Learn how to use the essential features of your Dropbox account.

Dropbox fundamentals course

You just completed the Dropbox fundamentals course.

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Learn how to create, securely store, and share your most important files with friends, family, and clients.

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Learn how to use Dropbox on Mac, Windows, and the mobile app. Share files securely, scan and upload documents, and get tips for using Dropbox.

You can manually upload files, photos and videos to your Dropbox account using the mobile app. The steps you take to manually upload files on your mobile device will vary slightly depending on the type of device you use.

How to add a file using the Dropbox mobile app

Open the folder where you’d like to save your files.

Tap Browse and find the file you’d like to upload.

Select the location where you’d like to save the file in your Dropbox account.

How to use Dropbox - a guide to your account

Dropbox helps you maximize inspiration and minimize distraction, letting your best ideas come to life. 

It’s a tool that allows you to sync your content, share important files, folders, and links, and collaborate with whomever, whenever, wherever. All safely within the cloud.

What is Dropbox?

Dropbox makes it easy for you to safely share and collaborate, no matter where you are, no matter your device.

After enabling two-step verification, you'll receive ten backup codes. Each 8-digit code can be used once to access your Dropbox account in case of emergency or if you are having trouble receiving a 2FA code through the mobile app or via text message. To find your backup codes, access your account settings on dropbox.com. Navigate to the Security tab and scroll to Two-step verification. Select Show next to Recovery Codes. When entering a backup code, be careful to transcribe the code correctly. The number “1” can look like an “L,” a “0” (zero) can look like an “O,” etc.

What is a 2FA backup code and how do I use it?

No, you don’t need to use the desktop app, but there are benefits to it! The desktop app watches your Dropbox folder and keeps any changes you make in sync. Any changes you do make while offline will sync once you’re connected to the internet.

Do I need to use the desktop app?

There’s no need to copy files from one folder to your Dropbox, which would create duplicate copies. Your Dropbox folder works like any other folder, so working on files directly from your Dropbox folder allows you to store that file both on your computer and on the Dropbox website without duplicating it. That saves you hard drive space, and you can never have enough hard drive space, right?

Should I just copy files from My Documents into my Dropbox?

Getting your account set up

Dropbox is a great place to safely share and store your content, whether you’re using the desktop app, dropbox.com, or the mobile app.

Where and how do I save my stuff?

Dropbox can help you collaborate with others and stay on top of your projects. All without stressing about file sizes, version mix-ups, and lost feedback. Collaboration just got a whole lot easier.

Easily share, rename, and move files and folders without breaking your flow. Learn how to share a folder in your Dropbox account.

Sharing a folder

Click the ... (ellipses) in the upper right corner.

Selecting Can edit gives that person the ability to edit, delete, comment, and add content to the folder. Can view means the person you share with can only view, comment on, or download content.

How do I share with others using Dropbox?

Dropbox isn’t just for keeping your content organized. It makes collaborating easy, so you can stay focused on the work that really matters.

Anyone can see comments in a document as long as they’ve been given access. You’ll only receive a notification of a new comment if you’re the file owner, if you were @mentioned, or if you are following the document.

Who can see comments left on a document?

Yep! You’ll need to be signed in and have access to a file to comment on it.

Do I have to have a Dropbox account to comment?

That’s an easy one. By setting view-only permissions for specific files or folders, you can keep people from editing your content, but still let them view it.

Wait! What if I don’t want everyone to edit my content?

How can Dropbox help me collaborate with others?

It’s simple. With file requests, you can request files from your coworkers and clients and collect them all in one folder—right in Dropbox.

You sure can. Just select the (…) ellipsis next to the file request you want and select Add people. From there, you can copy the link and send it to whomever you’d like via email. Or just enter their email addresses, and we’ll send the invite for you.

Can I add more people to my file request once I create it?

Yes! You can either share the file request folder directly, or move the content into an existing shared folder.

Can I share the content I collected with others?

How do I request content from others?

Sometimes we just need a little help. With Dropbox, there are lots of ways for you to get the support you need.

Not necessarily. But you can access the community forum, help center, Dropbox Support site, and this training site for help at any time.

Is @Dropbox Support a 24/7 support service?

Use the search bar or look through different categories by selecting Find answers near the top of the screen.

How do I search the community forum? There’s a lot there already!

If all else fails, reach out to the Dropbox Support team. With all these available options, we’ll get you back on track one way or another. Note: Support varies by Dropbox plan.

I’m tired of screens. What if I just want to talk to a human being?

How can I get help?

Looking for a way to seamlessly collaborate with others? Create documents, tables, and more in one place with Paper.

You need a Dropbox account to access Paper, but it is separate from your Dropbox. All Dropbox user have access to Paper.

How does Paper integrate with Dropbox?

Highlight the text you want to format and a toolbar will appear. You can also access a hotkey drawer of Keyboard Shortcuts. Just hit the Ctrl and / keys to reveal it.

How can I format my text in Paper?

You can create folders for your Paper docs, just like you can in your Dropbox. And, depending on your version of Paper, you can also store Paper docs directly in Dropbox folders.

How do I organize content in Paper?

How do I use Paper?

Now you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to learn a few more tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Dropbox.

Dropbox tips & tricks

Dropbox fundamentals course | Dropbox learn

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