stored on our secure servers rather than on your computer, phone, or tablet. A server is just another kind of computer, which you access with an internet connection.
2. Sign in to your account
The Dropbox website, desktop app, and mobile apps are like doorways that let you (and only you!) access your account.
Make it happen!
Sign in to each app with the same email address and password
Hint
Signing in with the same email address and password allows sync to function. It also helps ensure you'll see the same files no matter which device you use to access your Dropbox account.
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The desktop app: With the Dropbox desktop app, files are stored in the cloud, but a "backup" copy is also stored in the Dropbox folder on your computer; files in this folder still use storage space on your hard drive.
3. Add files to Dropbox
You can add files to Dropbox in a few different ways.
Make it happen!
On the Dropbox desktop app, add files by dragging-and-dropping
On a phone or tablet, open the Dropbox app and click the + icon to upload files
On dropbox.com, add files with the Upload button or by dragging-and-dropping
Hint
You can add (and preview) nearly any kind of file to Dropbox. If you add lots of files to Dropbox at once, it may take a while for the initial upload to complete.
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File types: You can add (and preview) nearly any kind of file to Dropbox. However, there are certain limitations based on your computer's operating system.
4. Share with anyone
You can share any file stored in Dropbox. You can also control who sees it, and for how long. And, thanks to the magic of sync, people you share with always see the latest version of the file.
Make it happen!
Share view-only access to your stuff
Invite others to edit your files with you
Hint
Shared files are read-only, meaning people can view and comment, but not make edits. Shared folders can be read-only, or you can let people edit the files in a folder.
If someone shares with you, you can either click the link in the email or notification you receive, or add a shared folder to your account.
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Downloading: If you download the file in a shared link and add it to your Dropbox, you won’t see any future updates to that file—downloading creates your own, unique version of the file.
5. Sync files
With Dropbox, you can access your files on any device linked to your account. This feature—which we call "Sync"—is core to what Dropbox does. It means the latest versions of files are always at your fingertips.