Need to transfer files from Box to Dropbox but don't know where to start? You're not alone. Many users find themselves needing to move content between these popular cloud storage platforms, whether for work collaboration, personal organization, or simply consolidating their digital life.

I've put together this comprehensive guide to show you the simplest method to copy your Box files to Dropbox, plus four alternative approaches that might better suit your specific needs. By the end of this article, you'll know exactly how to transfer your files efficiently, saving you time and frustration.

The Easiest Way to Copy Box to Dropbox: Download and Upload Method

The most straightforward approach to moving files from Box to Dropbox is the classic download-and-upload method. This requires no third-party tools and works reliably for most users, especially when transferring a moderate amount of files.

Step-by-Step Guide to Download and Upload

1. Log into your Box account through your web browser
2. Select the files or folders you want to transfer
3. Download the content to your local device
4. Log into your Dropbox account in another browser tab
5. Upload the files from your local device to Dropbox

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Access and Download Your Box Files

Start by visiting Box.com and logging into your account. Navigate to the files or folders you want to transfer. For individual files, you can simply click the download icon. For multiple files or folders:

• Select the checkbox next to each file/folder you want to transfer
• Click the "Download" button in the top menu
• Box will prepare your download as a ZIP file if you're downloading multiple files or folders
• Save the ZIP file to your computer

Step 2: Upload to Dropbox

Once your files are downloaded to your local device:

• Open a new browser tab and go to Dropbox.com
• Log into your Dropbox account
• Navigate to the folder where you want to store the files
• Click the "Upload" button
• Select "Files" or "Folder" depending on what you're uploading
• Browse to locate your downloaded Box files on your computer
• Select the files and click "Open" to begin the upload

If you downloaded a ZIP file from Box, you might need to extract it first before uploading the contents to Dropbox, or you can upload the ZIP file directly and extract it later if needed.

Pros and Cons of the Download-Upload Method

Pros	Cons
No third-party tools required	Time-consuming for large transfers
Works with any file type	Requires sufficient local storage space
Complete control over what gets transferred	Internet bandwidth used twice (download and upload)
No need to share account credentials with third parties	Manual process that requires your attention

Alternative Method 1: Using PicBackMan for Easy Photo & Video Migration

If you want a simple way to move photos and videos from Box to Dropbox without manually downloading and re-uploading them, PicBackMan is an excellent tool. This desktop application automates the migration process and ensures your media files transfer safely while preserving folder structure.

How to Use PicBackMan to Copy Photos & Videos from Box to Dropbox

Step 1: Set Up PicBackMan

• Visit PicBackMan.com and create a free account
• Download and install the PicBackMan app on your Windows or Mac computer
• Launch the app and log in to your PicBackMan account
• Go to the “Accounts” tab inside the app
• Select “Add Account” and choose Box from the list of supported services
• Authorize PicBackMan to access your Box account
• Repeat the process to add your Dropbox account

Step 2: Transfer Photos & Videos between Services

• Navigate to the “Migrate” or “Upload/Download” section in PicBackMan
• Select Box as your source cloud
• Choose the folders or albums you want to move
• Select Dropbox as your destination
• Pick a folder in Dropbox where the media should be stored
• Click Start Migration to begin transferring your files

PicBackMan will handle the migration automatically and continues running even if you minimize the app. It prevents duplicate uploads and maintains your folder structure during transfer.

Pros and Cons of Using PicBackMan

Pros	Cons
Designed specifically for photos and videos	Does not support transferring documents or other file types
Automatically maintains folder structure	Requires installation on your computer
Prevents duplicate uploads	No true cloud-to-cloud transfer (app must run locally)
Supports large photo/video libraries	Paid plan required for advanced features and unlimited transfers

Alternative Method 2: Using the Box Desktop App and Dropbox Desktop App

If you regularly work with both Box and Dropbox, using their desktop applications can make the transfer process more efficient, especially for larger files or frequent transfers.

Setting Up and Using the Desktop Apps

Step 1: Install Both Desktop Applications

• Download and install the BoxDrive app from the Box website
• Download and install the Dropbox desktop app from the Dropbox website
• Sign in to both applications with your account credentials
• Allow both apps to sync with your accounts

Step 2: Transfer Files Using File Explorer/Finder

• Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac)
• Navigate to your Box Drive folder
• Select the files or folders you want to transfer
• Copy them (Ctrl+C on Windows or Command+C on Mac)
• Navigate to your Dropbox folder
• Paste the files (Ctrl+V on Windows or Command+V on Mac)

The desktop apps will handle the downloading and uploading processes in the background. Your files will appear in your Box Drive folder as if they're local files, but they're actually stored in the cloud. When you copy them to your Dropbox folder, they'll be uploaded to your Dropbox account automatically.

