From Dropbox to FTP Server: Standard or Alternative Access

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Updated on: April 28, 2025
Time to read: 5 minutes

Looking for a way to move files from Dropbox to FTP? While Dropbox doesn’t support direct FTP connection, some tools can help you bridge the gap, such as CloudMounter for Windows and Mac. 

This article will explore all there is to know about moving files between Dropbox and FTP to streamline your file management system. 

Table of Сontents

Transfer files from the FTP server to Dropbox

The easiest way to transfer files from FTP to Dropbox involves downloading files from your FTP server to your computer before uploading them to the other platform. Here’s how it works:

1. Connect to the FTP server using your file manager:

  • For macOS’ Finder, go to “Go > Connect to Server,” (or press the keys Command+K) enter the server address, and log in. 
  • For Windows’ File Explorer, open “This PC > Add a network location,” enter the FTP address, and sign in. 

2. Download the files from the FTP server to your local drive.

3. Open the Dropbox website and sign in if it is required.

4. Upload the files by clicking on “Upload or drop” and selecting the folders or individual files you want to migrate to Dropbox.  

Upload or drop files to Dropbox
Note: This process seems simple in theory, but in reality, it’s a bit inconvenient and can take up a lot of time. Plus, your local disk needs enough space to store the data you download from the cloud or remote server, which might not always be the case.

Move Dropbox data to FTP on Windows only

If you’re a Windows user, you can manually transfer files from Dropbox to an FTP server as well. Just follow these steps:

  1. Open the Dropbox site and sign in to your account. 
  2. Select the files you need to transfer and click “Download” to save them to your PC. You’ll need to pick a local destination during this process.

    Download files from Dropbox
  3. In File Explorer, go to “This PC > Add a network location” and enter the FTP address to sign in.  
  4. Drag and drop the downloaded files to your FTP directory. 
Note:  On macOS, you’ll need an FTP client to upload or edit such files because Finder only allows browsing and downloading.

The most convenient way to file transfer between Dropbox and FTP

Manual ways to transfer files between Dropbox and FTP can quickly become inconvenient and exhausting. This is where apps like CloudMounter come in. This cloud storage manager acts as an FTP client so that you can transfer files easily.

As the name indicates, CloudMounter essentially lets you mount Dropbox and FTP as local drives so that you can access them easily without entering login details every time you want to open, save, or edit files stored on them. It also integrates neatly with Finder and File Explorer, which helps with managing your files better. Here’s how to set this app up:

  1. Download and install CloudMounter on macOS or Windows. 
  2. Launch the app and choose “FTP & SFTP” from the “Connections” tab.

    Select Dropbox or FTP in CloudMounter on Mac

    Choosing of Dropbox and FTP in CloudMounter on Windows
  3. Enter your FTP credentials to set up the connection.Enter the FTP details to set up the connection on Mac

    The window of FTP details on Windows PC
  4. Click “Mount” to map your FTP server as a local drive.
  5. Similarly, add Dropbox via the CloudMounter “Connections” tab.The Dropbox details in CloudMounter on Mac

    The dialog of Dropbox details in CloudMounter on Windows PC

Once connected, Dropbox and FTP will appear in your file manager. You can now transfer your files between these platforms as if you were moving files between local folders.

FTP and Dropbox folders in Finder
FTP and Dropbox drives in File Explorer

CloudMounter extras

The benefits of our application don’t just stop there! You can do a lot more than just connect Dropbox and FTP. Here are some benefits of using it:

  • View and control all your cloud data from one interface.
  • Connect as many accounts as you need without encountering any restrictions.
  • Guarantee the security of your files with advanced encryption.
  • Work flawlessly using macOS and Windows. 
  • Continue working on your files even if you have poor internet reception thanks to offline access on macOS. 


Here are some bonus features of this desktop app:

  • Enjoy a wide range of cloud storage and web services that are supported by the app.
  • Benefit from efficient file management for remote servers, including SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol).

With these features, CloudMounter has revolutionized the process of managing multiple cloud and FTP accounts. 

Conclusion

Transferring files between Dropbox and an FTP server is pretty easy. If manual methods are too time-consuming for you, especially on macOS which limits FTP upload, you can always use a cloud storage manager like CloudMounter. 

With a unified interface, advanced encryption, offline access, and support for multiple accounts, this desktop client has proven to be the ultimate solution for managing your cloud and server files.