Dropbox

Dropbox is a cloud-based file storage system. Instead of storing your files on your computer's hard drive, Dropbox lets you save your files "in the cloud" (online) so that you can access them from a ny device with an Internet connection. There are versions of Dropbox available on the web as well as mobile apps for iOS and Android and a software download for Mac and PC. With a single account, you can access and share your files across any or all of these platforms. Dropbox currently offers three separate plans with different pricing options. The free version starts at 2 GB of storage. However, the free version allows you to earn .5 GB additional storage space, up to 16 GB total, with every completed referral. You can send referrals either by email or sharing your referral code. You can also purchase a monthly subscription with offers 1 TB of storage (1000 GB) for $9.99/month. The Dropbox for Business option offers unlimited storage space for $15/user/month. **On this page:** Getting Started with Dropbox Uses for Music Class Resources media type="youtube" key="QADSH8XYx_A" height="353" width="425" align="center"

**Getting Started with Dropbox** In the desktop (software download) version of Dropbox, you can drag and drop any files from your computer straight into your Dropbox, or into any folders you have created within your Dropbox. On Windows, a Dropbox icon may appear on the right of your taskbar (by the clock) or may be included as a "hidden icon" on your taskbar, even when you do not have the Dropbox folder open on your computer. If you see a green check on top of the Dropbox icon, that means that your Dropbox folder on your computer is synced and up-to-date, containing any and all files you may have added from any other device. If you see rotating arrows, that means that your Dropbox is in the process of syncing. Click on this icon to launch the Dropbox website (globe icon) or open the Dropbox folder on your computer (folder icon). Clicking this icon will also show a list of files recently added or changed in your Dropbox.

You can also **share your files and** **folders** with other Dropbox users or make a link for anyone to view your file on Dropbox.com. Dropbox shared folders let you collaborate on a set of files. When someone joins a shared folder, the folder appears inside their Dropbox, and syncs to their computers automatically. To share a link:
 * 1) From your Dropbox folder, right click on the file or folder you want to share.
 * 2) Click "Share Dropbox Link." This will copy the Dropbox link to your computer clipboard; simply click paste in your browser's web address bar.
 * 3) Share this link with anyone you'd like to see the file. You can either send the link directly or click "Share" from the file's Dropbox link page and type in email addresses that you would like to receive the link.
 * 4) If your recipient has Office 365, he/she can edit the document online and send the new version back to Dropbox.

If someone **shares a Dropbox link with you**:
 * 1) Open the link.
 * 2) Click "Download" at the top of the page.
 * 3) Either download as a .zip file (compressed file) or save to your Dropbox. If you are not signed in, the website will prompt you to either create a new account or login to your existing account.

You can also share folders with others to allow them to add files to that folder. This is different than sharing a link because when you share folders this way, you have the option to allow sharees to be able to edit the folder or not and to be able to share with/invite others or not. To **share a folder**: Back to top
 * 1) From the Dropbox website, click on "Sharing" (rainbow icon).
 * 2) Click "New shared folder."
 * 3) Choose to either share one of your existing folders or create and share a new folder.
 * 4) Type in email addresses of those you would like to share with.
 * 5) Select whether you'd like to allow editors to manage membership of this folder. With the free version of Dropbox, you must allow others to be able to edit the folder when you share it with them.
 * 6) Note that joining someone else's shared folder will take up room in your own data quota.



Uses for Music Class

 * Store your lesson plans in your Dropbox so you can access them on a device during class or on your computer at home
 * Share student files with parents, teachers, etc. via a link on your website, in an email, or on a send-home note with a QR code link
 * Share learning materials (handouts, Powerpoints, videos, etc.) with students via a link on your website
 * Sync work from apps you are already using. Many apps have "Save to Dropbox" options. This can help you keep track of work done in apps.
 * Have students save their work to your Dropbox as a way to turn in assignments. Dropbox accepts many different file types, including music files and notation files.

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Resources

 * Dropbox Tour
 * Dropbox Help Center
 * Steps for Getting Started (completing these steps will earn you an additional 250 MB of storage!)

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