How to download a file or folder from Dropbox

Downloading files versus syncing

When you download a file or folder from your Dropbox account, you download a separate local copy of that file. Changes you make to the downloaded file won’t be reflected in the original file in your Dropbox account.

When you edit files in the Dropbox desktop app, Dropbox mobile app, or on dropbox.com, the changes sync automatically everywhere you use Dropbox.

Learn more about syncing files with Dropbox.

How to download a single file or folder

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Hover over the file or folder you’d like to download.
   
   • Note: You can view pages in a document, scrub through a video, or flip through the contents of a folder without opening it. To do so, make sure you’re using grid layout, then move your cursor horizontally across the file or folder.
3. Click the checkbox next to the file or folder.
4. Click Download.

How to download a Dropbox Paper doc

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Hover over the Paper doc.
   
   • Note: You can view pages in a document, scrub through a video, or flip through the contents of a folder without opening it. To do so, make sure you’re using grid layout, then move your cursor horizontally across the file or folder.
3. Click ☑ (more options).
4. Click Save as… and choose a file format. A new file is created in the same folder.
5. Hover over the converted file.
6. Click the checkbox.
7. Click Download.

How to download comments on Dropbox files

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Click All files in the left sidebar.
   • You can also click Folders in the left navigation to find your file.
3. Click the name of the file you want to download comments from.
4. Click ☑ (comments) in the top right.
5. Click ☑ (more options)  in the right sidebar.
6. Click Download comments.
   • A .txt file is created automatically.
7. Save the file to your preferred location.

How to download multiple files or folders

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Hover over one of the files or folders.
   
   • Note: You can view pages in a document, scrub through a video, or flip through the contents of a folder without opening it. To do so, make sure you’re using grid layout, then move your cursor horizontally across the file or folder.
3. Click the checkbox next to the file or folder.
4. Click the checkboxes next to the file(s) and/or folder(s) you want to download.
5. Click Download.

Where downloaded files are saved

Unless your computer’s default settings have changed, your file or folder will download to your computer’s "Downloads" folder.

• Learn where to find your Downloads folder on Windows.
• Learn where to find your Downloads folder on MacOS.

Why large downloads fail 

When you download large files, folders, or collections of multiple items from your Dropbox account, you may receive a warning that the download will take a long time, based on your current internet speed. You may also experience downloads fails due to browser and network limitations.

In these instances, it's better to download fewer items at once. This helps reduce strain on your network and the need to restart the process if your connection drops. We also recommend using the Dropbox desktop app when downloading large files.

Alternatively, you can adjust the settings in the desktop app to allow Dropbox to use more bandwidth when syncing files.