Moving from Dropbox to Google Drive, or just copying some files over, does not require special software. You can download from Dropbox and upload to Drive, move files between the two desktop apps on your computer, or use a cloud-to-cloud transfer service for large collections. This guide covers each method, what to watch out for (like shared folders, file versions, and Google formats), and how to check that everything arrived.
Quick Answer
For a few folders, download them from dropbox.com (they arrive as a ZIP), extract the ZIP, then go to drive.google.com, click New > Folder upload, and choose the folder. For large amounts, install both the Dropbox and Google Drive desktop apps and copy files from the Dropbox folder into the Google Drive folder in File Explorer or Finder.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Download and upload | A few files or folders | No extra software | Slow for large amounts; ZIP size limits |
| Desktop apps | Large libraries, full migration | Reliable, keeps folder structure, resumes automatically | Needs enough local disk space |
| Cloud-to-cloud service | Huge transfers, no local space | Runs in the cloud, can schedule | Third-party access to both accounts; often paid |
| Google Workspace migration tools | Business accounts | Admin-managed, bulk migration | Only for Workspace admins |
Before You Start
- Check storage: make sure Google Drive has enough free space. Google accounts include 15 GB shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos unless you have more through Google One.
- Note shared folders: folders others shared with you in Dropbox will not stay shared after moving. You will need to re-share them in Drive.
- Clean up: delete files you no longer need to speed up the transfer.
Method 1: Download From Dropbox, Upload to Drive
- Sign in at dropbox.com.
- Select the files or folders, then click Download. Folders download as a ZIP file.
- Extract the ZIP (right-click it and choose Extract All on Windows, or double-click on Mac).
- Go to drive.google.com.
- Click New > Folder upload (or File upload) and select what you extracted. You can also drag files straight into the Drive browser window.
Dropbox limits the size and number of files in a web folder download, so split very large folders into smaller downloads.
Method 2: Use the Desktop Apps
- Install the Dropbox desktop app and the Google Drive for desktop app, and sign in to both.
- In Dropbox, make the files you want available offline (right-click and choose Make available offline) so they are fully downloaded.
- Open File Explorer or Finder. You will see both a Dropbox folder and a Google Drive location.
- Copy (not move, until you have verified) the folders from Dropbox into My Drive.
- Wait for Google Drive to finish uploading. The Drive icon in the taskbar or menu bar shows progress.
Method 3: Cloud-to-Cloud Transfer Services
Third-party services can transfer files directly between Dropbox and Google Drive without using your computer or internet connection. They require you to connect both accounts, so research the provider's privacy and security practices, check pricing and transfer limits, and revoke access in both accounts when you are done.
What About Dropbox Paper and Special Files?
- Dropbox Paper docs: export them as Word (.docx) or Markdown first, then upload. In Drive, you can open .docx files with Google Docs.
- Convert to Google formats: to automatically convert uploads to Docs, Sheets, and Slides, turn on Convert uploads in Drive Settings.
- File version history: previous versions stored in Dropbox do not transfer, only the current version.
Verify the Transfer
- Compare folder sizes and file counts: right-click folders on your computer and choose Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac).
- Open a few important files in Drive to make sure they work.
- Keep your Dropbox files for a while before deleting anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer directly without downloading?
Not with Dropbox or Google tools alone for personal accounts. Cloud-to-cloud services can do it, or use the desktop apps, which handle the download and upload automatically.
Will my folder structure stay the same?
Yes, with folder upload and the desktop app method.
Do shared links still work?
No. Dropbox links stop working if you delete the files. Create new share links in Google Drive.
Summary
- Check Drive storage and clean up first.
- For small transfers, download from Dropbox and use New > Folder upload in Drive.
- For big transfers, copy between the Dropbox and Google Drive desktop folders.
- Verify files and re-share folders before deleting anything from Dropbox.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.