How to use the Dropbox Dash desktop app

The Dropbox Dash desktop app offers a convenient way to access various apps, folders, files, and system preferences using a universal search feature. Additionally, you can organize and access all your work, links, emails, and more through stacks. These stacks can be shared internally or externally.

How to enable local searching in the Dropbox Dash desktop app

To perform local searches using Dropbox Dash, you must first enable local file searching:

1. Open the Dropbox Dash desktop app.
2. Click the gear icon in the upper right.
3. Check the box next to Search local files.

How to add more searchable folders to Dropbox Dash

Dropbox Dash will automatically search your system folders like your “Desktop,” “Downloads,” and “Documents” folders. To add more searchable folders to Dropbox Dash: 

1. Open the Dropbox Dash desktop app.
2. Click the gear icon in the upper right.
3. Click Search folders.
4. Click + Add new folder.
5. Locate the folder you’d like to add, then click Open.

How to change Dropbox Dash desktop app preferences

You can customize your preferences in the Dropbox Dash desktop app. To access your preferences:

1. Open the Dropbox Dash desktop app.
2. Click the gear icon in the upper right.

You can customize the options in the different tabs listed below.

General tab

• Enable dark mode: This setting presents a dark color scheme in the Dropbox Dash desktop app instead of the traditional light background. 
• Enable Dash at startup: This setting opens the Dropbox Dash desktop app automatically whenever you start your computer. 
• Keep Dash on primary screen: This setting will keep the Dropbox Dash desktop app locked to the primary screen.
• Search local files: This settings enables Dropbox Dash to perform searches of local content on your device. 
• Enable tips: This setting allows you to toggle the helpful tip function for Dropbox Dash on or off.
• Display debug mode: This setting provides additional information and additional options to help identify and understand potential software issues.

Apps tab

In the Apps tab, you can search available applications. You can find apps by using the search bar and also by using keywords. You can also browse apps that are compatible with Dropbox Dash, as well as those that are already connected.

Favorites tab

In the Favorites tab, you can pin up to 4 folders in the Dropbox Dash search bar. 

Keyboard shortcuts tab

The Keyboard shortcuts tab in Dropbox Dash provides a reference guide for all the available keyboard shortcuts. Additionally, you have the option to remap or customize several of these shortcuts according to your preferences.

Search folders tab

The Search folders tab contains a list of all personal and system folders that Dropbox Dash can access. You may also add or remove new folders here.

Hidden results tab

The Hidden results tab allows you to hide specific search results.

URL shortcuts tab

The URL shortcuts tab allows you to create and edit URL shortcuts to use in Dropbox Dash.