Overview

Keep folder paths predictable and document ownership so your team can keep working after the move.

Plan the scope and structure

List the users and shared folders you will migrate and design the destination layout on the NAS.

• Inventory Dropbox users, shared folders, and external shares
• Create destination shares such as Teams, Projects, and Archive
• Check NAS capacity and network links

Choose a migration method

Pick a method that fits your access and timeline.

• Use Synology Cloud Sync to pull data from Dropbox to the NAS
• Use workstation export and copy for granular control

Direct Cloud Sync approach

Connect Cloud Sync to Dropbox and map to destination folders.

• Run a pilot on one team folder
• Verify file counts and sample open files
• Schedule the final delta after hours

Workstation copy approach

Manual export gives visibility when complex shares are involved.

• Export to a staging drive with plenty of space
• Copy to NAS and keep logs of any errors
• Spot check permissions and file integrity

Permissions and sharing

Recreate sharing rules on the NAS using groups and access control.

• Create department groups and assign to shares
• Use read only access where appropriate
• Enable recycle bins with quotas

Reconnect desktop and mobile clients

Move users to Synology Drive with a simple checklist.

• Install Synology Drive Client for desktops
• Map common folders as team shares
• Confirm mobile app sign in and camera upload if required

Backup and verification

Protect the new location and confirm the migration results.

• Enable snapshots and add a Hyper Backup job
• Run a test restore for a small set of files
• Keep the Dropbox export as a short term archive

Troubleshooting checklist

If something looks wrong, check these items.

• Path length and illegal characters
• Permissions and group mapping
• Cloud Sync or copy logs for skipped files

FAQs

Common questions for teams switching from Dropbox.

• Will external share links carry over
• Recreate links from Synology Drive
• Can we keep versions
• Use Cloud Sync rules or keep the exported archive
• How do we reduce downtime
• Plan final delta cutover after hours