Pros and Cons of Using Desktop Apps

Pros	Cons
Simple drag-and-drop interface	Requires installing software on your computer
Works like regular file management	Uses local storage temporarily during transfer
Can handle large files efficiently	Both services must be running simultaneously
Allows offline access to recently accessed files	Can consume system resources

Alternative Method 3: Using Zapier or other Automation Tools

For recurring transfers or specific workflow automation, Zapier and similar tools can create automatic connections between Box and Dropbox.

Setting Up Automated Transfers with Zapier

Step 1: Create a Zapier Account and Connect Services

• Sign up for a Zapier account at Zapier.com
• Click "Create Zap" to start setting up your automation
• Search for and select Box as your trigger app
• Choose a trigger event (eg, "New File" or "Updated File")
• Connect your Box account when prompted
• Select the Box folder you want to monitor

Step 2: Configure the Dropbox Action

• Search for and select Dropbox as your action app
• Choose an action (typically "Upload File")
• Connect your Dropbox account when prompted
• Configure the file path and other settings for where files should be stored
• Test your Zap to make sure it works correctly
• Turn on your Zap to activate the automation

Once set up, Zapier will automatically transfer new or updated files from Box to Dropbox based on your trigger conditions. This is particularly useful for workflow automation or ensuring specific files are always synced between services.

Pros and Cons of Automation Tools

Pros	Cons
Fully automated process	Free plans have limited monthly transfers
Can be triggered by specific events	Complex setup for advanced workflows
No need to manually initiate transfers	Paid plans required for frequent transfers
Can be integrated with other workflows	Limited customization in some scenarios

Alternative Method 4: Using rclone Command Line Tool

For tech-savvy users who prefer command-line tools or need to transfer very large amounts of data, rclone offers a powerful solution.

Setting Up and Using rclone

Step 1: Install rclone

• Download rclone from the official website (rclone.org)
• Install it following the instructions for your operating system
• Open a terminal or command prompt window

Step 2: Configure rclone for Box and Dropbox

• Run rclone configto start the configuration process
• Create a new remote for Box by following the prompts
• Create another remote for Dropbox
• Complete the authentication process for both services

Step 3: Transfer Files Using rclone

• Use the command:rclone copy box:path/to/source dropbox:path/to/destination
• Add flags like --progressto show transfer progress
• For large transfers, consider using --transfers=4to speed up the process

rclone is extremely powerful and offers many options for customizing your transfers, including filtering, bandwidth limits, and verification of copied files.

Pros and Cons of Using rclone

Pros	Cons
Extremely efficient for large transfers	Command-line interface may be intimidating
Direct cloud-to-cloud transfer	Requires technical knowledge to set up
Completely free and open-source	No graphical user interface
Highly customizable with many options	Initial configuration can be complex

Comparison of All Methods: Which One Should You Choose?

Method	Best For	Ease of Use	Speed	Cost
Download & Upload	Small to medium transfers, occasional use	Very Easy	Slow	Free
PicBackMan	Transferring photos & videos from Box to Dropbox automatically	Very Easy	Medium	Free with limitations, paid plans available
Desktop Apps	Regular transfers, working with both services daily	Easy	Medium	Free
Zapier	Automated workflows, recurring transfers	Medium	Medium	Free with limitations, paid plans available
rclone	Very large transfers, technical users, scripting	Difficult	Fast	Free

How to Choose the Right Method for Your Needs

• For occasional small transfers: The download and upload method is perfect for its simplicity.
• For large file transfers: Consider MultCloud or rclone to avoid using local storage.
• For regular transfers: Desktop apps provide the most seamless experience.
• For automated workflows: Zapier is ideal when you need files to automatically sync based on triggers.
• For technical users: rclone offers the most power and customization options.

Tips for Efficient Box to Dropbox Transfers

Preparing Your Files Before Transferring

• Organize before transferring: Sort and organize your files in Box before moving them to avoid transferring unnecessary files.
• Check for duplicates: Remove duplicate files to save space and transfer time.
• Consider file compression: For large transfers, compressing files into ZIP archives can speed up the process.
• Verify file compatibility: Ensure any special file types are compatible with Dropbox before transferring.

