Dropbox sync icons in the desktop app for Linux

Updated Jul 25, 2025

The information in this article applies to Dropbox desktop app users on a Linux operating system.

This article covers the Dropbox sync icons that can be found in your desktop app folder and in the taskbar of your Linux computer. These icons tell you the sync status of your files or folders.

Notes:

Linux users won’t see some icons as online-only functionality isn’t available on Linux.
If you’re not using a Windows computer, you’ll need to read the article on Dropbox sync icons on a Windows desktop app or the article on Dropbox sync icons on a macOS desktop app.

Where can I see the icons?

There are two locations where sync icons appear:

In the Dropbox folder on your computer.
In the taskbar area at the top right of your screen (Ubuntu).
- Note: This may vary, depending on your Linux setup.

To check the sync status of a specific file or folder:

Open the Dropbox folder in File Manager.
Find the file or folder you'd like to check.
- Note: You can use the search bar in the top right to find it.
Check the sync icon next to the file or folder.

Note: Linux users won’t see some icons used on other operating systems as online-onl y syncing isn’t available on Linux.

Dropbox sync icons on cloud files

Icon	Description	File icon meaning	Folder icon meaning
	A green circle with a white checkmark.	Your file is synced and available offline.	All files in your folder are downloaded and available offline.
	A pair of arrows going in a circle.	One of the following applies: Your file is updating. Your file is downloading. There are issues or the file is waiting to be uploaded.	Your folder contains at least one syncing file.
	A red circle with a white X.	Your file can’t update or sync.	Your folder can’t update or sync.
	A gray circle with a white minus sign.	Your file is ignored and won’t sync.	Your folder is ignored and won’t sync. Note: When a folder is ignored, this icon only appears on the folder—not on its individual files.
	A cloud icon in a gray circle.	Your file is a cloud document. Note: Supported formats include (but aren’t limited to) Google Doc, Microsoft 365 Word Doc, or Dropbox Paper Doc.	This doesn’t apply to folders.