Importing files and folders from Dropbox to Pics.io is easy. In this article, we will explain how imports work, what to expect, and how to manage your Dropbox data in Pics.io.
Connect your Dropbox account
To connect your Dropbox account:
1 — Hover over a collection in your library, click Add assets, then select Import from Dropbox.
2 — You will be redirected to a new browser tab, where you will need to authorize access to your account. Be sure to grant all the required permissions.
3 — Once the authorization is complete, the tab will automatically close, and you will be redirected back to your Pics.io library. At this point, your account will be successfully connected and ready for file imports.
Next time when you import files from Dropbox, the system will automatically verify if you are already logged into a Dropbox account in the browser you are using. If you are logged in, Pics.io will connect to that account instantly and display your available files for import.
You can disconnect Pics.io anytime in connected apps within your Dropbox account settings.
Import Files and Folders from Dropbox
To start importing your data:
1 — Move your cursor over any collection in your library, click Add assets, and choose Import from Dropbox.
If the system redirects you to the new browser tab and asks to authorize access, it means that you have not connected your Dropbox account yet and need to follow the instructions on the screen described in the section above. If you are already signed into Dropbox, no further action is needed, you will see your Dropbox files instantly.
2 — Select files and folders for upload from your Dropbox account.
Tip: you can click a folder name to open and select files individually from it
3 — Click Proceed to initiate the file upload.
Important notes for trial users
For those currently on a trial period, there are a few limitations to be aware of when importing from Dropbox:
You can import individual files during the trial without any restrictions.
Full folder imports are not allowed during the trial. You can only import individual files, not entire folders.
After upgrading to any paid plan, you will gain full access to folder imports, allowing you to import entire folders from Dropbox, regardless of their size or contents.
Differences between importing files from Dropbox versus your device
Metadata handling during Dropbox imports
When importing files or folders from Dropbox, it is important to note that you will not be able to add metadata on the import screen. Actions such as filling in asset details or completing required fields are not available for Dropbox imports until the files are imported to the library.
This distinction is particularly significant if you are working with files that normally require metadata or specific fields to be completed during upload. For files imported from Dropbox, these rules are bypassed, and the metadata cannot be adjusted on the uploading panel as it would be for files uploaded directly from your device.
Working with files and folders during the import process
Once the import process from Dropbox begins, you will not be able to interact with files or folders that are still in the process of being imported. You will need to wait until the import is fully completed before you can take any further actions with the data.
If the import fails for any reason, do not worry. The system will give you the option to either refresh the import and try again or remove the failed import entirely. This same behavior applies to both individual files and entire folders. Until they have been successfully imported, no actions can be taken, ensuring data integrity during the transfer process.
At this time, importing files from Dropbox (or any other third-party storage service) is not supported for Lightboards.
While this functionality is unavailable for now, stay tuned for future updates where we may introduce this feature to enhance your workflow for lightboards as well.
Managing duplicate file imports
When you import a file from Dropbox and a file with the same name already exists in Pics.io, you will be presented with a window offering two choices:
Skip the file leaving the existing file in place.
Replace the existing file overwriting the file with the same name in the library.
Unlike the file upload process from your device, Dropbox imports do not offer the option to add the new file as a revision if the filenames match. This means that, when importing from Dropbox, you will need to decide upfront whether to skip or replace the file.
For file uploads directly from your device, however, you will have a broader range of options, including Add as a new revision, Skip, or Replace, offering more flexibility in how you manage duplicate files.
Switching to a different Dropbox account
If you wish to switch to a different Dropbox account, here is how you can do it:
1 — Open Dropbox in your browser and log out of your current account.
2 — Sign in to the Dropbox account you want to use.
3 — Once logged into the new account, return to Pics.io.
4 — Click Import from Dropbox again. In the file picker, log out of the old Dropbox account by selecting Disconnect your account.
5 — Then, click Import from Dropbox once more. Pics.io will now ask you to connect to the new Dropbox account.
Importing from Google Drive, OneDrive, Box and SharePoint
You may notice options to import from Google Drive (using the data picker for quick file selection, though we already have full integration with Google Drive), OneDrive, Box, and SharePoint. However, the data picker for those is not fully functional yet. If you wish to import files from any of these services, simply click on the desired option to get started.
This will connect you to our support team in an online chat, which will help transfer your files and provide any further instructions you need.
When you do, please include details about your files, such as size, number of files, or any other relevant information. This will help our support team assist you more effectively.