Dropbox is a cloud storage service that allows you to store files on its servers and access them from lots of different devices, including Mac, PC, iPhone, and iPad. There is a free version that provides 2GB of space and paid-for versions that provide more space and additional features. There’s also a business version that includes a collaboration tool called Spaces.
On Mac, when you install the Dropbox application and connect it to your account, every file you place in the Dropbox folder in the Finder is synced with Dropbox’s servers and available on other devices on which you are signed into your account.
Why Do You Need Cloud Backup?
- Are you afraid of accidentally losing the data stored on your hard drive?
- Are you anxious that there is not enough space locally for backup?
- Are you panicked that you have lost all local backups due to local accidents?
- Backup all your data to the cloud offsite, never lose data and recover them from any PC.
You can keep all of the documents you have synchronised with Dropbox on the cloud (that fancy phrase for “the internet”) by changing settings that Dropbox refers to as “Selective Sync,” but you may pick and choose which ones take up space on your computer based on your needs.
What is a startup disk on Mac?
On a Mac, the macOS installation partition on a hard drive serves as the startup disc. The “Macintosh HD” disc is the Startup Disk by default, and it is also where the user’s programmes, files, and other data are kept. Even if you alter the name, your Mac’s starting disc will always be there.
Step by Step method to Fix Dropbox taking up space on your Mac?
Solution # 1 How to check startup disk on your Mac
- Follow the next steps to see what is taking space on your startup disk space.
- Click About This Mac at the Apple menu.
- Click the Storage tab.
- Review the storage usage to see what files are eating up space.
Solution # 2 How to manage disk space on Mac
On the storage usage panel, you can see the Manage button. If you click it, the system will show you a window with recommendations on what you can do to optimize your storage:
Solution # 3 Store your files in iCloud.
Enable the Optimize Storage option >> TV shows that you have already watched from your Mac. >> Turn on the option to empty Trash automatically.>> Reduce clutter which means >>you will have to review your large files and remove unneeded ones.
Solution # 3 Remove Logs
While the Library folder is open, you can also find another type of temporary file – log files. They are stored in the Logs folder. Please make sure that before you remove system logs, apps, and mobile devices, you no longer need them.
Solution # 4 Set online-only files to zero “logical” size
. Click the apple icon in the upper-left corner of your desktop.
2. Click About This Mac > Storage > Manage…. one by one.
3. To see which files are really causing the disk space usage, adjust your Dropbox settings so that online-only files have both logical and physical size set to zero. To do so:
1. Sign in to dropbox.com.
2. Click your avatar (profile picture or initials) in the upper right corner.
3. Click Settings and then toggle Smart Sync update for Mac on.
Solution # 5 How To Clear Dropbox Cache?
Dropbox caches can be cleared to save space. By employing a junk-removing programme, you can clean the Dropbox cache in the best possible method. The ideal application for clearing up clutter from your Mac is CleanMyMac X. This software immediately recognises and removes big files from your macOS system. Additionally, this software cleans up your Mac’s log files, system cache, and language files that you no longer use. CleanMyMac X is also cost-free.
- Download and launch CleanMyMac X.
- Select System Junk from the sidebar and press Scan.
- Now, click on User Cache Files and select Dropbox from the checkbox.
- Enter Clean.
Solution # 6 How to Download and Install Dropbox on Mac
Step 1: Visit the authority site of Dropbox and make your client account. On the off chance that you as of now have a record, basically sign in to it.
Step 2: Select your arrangement and snap on the choice to download the Dropbox application on Macintosh. Affirm your decision and sit tight for the installer to be downloaded.
Step 3: Open the installer from the Downloads envelope. You can likewise track down it in the Downloads tab of your program.
Step 4: Essentially double tap on the Dropbox symbol to begin the establishment cycle.
Step 5: By following a fundamental navigate process, you can finish the establishment wizard.
Solution # 7 How to Sync Dropbox on Mac
Dropbox allows us to sync all our account data or selected folders on connected devices. Here is a quick solution to learn how to sync Dropbox with your Mac.
Step 1: Access Dropbox settings by right-clicking its icon in the Finder and going to its preferences.
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Step 2: Visit the Accounts section here to change settings for optional social media features. change-dropbox-settings
Step 3: From here, you can select the folders you want to sync between Dropbox and Mac.
Solution # 8 How to see what’s taking up space on your Mac
If you run out of space, your Mac may slow down, which is bad, but if you run out of space on your Mac, you won’t be able to start it! Before entering this step, take a look to see what is taking up space on your Mac, because this will determine what you will delete.
Step 1: Click on the Apple logo on the top left.
Step 2: Select About This Mac.
Step 3: Click on the Security tab and wait for it to calculate.
Step 4: Finally, you will see different bars showing how much money is being offered for certain items and where the storage is available.
Step 5: Go over the different bars to see what each one represents and how much space they take up. For example, in our case, yellow is Photos (you may have more than 100GB of photos, if you do, we recommend using iCloud Photos to reduce what is stored on your Mac).
Solution # 9 Delete App Cache (System Junk)
The amusing thing with store records is that they are however important as they seem to be pointless. From the start, stores fill a significant need, as they set made up to accelerate processes. Yet, when that interaction closes, you’re left with transitory garbage created by applications and framework processes. Except if you eliminate them yourself, they will stay on your Macintosh for a really long time. On the off chance that you don’t, then these impermanent records will turn into a super durable issue for your hard drive, as they will keep on stacking up and make your startup plate full.
- To remove app cache files and clean up a startup disk, follow these steps:
- Navigate to Finder > Go > Go to Folder
- Type in ~/Library/Caches
- Go into each folder (or just the ones taking up the most space) and delete the files inside
- Now do the same for /Library/Caches (without the ~)
Solution # 10 Remove Time Machine Backups
We love Time Machine because it creates important backups. But when your Mac can’t function due to lack of disk space, there has to be a sacrifice. You can start with removing past Time Machine “snapshots” stored locally on your Mac. So, the first step towards removing the “startup disk full” message is to take care of these backups. Yes, by taking care, we mean remove them. To do it, all you need is to temporarily turn off your Time Machine.
Open System Preferences > for Time Machine
Uncheck the box next to “Back Up Automatically”
Solution # 11 How to selectively Sync Dropbox Folders on Mac OS X
1. Click on the Dropbox icon from the menu bar.
2. Click on the gear icon and select Preferences… from the menu.
3. Click the Account tab. (Dropbox for Business users: If you have connected your personal and work Dropbox(s), you’ll also need to select the Dropbox for which you want to change settings at the top of the tab.)
4. Click the Change Settings… button.