How to Move Dropbox Folder(s) Easily Using 4 Methods

Knowing how to move Dropbox folder(s) can optimize your file organization and hard drive space. This guide shows you how to move Dropbox folder(s) to another location using the web interface, desktop app, mobile app, and third-party software.

The Dropbox folder is a designated location on your device where all your Dropbox files are stored for offline access. It’s also the place where files get synced to the cloud. You might want to move Dropbox directories for several reasons, like running out of storage on your current drive or organizing files on a different drive.

How to Move Dropbox Folder(s) Using the Web Interface

1. Go to the Dropbox website and sign in to your account.
2. Click the Files tab.
3. Find the folder you want to move.
4. Hover over the folder and click … (three dots).
5. Select Move.
6. In the text box next to Move to, type the new location for your folder.
7. Click Move.

How to Move Dropbox Folder(s) Using the Desktop App

1. Close any applications that are using your Dropbox files.
2. Open the Dropbox desktop app.
3. Click the Sync tab in the top-left corner.
4. Under Dropbox Folder Location, click Move.
5. In the text box next to Folder:, type the new location for your Dropbox folder.
6. Click OK to confirm.

How to Move Dropbox Folder(s) Using the Mobile App

1. Open the Dropbox mobile app.
2. Find the folder you want to move.
3. Tap … (three dots) next to the folder.
4. Select Move.
5. In the text box next to Move to, type the new location for your folder.
6. Tap Move.

How to Move Dropbox Folder(s) Using a Third-Party Application

If you’re trying to move large Dropbox folders and aren’t satisfied with the transfer speed of this cloud storage service, try a third-party application like TeraCopy. TeraCopy is a free utility designed to copy/move files faster and more securely. It can resume broken file transfers and also shows failed file transfers.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to move Dropbox folder(s) using TeraCopy:

1. Download and install TeraCopy – You can download TeraCopy from their official website. Follow the prompts to install the application on your computer.
2. Prepare your files – Close all files and applications accessing your Dropbox folder to prevent conflicts.
3. Open TeraCopy – Once installed, launch the application.
4. Select your files – Navigate to the Dropbox folder location you want to move. You can select individual files or entire folders.
5. Choose Move operation – In TeraCopy, select the Move operation to move your files instead of copying them.
6. Choose destination – Navigate to your new preferred directory and select it.
7. Start the moving process – After selecting the files and destination, start the process. TeraCopy will move your files from the Dropbox folder to the new location.
8. Let Dropbox sync – Once the files are moved, reopen Dropbox and let it sync to acknowledge the modifications and reflect them with the cloud.

Make sure to download and install the third-party app from a reputable source, such as the official website, and that it won’t damage or lose your files. Always back up your data before making significant changes or moves.

What’s the best way to move Dropbox folders?

It depends on various factors, such as the folder size, new location, convenience, device resource usage, and internet connection. For example, the Dropbpx desktop app is the quickest and simplest way to move directories to a location on your computer. The Dropbox web interface is preferable for transferring folders to another place on the internet without installing additional software – you just need a web browser. A third-party tool like TeraCopy is significantly faster than Dropbox for moving large folders, but it works offline only.

Tips for Transferring Dropbox Directories Efficiently

After learning how to move Dropbox folder(s), check out these easy tips to perform the operation fast, safely, and without errors:

• Complete syncing – After moving the folder, make sure Dropbox completes its syncing process. Its icon in the system tray or menu bar will show a checkmark when the syncing is done.
• Selective Sync: Use Dropbox’s Selective Sync feature only to move the folders you need. By deselecting unimportant folders, you can greatly reduce the amount of data that needs to be transferred.
• Limit synced folders – Dropbox allows you to select which folders to sync to your local machine. By limiting the folders that are synced, you can speed up the overall transfer process. Adjust these settings in the Dropbox Preferences menu under the Sync tab.
• Reverse action – If you encounter issues or change your mind about the new location, you can move the Dropbox folder back to its original location by following the same steps.
• Limit frequent relocations – Avoid moving Dropbox folders frequently. The cloud storage service needs to index and sync files each time, which might take a while for numerous files.
• Prevent conflicts – Avoid using the Dropbox folder during the move to prevent conflicts or syncing errors. It’s best to close all files and applications that might be accessing your Dropbox folder during the move.
• Check storage space – If the new drive doesn’t have enough storage space, the Dropbox folder won’t sync properly.
• Batch operations – Instead of moving files or folders one at a time, move them in batches. This is particularly effective if you’re using a third-party app like TeraCopy.
• Use wired internet connection – When moving large Dropbox folders to a location on the internet, make sure it’s as fast as possible by switching to an Ethernet cable instead of using Wi-Fi.
• Postpone other device tasks – Browsing the web, streaming a movie or working with a graphics application are resource-demanding tasks that will slow down the Dropbox folder removal process. Minimize or stop other device activity until the job is done.
• Use high-speed drives – If you intend to move Dropbox folders to an external device to share with someone else or for storage, pick a high-speed drive. For example, use an SSD instead of an HDD, or a USB 3.0 pen drive over a USB 3.0 port.
• Optimize device – Make sure your computer is running smoothly and isn’t cluttered with unnecessary files or running unnecessary applications. The better your computer performs, the faster files can be read and written, and thus the faster your transfer will be.
• Backup first – Before moving the Dropbox folder, it is good practice to back up your data. Even though Dropbox is highly reliable, accidents can happen, and having a backup ensures that your data is safe.

Conclusion

Mastering how to move Dropbox folder(s) can greatly enhance your organization and drive space utilization. It enables you to customize and adjust your workspace to your unique needs. For a more comprehensive exploration of Dropbox’s capabilities, consider reading our complete Dropbox review.