Getting started with Dropbox

Dropbox is a free cloud-based service that lets you store files online and access them anywhere. You can then share these files with other people, allowing them to view, edit, and download them. Dropbox offers 2 gigabytes (2GB) of free storage space, with options to earn or pay for more.

Dropbox has both desktop and mobile apps and can also be used with any web browser. This means you can access your files from any computer or mobile device connected to the Internet. And because Dropbox allows you to share files, it makes working with others that much easier.

Watch this video from Dropbox to learn more about how Dropbox works and what you can use it for.

To create a Dropbox account:

In order to use Dropbox, you'll first need to create a Dropbox account.

1. Go to www.dropbox.com. Locate the sign-up form on the right side of the page and fill in the necessary information, then select the checkbox next to I agree to Dropbox terms and click Sign up for free.
   
2. A page will appear, prompting you to download Dropbox to get started. Click the Download Dropbox button.
   
3. Run or download the Dropbox installer. This process may vary depending on your current web browser and operating system. Step-by-step instructions will appear in the browser window if you're not sure how to proceed.
   
4. Once Dropbox has finished installing, the desktop app will appear. Click Open my Dropbox folder.
   
5. Follow the instructions onscreen to complete the setup process, and your account will be ready to use.

Dropbox for mobile devices

Available for iOS and Android, the Dropbox mobile app allows you to view, upload, and download files with Dropbox on your mobile device. It also features the ability to use your device's camera to scan documents.

The Dropbox interface

When you first open Dropbox, it may look pretty empty. But as you begin to upload files, you'll need to know how to view, manage, and organize them in the interface.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to become more familiar with the Dropbox interface.

edit hotspots

Account

Click here to view and change your account details. This is where you can see how much storage you have left. You can also access your settings here.

Notifications

Click here to view your notifications. You'll receive notifications when others share files and folders with you.

Upgrade Account

Dropbox gives you 2 gigabytes (2GB) of storage for free, but you also have the option to pay to upgrade your account. This will give you more storage and additional features.

Upload

Click the Upload button to upload files from your computer to Dropbox.

New Folder

Click the New folder button to create a new folder in Dropbox.

Share A Folder

Click the Share a folder... button to share an existing folder with others or to create a new folder to share.

Show Deleted Files

Click here to show or hide any files you've deleted recently.

Search Bar

Use the search bar to search through any of your files, as well as files others have shared with you.

Files and Folders

This is where you'll find all of the files and folders you've uploaded or that have been shared with you.

Shared With

In this column, you'll be able to view the people you've shared a file with. It will let you know their permissions and whether they've accepted your invitation.

Menu

You can use this menu to access different views for your files.

The interactive above shows the Dropbox browser interface. The mobile and desktop apps will look slightly different.

In the next lesson, we'll go over the basics of uploading your files, as well as how to manage them.

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