Dropbox is a perfect FTP alternative now, but many people don’t know how to use Dropbox as an FTP server. This tutorial provides a feasible way with detailed steps. Also, you can use the best tool provided in the post to connect and manage Dropbox and FTP better.
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► "Can Dropbox be used as an FTP server? If so, how can I do it?"
► "Dropbox has become my new FTP replacement. Is there any way to transfer all the data in my FTP server to my Dropbox account? Thank you very much!"
File transfers on TCP-based networks, like the Internet, are accomplished via the standard network protocol known as FTP. The following are the 6 main duties of an FTP server:
If you are an IT manager, using an FTP server will be a piece of cake for you. But for others, figuring out FTP client software and servers can be frustrating, time-consuming, and ultimately fruitless. And, even if you can figure it out, hosting data with an FTP program can be a tricky business. Slow transfers and complex access controls, as well as the need for FTP clients or other special software, are headaches.
Can Dropbox act as an FTP server? Well, Dropbox makes it easy for anyone to back up, access, and transfer files. No need to manually log into the server and wait for files to be uploaded one by one like with FTP connections. Therefore, many users choose to use Dropbox as an FTP server.
Although Dropbox is known primarily as a cloud storage service, you can also use it as an FTP server with the help of a third-party application or service. Here are the steps you need to follow to use Dropbox as an FTP server:
Step 1. Download and install a third-party FTP server software that supports Dropbox integration. FileZilla Pro is an example of such software.
Step 2. Once you have installed the FTP server software, configure the FTP server settings, including the FTP username and password, port number, and other necessary parameters.
Step 3. Click on "File" > "Site Manager", then click "New Site" in the Site Manager dialog box to create a new Dropbox connection.
Step 4. Select "Dropbox" as the protocol. Then, configure the general setting and click "Connect".
Step 5. And you get redirected to Dropbox to authorize FileZilla Pro. Then, enter your Dropbox credentials to continue. Authorize FileZilla Pro to access your Dropbox.
Step 6. You can close the browser window. On the right side, you see your files and directories.
Once connected, you can upload or download files to and from your Dropbox account. It's important to note that using Dropbox as an FTP server may have some limitations, such as file size limits and upload/download speeds. Moreover, it may require some technical knowledge and configuration to set up properly.
It's hard to let go of a tool if you've been using it for a long time. Especially if you've built business processes around FTP. So, if you want to use Dropbox and FTP at the same time, a professional cloud file manager---MultCloud can help you.
Next, let us show you how to establish a connection between Dropbox and FTP.
Step 1. Open your browser and visit the MultCloud homepage. Then enter your email address and password to create an account, or you can directly click on Facebook and Google to authorize the account to log in directly.
Step 2. Add your FTP account to MultCloud. Here click "Add Cloud" to select FTP, granting MultCloud access to FTP requires your FTP server address, FTP username and password. Then click "Add FTP Account" to proceed to the next step.
Step 3. Add your Dropbox to MultCloud. Click on the Dropbox icon and follow the instructions to grant MultCloud access to your Dropbox account.
Step 3. After connecting FTP and Dropbox, you can manage files between them through "Copy" or "Copy to", "Cloud Transfer", "Cloud Sync", and "Cloud Backup" functions provided by MultCloud.
► Copy/Copy to
This feature allows you to select specific files from Dropbox/FTP and move them to another cloud via "Copy"/"Copy to".
► Cloud Transfer
The feature supports transferring files from FTP to Dropbox or Dropbox to FTP, and allows users to set schedules to run tasks automatically. The "Options" can support users to set transfer mode, file filtering, and email notification.
► Cloud Sync
It provides different modes to sync FTP and Dropbox, including "Real Time Sync", "One-way Sync", "Two-way Sync", "Simple Sync", "Mirror Sync", "Move Sync", "Cumulative Sync", "Update Sync", "Incremental Sync", and "Full Backup Sync". In addition, you can also set up timing sync tasks.
► Cloud Backup
This feature supports backup FTP to Dropbox or Dropbox to FTP directly. After the data backup is completed, if you need to restore the file to the previous version, you can find the running backup task in the "Task List", and then restore it through "Versions" or "Restore".
Dropbox has become an FTP substitute for many users, so many users want to know how to use Dropbox as FTP server. With the methods and detailed steps provided in this article, you can easily complete the operation. In addition, if you want to use FTP and Dropbox at the same time and manage files in them, you can use a professional cloud file manager---MultCloud.