Since its launch back in 2012, Dropbox set the standards for ease-of-use with cloud storage services, and maintains that standard to this day. One of the most important elements of using the service is knowing how to upload files to Dropbox. Luckily, a Dropbox upload is pretty straightforward and we will show you how with step-by-step instructions.

Key Takeaways:

• There are several ways to upload your files to Dropbox, including with the Dropbox folder, the web UI or the mobile app.
• Setting up a Dropbox account and uploading files to it is straightforward. 
• Dropbox gives you 2GB of free storage and a 30-day trial to have a feel for its features.

Not only is Dropbox easy to use, it’s also a low-cost option that meets most of your storage needs. Dropbox offers 2GB of free storage space and a 30-day free trial to try out the service. In this guide, we’ll show you how to upload your files to Dropbox using the web client and applications. 

If you’re looking for more guides on how to use Dropbox, see our guides on Dropbox for Beginners, how to share files with Dropbox and Dropbox security. You can also learn more about the service in our full Dropbox review and what is Dropbox guide.

How to Upload Files to Dropbox With the Dropbox Folder

Since you have to sign in to Dropbox through the web user interface to access any of its apps, we’ll assume you’ve already signed in for this tutorial.

If you’re using Dropbox’s desktop app, Dropbox will save any files or folders you upload to it in a folder, which is accessible on File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). We’ll show you how to use this Dropbox folder to upload your files.  

1. Open the Dropbox Folder

   You can access the Dropbox folder by either opening the Dropbox app or clicking on the folder itself. The Dropbox desktop app appears as a folder in File Explorer or Finder. When you click on this folder, you’ll see all the files and folders you’ve uploaded to Dropbox.

   

2. Locate the Files or Folders You Want to Upload

   Navigate to the files or folders you want to add to Dropbox, select them, and drag and drop (or copy and paste) them into the folder.

   

Dropbox automatically syncs files saved in the Dropbox folder to every platform that can access these files, including the Dropbox web UI and the mobile app. 

Uploading Files With the Dropbox Web UI

Dropbox’s web app has a sleek UI design, with good choices providing an excellent user experience. Once you open the Dropbox website, you’ll see the “upload” button at the upper section of the screen. 

1. Click on “Upload”

   Tap the “upload” button and choose whether you want to upload your files or folders.

   

2. Select the Files or Folders You Want to Upload

   Selecting “files” or “folders” will let you choose the files or folders you want to upload.

   

3. View Your Uploaded Files or Folders

   Wait for the files or folder to finish uploading. Once the upload process is complete, you should be able to see a display of the files or folders you’ve uploaded to Dropbox.

   

Uploading Files on the Dropbox Mobile App

Dropbox has mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. You can upload multiple files to your Dropbox account from your iPhone or Android device. Any files uploaded to your mobile device sync across all Dropbox applications. The Dropbox mobile app has a similar interface to the web client, which means it also offers a friendly user experience. 

The steps to upload photos and video files to the Dropbox app are different from the steps to upload other types of files. We’ll go over the steps for each file type. 

How to Upload Photos and Videos

1. Open the Mobile App

   Open the mobile app and click the “+” sign on the homepage of the Dropbox app. Select “upload photos or videos” or “take a photo,” if you want to take a photo.

   

2. Select the Photos or Videos You Want to Upload

   Choose the photos or videos you would like to upload and tap “upload.”

   

3. Tap “Folder”

   If you’ve not already created one, tap the “folder” icon in between the “upload” icon and “scan” icon to create a folder for your newly uploaded photos or videos.

   

4. Give Your Folder a Name

   Name your folder and tap “create.”

   

5. Move Your Newly Uploaded Media to the Folder

   Select the photos and videos you’ve uploaded and click the hamburger button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner of the screen. Tap “move.” Select the folder you want to move the files into, and click on “move.”

   

How to Upload Other Types of Files to the Mobile App

1. Open the Folder Where You Want to Store the Files

   Open the Dropbox app and tap the folder where you want to store your files.

   

2. Tap the “+” Sign

   Tap the “+” sign at the bottom of the screen.

   

3. Tap “Create or Upload File”

   In the menu that pops up, select “create or upload file.” 

   

4. Choose the File You Want to Store or Tap “Upload Files”

   If you want to create a file, Dropbox will let you select the file format. The options are Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint. If you want to upload your files from your mobile device, go ahead and tap “upload files.”

   

5. Select the Files You Want to Upload

   Once you tap “upload files,” select all the files you want to upload and click on “select.”

   

Final Thoughts: Dropbox Uploads

As you can see, navigating Dropbox’s UI is easy. The Dropbox apps and web client sync automatically between your computer and phone. Dropbox’s UI design is also visually pleasing, adding to the user experience. It also has a small free plan that you can use. However, if you’re still confused by uploading files to Dropbox, then check out some Dropbox alternatives.

Have you uploaded your files to Dropbox? How did you find the process? If you have any questions or you got stuck somewhere along the line, let us know in the comments section below, and we’ll be happy to help. As always, thanks for reading. 

FAQ

• Why Can’t I Upload Files to Dropbox?

  Being unable to store files on your Dropbox account could be due to several reasons, including a poor internet connection, using an outdated version of Dropbox, file name overlap, excessive cache on Dropbox and full storage space.

• Where Is the Upload Button in Dropbox?

  Once you’ve signed in and you open the Dropbox app, you will see the “upload” button just below the search bar and beside the “folder” button and “scan” button.

• How Do I Use Dropbox as a Beginner?

  To use Dropbox as a beginner, visit the Dropbox website and you’ll find instructions to set up your account and upload your files to the account, using any of Dropbox’s apps or the web client.

• Do I Need a Dropbox Account to Upload Files?

  Yes, you must create an account with Dropbox before you can upload your files.