If you are using Dropbox and have been wondering how to optimize space on your computer without losing access to your files, this article is for you.
Here I break down for you, in a close and direct style, the strengths and weaknesses of Smart Sync in the face of Selective Sync.
And I also include real tips, a comparison chart and a FAQ to help you get out there with clarity.
What is Selective Sync? 📁
Selective Sync allows you to choose which folders from your Dropbox are saved locally on your hard drive.
If you uncheck a folder, that folder and everything in it is deleted from the local disk, but it still exists in your Dropbox online account.
You cannot select single files with Selective Sync; only whole folders.
This function is available in all Dropbox plansincluding the free one (Basic).
What is Smart Sync? ☁️
Smart Sync is more sophisticated: it enables you to have all your files visible from your computer, even though many are "online only" (they don't take up any real space on your disk).
When you want to open a file that is only in the cloud, Smart Sync automatically downloads it so that you can work on it locally.
You can decide folder or file by file whether to keep it local or online.
Smart Sync can also work in automatic mode: files that you don't use frequently are converted to "online-only" to save space.
But be careful: Smart Sync not available on all plansusually requires payment plans (Plus, Professional, Business).
Essential comparison
| Feature | Selective Sync | Smart Sync |
|---|---|---|
| Level of local visibility | Only marked folders appear | All files appear, even if many are online-only. |
| Granularity | Folder level (not single files) | At folder or file level |
| Takes up space if synchronized | Yes | Only if a file is marked as "local". |
| Automation | No (manual) | Yes, you can move infrequently used files to "online" automatically |
| Plan compatibility | Also available in the free plan | Requires paid plan (Plus, Professional, Business) |
| Risk of automatic discharge | Under | You can, if the algorithm "decides" to download something you thought was left online (Reddit) |
| Impact on the team | Simpler, less automatic management | More fluid in appearance, but potentially unpredictable |
Comparative advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of Selective Sync
- Simplicity: no automatic decisions or algorithms that "guess" your important files.
- Full manual control: you decide which folder you do not want on your PC.
- Suitable for users with few files or small local disks.
Disadvantages of Selective Sync
- Less flexible: you do not see unsynchronized files from your local file explorer.
- If you need a file that you set to "not synchronized", you have to access it via web or activate synchronization.
- There is no automatic space management.
Advantages of Smart Sync
- Homogeneous appearance: all files appear in your local folder, even if some are just pointers.
- Big space saver: many files do not take up real space until you open them.
- Automation: Dropbox can decide that rarely used files are moved to "online-only".
- Fluency: work with many files in the cloud without having to download them all.
Disadvantages of Smart Sync
- Possible unpredictability: some users report that Dropbox starts downloading folders unexpectedly. (Reddit)
- Requires advanced plan (paid).
- If you are without an Internet connection, "online-only" files will not open until a connection is available.
- The synchronization process can cause "silent" bandwidth consumption.
"The algorithm is confused... it starts filling up my hard drive, downloading folders I hadn't touched." (Reddit)
That kind of negative experience warns that Smart Sync is not totally infallible.
Which one should you use?
It depends on your situation:
- If you use the free plan or a basic plan and do not need to view all your content from your PC, Selective Sync may be enough for you.
- If you have a lot of files in the cloud, limited disk space and use a plan that allows it, Smart Sync will give you a smoother experience.
- If you prefer to have full control and minimize surprises, keep Selective Sync and manually activate what you want to see locally.
- If you are going to be without Internet connection for a long time, be sure to mark essential files as "local" if you use Smart Sync.
Practical advice
- Do not rely 100 % on Smart Sync's automatic algorithms: it periodically checks which files have been "downloaded" to disk.
- If you have large files that you rarely use (e.g. old videos, backups), mark them "online-only" deliberately.
- Always keep an external copy of your most valuable files: neither Smart Sync nor Selective Sync is a substitute for a good backup.
- When setting up Dropbox on a new computer, review the sync preferences before letting it work unattended.
- If you notice that the local disk starts to fill up without you expecting it (something some users have reported), check your Smart Sync settings before it's too late.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do the Selective Sync or Smart Sync settings apply to all devices?
Not necessarily: Selective Sync or Smart Sync settings are specific to each computer. Changing on one computer does not change what another computer sees. (teamdynamix.umich.edu)
Can I use Smart Sync on Linux?
For now, the Linux version of Dropbox does not support the use of Smart Sync; it only allows Selective Sync. (Ask Ubuntu)
If I delete a file marked "online-only", is it permanently deleted?
Yes: deleting a file online-only deletes the file from your Dropbox account, not just the local pointer. (help.dropbox.com)
Does Smart Sync consume invisible extra bandwidth?
Yes, if a file marked "online-only" is opened, Dropbox must download it to use it, consuming bandwidth at that time.
Is Smart Sync fail-safe?
The security of the files remains (they are in the Dropbox cloud), but if Dropbox performs unexpected automatic downloads, large files could be put on your disk without you noticing the impact in an instant.
Conclusion
If you are a regular Dropbox user who accumulates a lot of files, Smart Sync is a tempting option because it allows you to see everything without crashing your disk. But that convenience carries a risk: the algorithm can be wrong.
If you prefer something more sober, predictable and controllable, Selective Sync is the most rudimentary but safe option.
You know your priorities: total control or more automatic experience.
And if you want me to guide you step by step to activate Smart Sync or Selective Sync on your computer (Windows, macOS, Linux), let me know and I'll prepare a custom-made tutorial 😉