[0157988944]

I'm using Dropbox, which is great software, except that I only want to copy files to the dropbox folder. I don't want them moved. Is there a way I can force OS X to, when I drag a file to the Dropbox folder, only copy it, as if it were an external disk, and leave a copy in its original location?

Thanks!

[MichiganRich]

Hold down the option key as you drag the file, that should do the trick...

[0157988944]

im aware of that but I dont want to have to think of that every time I drag to that folder... i'll probably forget. When I drag a file to my AirDisk it leaves a copy behind... There's got to be some terminal command...

[mduell]

Use cp instead of drag and drop.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by mduell 

Use cp instead of drag and drop.

Geesh, that's über-helpful given that the OP is even too lazy / forgetful to hold down the Option key.

-t

[Hal Itosis]

What about DropCopy then?

Originally Posted by adamfishercox 

There's got to be some terminal command...

You might want to clarify that thought...
[some may recall you already know rsync]

[ibook_steve]

Originally Posted by adamfishercox 

im aware of that but I dont want to have to think of that every time I drag to that folder... i'll probably forget. When I drag a file to my AirDisk it leaves a copy behind... There's got to be some terminal command...

Because that's a separate disk volume. Moving files to other disks are always copies instead of moves. Use the cp command as mentioned or just use the option key. It's really not that hard to remember. Or right-click the files, select Copy, and paste them at the destination.

Steve

[mduell]

Originally Posted by turtle777 

Geesh, that's über-helpful given that the OP is even too lazy / forgetful to hold down the Option key.

He asked for a terminal command...

Originally Posted by adamfishercox 

There's got to be some terminal command...

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by mduell 

He asked for a terminal command...

Sorry, didn't see that.

I'm still baffled that the OP would prefer copying files via Terminal over remembering to press down the Option key while drag-and-droping.

-t

[mduell]

On second thought, perhaps he wanted a one-time terminal command to make copy the default instead of move.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by mduell 

On second thought, perhaps he wanted a one-time terminal command to make copy the default instead of move.

That's probably it.

I'm not sure if this "hack" is easily implemented.
It's probably beyond fiddling with Finder's .plist file.

-t

[0157988944]

Ok, here's the deal, sorry I wasn't clearer. I sort large batches of files at a time. A few, I like to share via Dropbox, but I want a copy of them to stay on my copmuter as well. Since I'm dragging to many different folders, it is very easy to forget to hold down option just for the one folder s that I can retain a copy.

I'm looking for a one time terminal command/ preference/ whatever works that will make the default action when a file is dragged to the Dropbox folder to be a copy, not a move.

[ibook_steve]

Maybe an Automator or Applescript would help, but the easiest thing would probably be what I mentioned: right-click file(s), select copy, then paste at the destination.

Steve