12 non-obvious Dropbox features

Dropbox features was launched in 2008, and since then it has acquired many useful features. Typically, many people use the service in the background, so some tools may go unnoticed. Here are the 12 most interesting features that can simplify working with cloud storage.

1. Restore previous versions of files

Dropbox allows you to restore previous versions of individual files, and with Dropbox Rewind, which is only available to subscribers, the user can restore multiple files, folders, or even the entire Dropbox. This is very handy in cases where many documents have been damaged.

To do this, log in, select "All Files", then click three dots at the top (to restore the entire Dropbox) or three dots next to any folder. Next, select "Version Log" and restore the desired file.

2. Convert files

Dropbox has recently added several useful tools for converting files. They are available in the web version of the service. Click the three dots next to any file and select "Save As¦". Next, you will have options for formats in which you can save the file. Dropbox allows you to convert many popular file types (including Word, RTF documents and GIF files) to PDF, JPEG or PNG files, depending on the type of file you have to work with. The source file does not change and remains available in the same format.

3. Use Dropbox with Microsoft Office

Windows device users can work with Dropbox in conjunction with Microsoft Office. To do this, open the Dropbox client from the notification bar, click on your profile picture, then "Settings" and in the "General" section, select the "Show Dropbox as a folder to save in Microsoft Office" check box. This feature allows you to quickly transfer Word, Excel and PowerPoint files directly to cloud storage folders.

4. Download the desktop application

In Windows and macOS, users can manage files using a web service or directly in the file manager on their computer (Explorer or Finder). But there is a third option - a desktop application Dropbox. This is a good solution for those who spend most of their working time in Dropbox.

5. Set a password for sensitive files

Dropbox allows you to create a special safe folder, which is protected by an additional PIN code. Third-party plug-ins also do not have access to it. To do this, log in to your account in the web version of Dropbox, then click on the profile image (top right), then "Settings" and in the "General" section next to "Safe" select "Install"

6. Move the Dropbox root folder

You don't have to settle for a standard Dropbox folder on your computer - you can move it almost anywhere on your local hard drive. Open the Dropbox client from the message bar in Windows or from the menu bar in macOS, click on your profile picture, then go to "Settings", then to the "Sync" tab. There you can select where to move the Dropbox folder.

7. Share Dropbox with your family

Like most modern digital services, Dropbox can be used by the whole family. Family subscription 2 TB cloud storage that can be shared between six different people and a shared folder that all members have access to. Other features, including password management and Dropbox Paper, are also available to all tariff members. The cost of a family subscription is $ 20 per month.

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8. Create a portfolio

Dropbox Professional is a tariff plan for $ 20 per month, which in addition to all the standard features includes 3 TB of disk space and several additional tools. For example, the ability to add logos to files and view the traffic of all documents (whether they have been viewed). This subscription is suitable for those who want to create a portfolio and make it available to others.

9. Upload photos and videos from selected albums

Recently, another new feature was added to Dropbox - the ability to automatically upload photos and videos from a specific album on a smartphone. In the Dropbox app for iOS, click "Account," "Download from Camera," and "Download from¦" to select the albums you want. This feature is not yet available in the Dropbox Android app, but it should be available soon.

10. Send files to anyone

Dropbox includes its own reliable file and folder sharing system. But there is a separate tool Dropbox Transfer. It has some additional features, such as viewing file statistics.

To use Dropbox Transfer, log in to the Dropbox web service, click the grid icon in the upper left corner, and select Dropbox Transfer. The maximum file size depends on your tariff plan.

11. More user-friendly Dropbox web interface

The Dropbox web interface has also been recently updated. Now it is more like Explorer in Windows or Finder in macOS. On the left is the area with all the files and folders. If you click on them, you can see the information panel on the right. To customize the way files are displayed, click on the icon in the upper right corner above the file list.

12. Manage passwords

Among other things, Dropbox can now act as a password manager. However, the standard rate has some limitations: 50 accounts and 3 devices. Dropbox Passwords works in the same way as other similar services, ie you can store information about payment cards and all credentials there. For easy password synchronization, you can use browser extensions or special applications for smartphones.