2 free tools to synchronize data with Dropbox in Mac OS

QuanTriMang - Among the current list of office and online utility applications, we definitely cannot ignore the Dropbox utility - a comprehensive combination of applications for Desktop and service platforms. web, compatible with many other programs. The same as any other software, besides the above mentioned strengths, Dropbox still has some shortcomings to overcome.

While Dropbox can combine and sync all files within a certain user-initiated directory, it doesn't work for all data outside that folder. If you are a Mac user and do not want to store everything inside the Dropbox share folder, there is another way to do this. In essence, we only need to optimize the symbolic link - symlink function to create the corresponding component to any directory, then replace the symlink inside the Dropbox folder. And all actions that are applied to that folder are 'cloned' by symlinks and vice versa. Basically, users can completely create symlinks with the command in Terminal, but most of us are not familiar with this item, and in the following, we will introduce you to two free support tools. Simple and easy to use, used to create symlinks without having to type commands.

1. SymbolicLinker :

SymbolicLinker is actually a plugin of Context Menu (for Puma for Leopard users), and some other software services (for Snow Leopard or newer users). When installed, this application allows all users to create symbolic links to data files inside the Finder. To use SymbolicLinker , please download the archive file installed at the above link. In this package there are 2 quite important files: SymbolicLinker.service (for Snow Leopard) and SymbolicLinker.plugin for Leopard (or previous Mac OS X versions):

Usage is simple and easy, right-click any file and select Service> make Symbol Link :

2. MacDropAny :

This utility is created exclusively for symlink creation for Dropbox. In the first use, users will be asked to choose which folder to sync data via Dropbox:

The next step is to select the Dropbox folder to create the symlink, you can name this folder External links or optionally:

And finally, assign the appropriate names to these Symlinks. To avoid possible confusion, you should name the directory containing the data:

After creating, MacDropAny offers options for users to open a new Symlink:

And now, we will test the use of these support tools. Drag any text file into Symlink inside the Dropbox folder:

This text file will display in the root directory outside the Desktop:

Then, try to change the content inside this file and save it. Check again on another computer, and the content of the text file fully displays what we've changed. Besides, you can refer and find out more information about Dropbox and common issues here. Good luck!