You might see that the Dropbox Community team have been busy working on some major updates to the Community itself! So, here is some info on what’s changed, what’s staying the same and what you can expect from the Dropbox Community overall.
Forum Discussion
Allow files to open without preview in the mobile app, like they used to.
Drop Dropbox used to open files with default apps without the preview function. That functionality has since been removed. That functionality was very helpful to those of us using atypical files such as the CBR files consisting of zipped images that can be opened with a specific viewer. The current version of Dropbox does not allow that and takes me to a "preview can't be opened" screen. I then need to go to several other screens to actually open the file. I would like the functionality to be restored. I know this problem affects users of other file types as well.
I have to use the three dots and choose open with, and then pick my viewer. Oddly, it works normally on my phone.
Reported the problem to Dropbox. Got a crappy reply. "We don't control that, your device does. Hey, look it up on Google." Automatically blames the device, because Dropbox can never be wrong.
I have the same problem with another application on an android phone.
I got on chat and explained the situation to the CSR.
He has escalated the case to the Advanced Mobile team.
The two issues are:
1. If a default app is specified, when selecting a file to be launched, with the default app configured, Dropbox should skip the preview, if not supported by Dropbox and open the file. Currently, user needs to open the menu for the file and select "Open with.."
2. For a given file, when selecting the "Open with.." for the file, code should always open the currently configured list of available apps and the currently selected app for default. Currently, if there is no default for the file the "Open with.." list is presented. Once a default is chosen, when selecting the menu for the file and choosing " Open with..." it opens the file with the default app previously selected. There does not appear to be a way to deselect the default app other than uninstall and reinstall Dropbox.
I had another problem a few weeks ago with an xlsx file and MS 365. Got on chat, explained the problem, CSR escalated the issue and there was a fix in the next release of Dropbox!
Initial chat was on July 3, new Dropbox app with the fix was available on July 6!!!!!
This was in my inbox this morning:
"Thank you for contacting Dropbox. My name is Sheldon. I am a specialist from the Advanced support team at Dropbox, and I'll be helping you today.
From my understanding, you are reporting an issue with opening .xxx files on Android via the mobile app. I will certainly do my best to assist you.
Please note that the Dropbox engineering have advised that this is currently expected behaviour.
It is not possible to preview .xxx files in Dropbox, and in order to open/access them in a 3rd party application, users will need to click the three dots and then use "Open with".
Selecting a default application, will open the file in the prefered application, once the "Open with" button is used.
However it will still be necessary to use the "Open with" button, each time you wish to access the file.
This may change again in future, as we are constantly working to improve the mobile experience.
However as it currently stands, you will need to open such files using the "Open with" button. "Unfortunate. Hopefully, Dropbox is planning something better for a future release. This is a loss of functionality.
I am experiencing the same problem. However, it automatically opens on my phone (skipping preview), but not on my tablet.
I have the same issue. Trying to open a file of type *.KDB and it will only attempt a preview. I do have the proper app on my phone configured to open that type of file but apparently DropBox intercedes and won't do anything but attempt a preview. If DropBox app cannot preview it should proceed on to open in associated app automatically. This is a 'convenience' feature that is actually very inconvenient for users. Stop overthinking it, DropBox.
- Megan
Dropbox Staff
Hey guys!
Your feedback regarding this has been very valuable and I will endeavor to make sure your voice is heard.
I will pass on your comments to the relevant departments so that we can further improve product.
Thanks!
Having the same issue here, very frustrating!
Having the same problem. I have tons of comics that can't be accessed now.
