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Connecting Dropbox

This guide explains how to connect Dropbox to Pluton for storing your backups securely.

Prerequisites​

  • A Dropbox account (Basic, Plus, Professional, or Business)
  • Web browser for OAuth authentication
  • Sufficient storage space in your Dropbox account

Connection Process​

Step 1: Add Storage​

  1. In Pluton, go to Storages page
  2. Click Add Storage button
  3. Select Dropbox from the provider list

Step 2: Configure Name​

Enter storage details:

  • Storage Name: Friendly name for this connection (e.g., "Dropbox Backups")

Step 3: Authenticate with Dropbox​

Pluton uses OAuth2 for secure authentication:

  1. Click Authorize with Dropbox button
  2. A browser window opens to Dropbox's authorization page
  3. Log into your Dropbox account (if not already logged in)
  4. Review the permissions requested by Pluton:
    • Read and write access to your Dropbox files
    • Access to file metadata
  5. Click Allow to grant access
  6. Browser automatically returns to Pluton with authorization

The authorization process happens on Dropbox's secure servers - Pluton never sees your Dropbox password.

Step 4: Advanced Options (Optional)​

Configure additional settings if needed:

  • Chunk Size: File upload chunk size (default 48MB works well)
  • Batch Mode: Controls how files are uploaded
    • Sync (default): Wait for confirmation after each batch
    • Async: Maximum speed, doesn't wait for confirmation
    • Off: Upload files individually (slowest)

Step 5: Test and Save​

  1. Click Test Connection to verify authorization
  2. Once successful, click Save
  3. Your Dropbox storage is now ready

Dropbox Personal vs Business​

Dropbox Personal:

  • Backups go directly to your personal Dropbox root
  • Simple single-user access
  • Storage quota based on your plan

Dropbox Business:

  • Access to Team Folders (shared organizational folders)
  • Individual user space separate from team space
  • May require admin approval for third-party app access
  • Higher storage quotas

Understanding Batch Upload Modes​

Sync (Recommended):

  • Balances speed and reliability
  • Waits for upload confirmation
  • Best for most use cases

Async:

  • Maximum upload speed
  • Doesn't wait for confirmation
  • Use for initial large uploads
  • Follow up with regular sync mode

Off:

  • Uploads one file at a time
  • Slowest option
  • May hit rate limits with many files

Common Issues​

Authorization Window Blocked: Check that your browser isn't blocking pop-ups. Allow pop-ups for Pluton and try again.

Too Many Requests: If you see rate limit errors, enable batch mode (sync or async) to reduce API calls.

Connection Expired: Dropbox tokens can expire. Simply re-authorize through Pluton to refresh your connection.

Storage Full: Ensure you have sufficient Dropbox space. Check your quota in Dropbox settings.

Copyright-Protected Files: Dropbox may block uploads of copyright-protected content, returning "restricted content" errors.

File Limitations​

Case Sensitivity: Dropbox is case-insensitive. You cannot have "File.txt" and "file.txt" in the same folder.

Restricted Names: Certain file names are not allowed (e.g., thumbs.db). Pluton will report an error for these.

File Size: Maximum file size is determined by your Dropbox plan.

Path Length: Keep total path length reasonable. Very long paths may cause issues.

Best Practices​

  • Use Sync batch mode for reliable automated backups
  • Monitor your Dropbox storage quota to prevent backup failures
  • For large initial backups, consider using Async mode then switching to Sync
  • Regularly check backup logs to ensure successful transfers
  • Dropbox has automatic version history - check retention settings in your Dropbox account