ResearchOS/Wiki

Dropbox

Dropbox's Smart Sync can store files online-only. Set the ResearchOS folder to Local so it stays on disk.

Install Dropbox

Download the desktop app from dropbox.com/install. You need the desktop client running. The web interface alone won't expose Dropbox as a folder ResearchOS can read.

Share the lab folder

  1. One member creates an empty folder inside their Dropbox (e.g., LabName-ResearchOS).
  2. Right-click the folder → Share. Add lab members by email with Can edit permission.
  3. Each invited member accepts the share. The folder appears under their local Dropbox tree on disk.

Set Smart Sync to Local (every member, every laptop)

  1. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) and navigate to the shared lab folder inside Dropbox.
  2. Right-click the folder → Smart Sync → Local. Every file gets downloaded and the cloud icon disappears.
  3. Wait for Dropbox's menu-bar / tray icon to report "Up to date" before opening ResearchOS.
  4. Open ResearchOS, click Link Folder, and pick that shared folder.

Common pitfalls

  • Default to Online-only. Some Business plans default new shared folders to Online-only. Check the team admin settings if Smart Sync keeps reverting.
  • Selective Sync vs. Smart Sync. Selective Sync hides the folder entirely from your disk, while Smart Sync keeps a placeholder. You want Smart Sync set to Local, not Selective Sync excluded.
  • LAN sync conflicts. If two members on the same network edit the same file in quick succession, Dropbox can produce "conflicted copy" files. These appear next to the original. Delete the conflicted copy in Finder / Explorer. ResearchOS only reads the canonical name.

Dropbox documentation