How do I backup a specific folder to Dropbox?

Dropbox is a popular cloud-based file storage service that simplifies the process of uploading and sharing files. Nevertheless, Dropbox primarily backs up and syncs files and folders within the designated Dropbox folder, while folders located outside are not automatically synced to Dropbox. So many users tend to explore methods for enabling Dropbox backup specific folders.

In this post, we will introduce two easy ways to backup folders to Dropbox from any location. So keep reading to get more details!

Dropbox sync vs backup: What is the difference?

Dropbox is widely popular for its role as a sync tool, rather than being a dedicated free cloud backup solution for PCs. So you may feel confused about what is the difference between Dropbox sync and backup. Here is the answer:

• Dropbox sync: When you sync folders to Dropbox, those will become instantly accessible across all your devices, ensuring seamless access and collaboration.
• Dropbox backup: Backing up entire folders and files from your computer or external hard drives to the Dropbox cloud, enhances your data security, allowing you to swiftly recover your content in the event of any accidental corruption.

2 ways to let Dropbox backup specific folders

Now, let's discuss how to let Dropbox backup specific folders, there are 2 useful solutions. Let's check it out!

Way 1. Set up Dropbox Backup to back up specific folders

Dropbox Backup provides a convenient solution for automatically backing up. You can choose to let Dropbox backup external hard drive or your computer files. This feature grants you the flexibility to select special files and folders you'd like to back up. Here's how to set up Dropbox Backup for making specific folder backups on Dropbox:

Step 1. Close all open files on your computer and run the Dropbox desktop app. Then, log in to the Dropbox desktop app.

✿ Tip: If you want to let Dropbox backup external drive, you need to connect your external drive to your computer first.

Step 2. Locate the Dropbox icon in your taskbar and click on it. Then, click your avatar and select Preferences from the menu.

Step 3. Click on the Backups tab and select Manage backups.

Step 4. Choose the folders you wish to back up. You can also add other folders you want to back up by clicking + More. After selecting the folders, click on Set up.

Step 5. After backup, you can go to Dropbox web to restore your backups. Sign in to Dropbox.com and then choose the folders you want to restore, and finally click Download.

Way 2. Backup specific folders to Dropbox via a free backup software

An alternative method to enable Dropbox to back up folders from various locations is to use a professional yet free backup software such as CBackup. This advanced cloud backup tool empowers users to backup any folder, disk, or even an entire computer directly to Dropbox with ease. In addition to backing up special files/folders, there are more useful features:

 It provides the option to back up folders to other well-known cloud storage platforms like OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.

You can set automated file backup and configure the frequency settings as Daily, Weekly, or Monthly.

It offers you 5GB of free CBackup Cloud storage space for storing your backups.

Furthermore, you can use this tool to easily backup/sync cloud data to Dropbox, like backing up OneDrive to Dropbox.

Now, let's use this free yet powerful tool to let Dropbox backup specific folders:

Step 1. Begin by downloading and installing the CBackup desktop app, then create a new account and log in to its desktop app.

Step 2. Navigate to Storage, choose Dropbox, and click Authorize Now. Log in to your Dropbox account and authorize CBackup's access.

Step 3. Head to Backup and select Backup PC to Public Cloud to back up your computer to Dropbox.

Step 4. Edit the Task Name, choose the specific folders in the Source tab, and pick Dropbox as the destination.

Step 5. Click Start Backup to initiate the process of backing up specific folders to Dropbox.

✿Tips: Before you start your backup task, you can enjoy the following features in Settings:

Utilize File Filter to contain or exclude certain file types for backing up to Dropbox.   

You can set Dropbox scheduled backup by using Scheduler. It will save a lot of your time and energy to backup folders.

You can set up Email Notification. Then once your tasks succeed or fail, you can immediately receive an email from CBackup.  

Bonus Tip: Expand Dropbox storage for free for backing up folders

CBackup is also a viable option if you require more than 2GB of free storage space provided by Dropbox. This software offers a unique cloud storage combination feature, and you can use this tool to combine your cloud accounts to increase Dropbox free storage. Here is the detailed guide:

Step 1. Sign in to the CBackup desktop app, click on Storage on the left-hand menu, choose Add Cloud, and select Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive, then click Add. You can repeat this step to add as many clouds as you have.

Step 2. After adding all the clouds, select the + Add Combined Cloud button.

Step 3. Choose all the clouds you want to combine and click Next. Specify the order of the cloud storage, and then click Combine.

Step 4. Now, with this huge combined cloud, you don't need to worry about how to backup your whole computer to Dropbox. You can do it just by clicking on Backup and then Backup PC to Combined Cloud to finish it.

Final words

After reading this post, you can opt for two efficient methods to let Dropbox backup specific folders quickly and securely. We strongly advise you to download CBackup, a reliable tool for frequent folder backups. Moreover, you can use this tool to expand your Dropbox cloud storage at no cost.