How to use Dropbox - a guide to your account

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.

Dropbox is a home for all your work. This Dropbox guide teaches you how to use Dropbox across Mac, Windows, and mobile devices. You can store and share files, collaborate on projects, and bring your best ideas to life—whether you’re working alone or with colleagues and clients.

With Dropbox, all your files are backed up to the cloud and available online. You can access, and share your important stuff from anywhere, at any time, on any device.

First, download Dropbox, and then let’s get started setting things up.

How to log in to your Dropbox account

How to log in to your Dropbox account on dropbox.com

1. Open a web browser.
2. Go to www.dropbox.com.
3. Select one of the following log in options:

• Click Continue with Google.
• Click Continue with Apple.
• Enter your email address.

Then, install the apps on your computer, tablet, and phone to get the most out of your account.

How to use Dropbox on Mac, Windows, and mobile devices

Dropbox makes it easy to access all your files, photos and videos on the go.

How to download the Dropbox desktop app

1. Download the Dropbox desktop app.
2. Once Dropbox is installed on your computer, you’ll see a Dropbox icon in the taskbar
   (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) and a Dropbox folder on your hard drive.
3. You’ll be prompted to log in with your Dropbox credentials. You should use the same email address and password that you logged in with on dropbox.com (this will be the same for all your devices).

The Dropbox desktop app is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS operating systems. Find out more about using the Dropbox with Windows in S mode or on Linux.

How to download the Dropbox mobile app

Download it from dropbox.com/mobile, or your preferred app store.

If you already have the Dropbox mobile app on your phone or tablet, simply log in with your email and password. You can also log in using SSO with your Google or Apple account.

How to add files and folders to your Dropbox account

Once you’ve downloaded the mobile and desktop apps, it’s time to put Dropbox to work by adding your files, pictures, and videos.

Add a file or folder to your account via dropbox.com

Once you’ve signed in at dropbox.com, adding files to your account is as easy as dragging and dropping from your computer’s file system. Or, just follow these steps to upload a file or folder from your computer:

1. Log in to dropbox.com.
2. Click Upload under the search bar at the top.
3. Click Files or Folder:
   • If you choose Files, select as many files as you like and click Open.
   • If you choose Folder, select a folder and click Upload.

Add files or folders to Dropbox from your computer

Drag and drop files or folders into the Dropbox folder on your desktop. Or, use the Save As menu option in most applications to save files directly to your Dropbox folder.

Files and folders in your Dropbox folder will automatically sync to dropbox.com, and to the Dropbox desktop or mobile apps on any other devices you’ve connected to your account.

Add a file or folder from your desktop to your Dropbox account

Like with File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), you can drag and drop into the desktop app:

1. Drag and drop the file or folder into the Dropbox folder on your hard drive.
2. Select the Dropbox folder when using the Save As option in most applications.

Like to use Microsoft Office? Dive into the “General” area of “Preferences” and you can make Dropbox a default “Save As” location. Just a little time-saver.

Add a file or folder using the Dropbox mobile app

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.