How to use Dropbox on Mac: Tips I use in 2025

Dropbox is the app that made storing data online mainstream. Sure, it’s not the only cloud storage option out there for Mac users, but it’s still one of the most popular, and for good reason.

Even if you already use iCloud, Dropbox has a few handy features that make it worth adding to your setup. Things like shared folders or letting someone download a file straight from your folder can really come in handy.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to install Dropbox on your Mac, use its core features, and make the most of everything it offers.

But first, here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you fix common Dropbox problems fast:

How to sync Dropbox on Mac easily

While you can always access your data from the Dropbox website, it would be easier if you download the Dropbox desktop app. With the app, you won't have to manually upload or download files in your Dropbox folder. Any time you make a change to a file and are connected to the internet, that change will sync everywhere you have Dropbox installed.

The Dropbox app for Mac works even when you're offline, just like a regular folder.

How to install the Dropbox app for Mac

Follow these instructions to install the Dropbox app for Mac:

1. Download the Dropbox installer.
2. Locate the downloaded file in your Mac’s Downloads folder. It should be named DropboxInstaller.dmg.
3. Open the file to launch the installer.
4. Double-click the Dropbox icon in the installer window.
5. Click Open to start the installation process (a warning sign will appear, cautioning that Dropbox is an application you downloaded from the internet).
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
7. You can sign in once the basic installation is complete. If you don’t have an existing Dropbox account, click the Sign up link and follow the instructions to create one.

After you sign in to your Dropbox on Mac, you’ll see a confirmation message for successfully completing the installation.

Next, set up your Dropbox folder:

1. Click Open My Dropbox Folder in the final installer window.
2. Enter your Dropbox password, then click OK.
3. Allow Dropbox to add itself to your Finder’s sidebar. It'll also place a Get Started with Dropbox.pdf file inside your Dropbox folder.

Take a few moments to read through the guide. It provides a good outline for working with Dropbox.

How to manage files on Dropbox

Got Dropbox set up? Great. Here’s how you manage your files:

1. Open Dropbox. You can find it in your Applications folder, or just hit Command + Space and type Dropbox.
2. Click the Dropbox icon in your menu bar (top right corner of your screen), then double-click the folder you want. Finder will open.
3. Add files by dragging and dropping them right into that window. If you haven’t made any folders yet, you can just drop everything into the main Dropbox folder for now.
4. Delete something by selecting the file or folder, pressing Command + Delete, or right-clicking and choosing Move to Bin.

If you frequently access your Dropbox folder, add it to the Favorites section of your Finder sidebar so you can quickly find it.

Add Dropbox to the Finder sidebar

As mentioned above, Dropbox is easier to use when you can open it with one click from your Finder sidebar. It also means you can easily drag and drop files and folders into it within Finder. To add Dropbox to the Finder sidebar:

1. Open Dropbox from the Applications folder or using Spotlight.
2. Click on the Dropbox icon in the menu bar and click the Dropbox folder icon. The folder will then open in Finder.
3. Drag the folder and drop it in the favorites section of the Finder sidebar.

You can always move Dropbox up and down in your list of Favorites, and add a specific Dropbox subfolder you access frequently to this list.

Tips for using Dropbox on Mac

Once you install Dropbox on your Mac and sign in, it creates a special folder. Anything you drop in there syncs to the cloud and your other devices automatically.

You’ll see a blue syncing icon as files upload, which turns into a green check mark once they’re done. To move multiple files, hold the Command key and select them, then drag them in.

No need to worry about syncing — Dropbox handles it all in the background. Just add files from any device, and they’ll appear on your Mac like magic.

One of Dropbox’s strongest features is sharing files with colleagues and family members. To do this:

1. Right-click on the item you wish to share in your Dropbox.
2. Select the option that says Share with a Dropbox icon next to it.
3. Enter the email addresses of the people you want to share with.
4. Choose the level of access, either Can view or Can edit.
5. Add a message if you’d like. If you prefer, you can also create a link to share manually instead of sending it via Dropbox’s email option.

Unable to sign in to Dropbox on the computer? Here’s how to fix this

One of the most annoying issues when jumping between different accounts and using multiple tools is forgetting your login info.

If you can't sign into Dropbox on your Mac, here are some steps you can take to get back into your account:

1. Check to see if you’re using the right credentials.
2. Right-click the Dropbox icon in the menu bar and choose Help Centre. The Dropbox Help Centre page will open in your web browser.
3. Click on the password reset page, and you’ll find different recovery options with links.
4. Pick the option that fits your situation, and just follow the steps on the screen.

There are times when Dropbox just won’t let you sign in, even if everything seems right. If you’ve already double-checked your login info and you're still stuck, try removing the app from your Mac and reinstalling it using the offline installer from the Dropbox site. Still having trouble? Switching to a different user profile on your Mac might do the trick.

What is Dropbox pricing?

Dropbox has something for everyone, whether you're just backing up a few files or running a full-on business. If you’re a light user, the free Basic plan gives you 2 GB to play with. Need more space? The Professional plan is the most affordable paid option, offering 3 TB for $16.56/month. If you’ve got bigger needs, the Standard plan bumps you up to 5 TB for $15/month.

Final thoughts on how to use Dropbox on Mac

Dropbox already makes it easy to keep your files in sync, but with a little help from the right tools, you can make it work even better for you. CloudMounter is great if you’re juggling multiple cloud accounts, it brings them all together in one spot. And if your desktop tends to get messy (I've been there), Unclutter helps you keep files, notes, and clipboard stuff organized and easy to find. 

Best of all, you can find CloudMounter and Unclutter on Setapp, a platform of more than 260 Mac and iOS apps that will completely overhaul the way you work. There's a free 7-day trial, so make sure you give these apps a try.