Transfer Files from Dropbox to OneDrive - Mac

  1. Dropbox App:
    • Verify the Dropbox app is installed on your computer, and you are signed in.
    • If you need to install the Dropbox app:
      • Search for and open "Self Service" using Spotlight
      • Click "Install" under the Dropbox icon

         
  2. Prepare Your Files:
    • Ensure all your files are fully synced in the Dropbox desktop app. You can check this by clicking on the Dropbox icon  from the top menu bar and ensuring there are no pending syncs.
       
  3. Open Dropbox Folder:
    • Open the Dropbox folder on your computer. Click on the Dropbox icon  from the top menu bar, then select the folder icon. 
       
    • This will open your Dropbox folder in Finder.
       
  4. Open OneDrive Folder:
    • Sign into the OneDrive app on your computer, if you are not already.
    • Open the OneDrive folder on your computer. Click on the OneDrive icon  from the system tray, or from the taskbar, then select the "Open folder" icon. 
       
    • This will open your OneDrive folder in Finder.
       
  5. Select Files/Folders to Transfer:
    • In the Dropbox folder, select the files and folders you want to transfer. You can use Ctrl + A to select all files or Ctrl + Click to select specific files.
    • NOTE: If you have a large number of files to transfer, consider transferring them in smaller batches. This can prevent your system from slowing down and reduce the risk of errors.
       
  6. Drag and Drop:
    • Drag the selected files from your Dropbox folder and drop them in your OneDrive folder.
       
  7. Verify Transfer:
    • File corruption may occur when transferring data from one cloud solution to another cloud solution. Ensure files have properly transferred​​​​​​ by verifying the files open from within your OneDrive folder without any error messages.
       
  8. Check Your Computer’s Hard Drive Space:
    • Files that are transferred from Dropbox to OneDrive will be downloaded to your computer’s hard drive. OneDrive files and folders that are saved on the hard drive will be indicated by a circle with checkmark icon. 
    • To free up hard drive space, right click on the file(s) and/or folder(s) that are now in OneDrive and select “Free Up Space”.
    •  The selected items will resync and be available online only, indicated by a cloud icon. 
       

Tips

  1. Check for Errors:
    • After the transfer, check both Dropbox and OneDrive for any sync errors or missing files.
    • Common OneDrive sync errors include:
      1. Invalid characters in file or folder names.
        1. Invalid characters include “ * : < > ? / \ |
        2. Leading and or trailing spaces in file/folder names are also not allowed.
      2. Syncing a file, or zip file, that is larger than 250GB in size.
      3. Sharing a folder that contains more than 50,000 sub-items.
      4. Read about other OneDrive Restrictions and Limitations
         
  2. Create a Microsoft Team or Teams Channel:
    • Consider creating a Microsoft team or teams channel to store and share data that is intended to be accessed by other members or departments.
    • A Microsoft team enables centralized communication, file sharing, and collaboration with members you add to the Team.
    • Submit a helpdesk ticket for assistance creating a Microsoft team or team channel.
       
  3. Pause and Resume Sync:
    • If you notice that your computer is slowing down, you can pause the sync process in both Dropbox and OneDrive and resume it later when your system is less busy.
Print Article