Dropbox with RClone

Paths are specified as remote:path

Dropbox paths may be as deep as required, eg remote:directory/subdirectory.

The initial setup for dropbox involves getting a token from Dropbox which you need to do in your browser. rclone config walks you through it.

Here is an example of how to make a remote called remote. First run:

rclone config

$ rclone config
2019/02/12 16:28:28 NOTICE: Config file "/home/netid/.config/rclone/rclone.conf" not found - using defaults
No remotes found - make a new one
n) New remote
s) Set configuration password
q) Quit config
n/s/q> n

The “name” can be whatever you like, you will need to type it in every rclone command so you might want to keep it short and memorable.

name> db_remote

At the time this documentation was created Dropbox is 9

Type of storage to configure.
Enter a string value. Press Enter for the default ("").
Choose a number from below, or type in your own value
...
9 / Dropbox
\ "dropbox"
...
Storage> 9

The next 2 parameters should be left blank

Enter a string value. Press Enter for the default ("").
client_id>
Dropbox App Client Secret
Leave blank normally.
Enter a string value. Press Enter for the default ("").
client_secret>

Enter n for advanced config

Remote config
Use auto config?
* Say Y if not sure
* Say N if you are working on a remote or headless machine
y) Yes
n) No
y/n> n

Now you’ll need to use the computer that you’re working on or another designated computer that has a browser and rclone

Type the command below on your designated computer’s terminal:

rclone authorize "dropbox"

Wait for the page to load. If it doesn’t load click the link it provided.

Click Allow

Return to the terminal and copy the token.

Got code
Paste the following into your remote machine --->
{"access_token":"XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX_XXXX_XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX","token_type":"bearer","expiry":"0001-01-01T00:00:00Z"}
<---End paste

Paste the token into your terminal and hit enter

Type y to confirm the token

y) Yes this is OK
e) Edit this remote
d) Delete this remote
y/e/d> y

Now you’re all set!