How to start using Dropbox (with pictures)

To store your data online or to back up and access your files more easily, you can install and use Dropbox. Dropbox is a cloud storage tool that allows you to keep your data on the Internet rather than on a computer or mobile device.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Create an account

Step 1. Go to Dropbox

Open your web browser and sign in to this page to go to the Dropbox registration page.

Take the next step right away if you already have a Dropbox account

Step 2. Fill in your account information

At the top right of the page, enter the information below.

Full Name: type your last name then your first name separated by a space.
E-mail: enter a working e-mail address (an address to which you have access and for which you have the password). It will be used to log into your Dropbox account.
Password: Enter the password for your Dropbox account. This password will be used to log into your account.

Step 3. Select the I agree to the Dropbox terms of service check box

This box is located below the field E-mail.

Step 4. Click Sign Up for Free

It's the blue button below the box I accept the Dropbox terms of use. Click on it to create your Dropbox account.

At this point, you can download Dropbox to your computer. If you choose to download it, skip to the last part of this article to learn how to install and use it

Part 2 of 4: Use Dropbox Online

Step 1. Log in to the Dropbox website

On your computer's web browser, open this page. If you've already signed in to your account, this will open your Dropbox home page.

If you are not yet logged in, enter your email address and password in the fields E-mail and Password then click on To log in.

Step 2. Review the My Files section

There shouldn't be any files in this section yet, but this is where everything you import will show up.

Step 3. Review the sorting options

These options can be found at the top left of the page.

Share: This section contains all the files and folders that other Dropbox users can view and edit.
File requests: These are invitations that you can send to email addresses to request the transfer of certain files. Files transferred following your invitations will be visible in this section.
Deleted files: This section contains all files deleted in the last 30 days. You can either permanently delete the files or restore them.

Step 4. Make sure you are on the My Files page

If you have selected one of the sorting options, return to the section My files clicking on My files at the top left of the page.

Step 5. Click Transfer

The blue button To transfer is located at the top right of the page and opens a file explorer (if you're using a Windows computer) or Finder (if you're using a Mac) from which you can select files or folders to transfer.

Step 6. Select the files or folders to transfer

Click on a file to select it (or drag your cursor over several files to select them) then click on To open at the bottom right of the window to transfer the selected files.

You may need to select a location in the left side pane of File Explorer or Finder first.
To select multiple files separately, hold down the Ctrl key (if using a Windows computer) or ⌘ Command (if using a Mac) and click the files you want to select.

Step 7. Wait for the transfer to complete

Once your files are uploaded to Dropbox, you'll be able to view them from any computer or mobile device signed into your account.

Step 8. Create a new folder

On the right side of the page, click New folder, type a name, and then press Enter. Once the folder is created, you can open it by clicking on it or add files to it by dragging and dropping.

Step 9. Download a file

To download a file to your computer, check the box to the left of the file in question and click To download on the right of the page.

You can upload multiple files by individually checking each one.
You can also download files.

Step 10. Exit Dropbox

To close the Dropbox page, close the tab or window in which you opened it. You can reopen it at any time and you can either use the mobile app or go through the website to transfer files.

Part 3 of 4: Use Dropbox on mobile

Step 1. Download Dropbox

Go to the App Store (if you're using an iPhone) or the Google Play Store (if you're using an Android) and search for Dropbox in the search bar.

Step 2. Open Dropbox

Tap the open blue box icon on a white background to open the Dropbox login page.

Step 3. Tap Connect

This button is located at the bottom of the screen.

Step 4. Enter your email address and password

In the field E-mail, type the email address associated with your Dropbox account followed by your password in the field Password.

Step 5. Select Connect

This option is found below the field Password and opens the Dropbox home page (if the information you entered is correct).

You may need to press Pass at the top right of the screen before arriving on the Dropbox home page.

Step 6. Review the home page

The Home page contains your recent files, notifications, and a cogwheel you can tap to open Dropbox settings. To access the home page from any other page, press Home at the bottom left of the screen.

On some Android devices, the home page is replaced by a tab Recent.

Step 7. Check the other tabs

You will find 3 other tabs at the bottom of the screen.

Files: it contains all the files and folders that you have transferred. They are organized according to their type (for example FILES for documents and PICTURES for the pictures).
Pictures: this tab is specially reserved for photos in your Dropbox.
Offline: it contains all the files or folders available offline (according to your preferences), which means that you will be able to consult them even if you are not connected to the Internet or if you do not have a mobile data plan.
If you are using an Android device, first press ☰ at the top left of the screen to display these options.

Step 8. Select +

This button is located at the bottom of the screen (on iPhone) or at the bottom right (on Android) and opens a context menu.

Step 9. Tap Upload Photos

You can also press Create or transfer a file to transfer a file from your phone.

On Android, either tap Upload photos or videos be sure Transfer files.
If you select Create or transfer a file, Press on Upload a file on the next page and then choose a file location before continuing.

Step 10. Choose a file to transfer

Select the files to transfer to Dropbox then press Following at the top right of the screen.

If you're using an Android device, tap the files you want to transfer and then select TO TRANSFER at the bottom right of the screen.

Step 11. Tap Choose Folder

This option is under the heading TRANSFER TO.

Step 12. Select Choose a location

You will find this option at the bottom right of the screen.

Step 13. Tap Transfer

The option To transfer is located at the top right of the screen and allows you to upload the file to your Dropbox account.

If you want, you can change the name of the file before pressing To transfer.

Step 14. Upload a photo

Touch and hold a photo, then select Save to Photos in the pop-up menu that appears. You can't upload other files to Dropbox for mobile, but you can save photos in your phone's Photos app if you want.

On Android, tap v at the top right of the screen, tap Export then choose Save to this device.

Part 4 of 4: Use Dropbox on a desktop

Step 1. Open the Dropbox installation page

In your computer's web browser, open this page.

Step 2. Click Download Dropbox

It's the blue button in the middle of the page. Click on it to download the Dropbox installer to your computer.

Step 3. Install Dropbox

The Dropbox installation process differs from one operating system to another.

If you are using a Windows computer: double click on the file DropboxInstall, choose Yes when prompted and then wait for Windows to install Dropbox.
If you are using a Mac: double click on the DMG file Dropbox, authorize the download, double click on the Dropbox icon, select I already have a Dropbox account and click on To continue.

Step 4. Log in if prompted

If Dropbox prompts you to sign in, enter the email address associated with your account and then your password.

If you have just created an account, you will not need to enter this information

Step 5. Select the files to transfer

This process varies depending on the operating system you are using.

If you are using a Windows computer: open the menu To start up, click on the file explorer icon

, select a file location on the left side of the window, choose a file or folder, then press Ctrl + C.
If you are using a Mac: open it Finder, select a file location on the left of the window, click Editing then on To copy.

Step 6. Open Dropbox

On windows: open the menu To start up, type dropbox in the search box, and then click the app icon that appears.
On Mac: open Spotlight, type dropbox in Spotlight and then click the Dropbox application icon.

Step 7. Move your files to Dropbox

Press Ctrl + V on Windows or ⌘ Command + V on Mac. Your files will be copied to the Dropbox folder from where they will be transferred to your Dropbox account.