Managing Permissions and Sharing Settings

Remember that transferring files between cloud services does not automatically carry over sharing permissions. After transferring:

• Check who had access to your Box files and re-share as needed in Dropbox
• Update any shared links in documents or communications
• Verify that file permissions match your requirements in the new location
• Consider using Dropbox's sharing options to replicate your previous sharing setup

Handling Large Transfers

• Split into smaller batches: For the download/upload method, transfer files in manageable chunks.
• Use a reliable internet connection: Wired connections are typically more stable than wireless for large transfers.
• Consider transfer timing: Schedule large transfers during off-peak hours when your internet connection may be faster.
• Keep track of progress: For manual methods, maintain a checklist of what has been transferred to avoid missing files.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Failed Transfers and How to Resolve Them

• Connection issues: If transfers fail, check your internet connection and try again.
• File size limitations: Dropbox may have different file size limits than Box. For very large files, consider splitting them or using a service like MultCloud that handles large files better.
• Permission errors: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to download from Box and upload to Dropbox.
• Timeout errors: For large transfers that time out, try transferring smaller batches or use a dedicated service like MultCloud.

Handling Special File Types

• File name restrictions: Some special characters may be allowed in Box but not in Dropbox. Rename files if you encounter errors.
• Path length limitations: Extremely long file paths may cause issues. Consider reorganizing folder structures if needed.
• Symlinks and special files: These may not transfer correctly and may need special handling.

Account Access and Authentication Problems

• Token expiration: For tools like MultCloud or Zapier, you may need to re-authenticate if tokens expire.
• Two-factor authentication: This might cause issues with some third-party tools. You may need to generate app-specific passwords.
• Account permissions: Ensure your account has sufficient permissions for both downloading and uploading.

Quick Tip to ensure your videos never go missing

Videos are precious memories and all of us never want to lose them to hard disk crashes or missing drives. PicBackMan is the easiest and simplest way to keep your videos safely backed up in one or more online accounts. 

Simply download PicBackMan (it's free!) , register your account, connect to your online store and tell PicBackMan where your videos are - PicBackMan does the rest, automatically. It bulk uploads all videos and keeps looking for new ones and uploads those too. You don't have to ever touch it.

Security Considerations When Transferring Files

Protecting Your Data During Transfer

• Use secure connections: Ensure you're using HTTPS connections when accessing Box and Dropbox.
• Be cautious with third-party tools: Only use reputable services that have strong privacy policies.
• Consider encryption: For sensitive data, encrypt files before transferring them.
• Revoke access: After using third-party services, revoke their access to your cloud accounts if you won't be using them regularly.

Privacy Policy of Transfer Tools

Before using any third-party tool:

• Read their privacy policy to understand how they handle your data
• Check what permissions they request for your cloud accounts
• Research their security track record and user reviews
• Verify if they store copies of your files during or after transfers

Conclusion

Transferring files from Box to Dropbox doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you choose the straightforward download-and-upload method for occasional transfers, use MultCloud for cloud-to-cloud transfers, set up desktop apps for regular use, automate with Zapier, or leverage the power of rclone for technical needs, there's a solution that fits your specific requirements.

Remember to consider factors like the volume of data, frequency of transfers, technical comfort level, and security needs when choosing your method. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to move your files efficiently while maintaining their organization and security.

The key is to select the method that balances convenience with efficiency for your particular situation. With these tools and techniques at your disposal, you can easily manage your cloud storage across different platforms and keep your digital life organized.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I transfer shared files from Box to Dropbox?

Yes, you can transfer shared files from Box to Dropbox, but the sharing permissions won't transfer automatically. You'll need to download the shared files first (if you have permission to do so) and then upload them to Dropbox. After that, you'll need to set up sharing permissions again in Dropbox to share with the same people.

2. Will file versions transfer when moving from Box to Dropbox?

No, file version history doesn't transfer between cloud storage services. When you move files from Box to Dropbox, only the current version of each file will be transferred. If version history is important, you may need to manually save important versions as separate files before transferring.

3. How long does it take to transfer 1GB of data from Box to Dropbox?

The transfer time depends on your internet connection speed and the method you're using. With a typical home broadband connection (50 Mbps upload/download), transferring 1GB using the download-upload method might take 15-30 minutes total. Cloud-to-cloud transfer services like MultCloud may be faster since they don't use your local connection as an intermediary.

4. Is there a way to schedule automatic transfers between Box and Dropbox?

Yes, you can set up automatic transfers using services like Zapier or MultCloud. Both platforms allow you to schedule transfers at specific times or set up triggers to automatically move files when certain conditions are met. This is particularly useful for business workflows where files need to be regularly synced between services.

5. Do I need to pay for any services to transfer files between Box and Dropbox?

Basic transfers can be done completely free using the download-upload method or desktop apps. Third-party services like MultCloud and Zapier offer free tiers with limitations (such as transfer volume caps or limited number of automations). For large or frequent transfers, you might need to consider paid tiers of these services, but there are always free options available for occasional or smaller transfers.