Overview
The Flows360 Dropbox connector enables robust, bi-directional integration between your cloud file storage and other business-critical systems. Automate the process of uploading, downloading, and managing files and folders in response to triggers from any connected application. Configure workflows to synchronize project assets, archive legal documents, or distribute marketing collateral without manual intervention. This integration allows operators to build reliable data pipelines and workflows that leverage Dropbox as a central file repository, ensuring data consistency and accessibility across your entire software ecosystem.
Capability summary
Authentication
Auth method: API Key
Required scopes
files.content.write
files.content.read
sharing.write
files.metadata.read
files.metadata.write
Supported objects
| Object | Read | Write | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| File | Yes | Yes | Represents individual files and their metadata within a Dropbox account. Supports read and write operations including uploads, downloads, and version history. |
| Folder | Yes | Yes | Represents a folder used to organize files. Operations include creating, listing contents, renaming, and deleting folders. |
| Record | Yes | Yes | A generic object representing metadata or other structured data associated with files or folders, such as comments or properties. |
Supported actions
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| create_record | Uploads a new file, or creates a new folder or metadata record in Dropbox. |
| update_record | Modifies an existing file, folder metadata, or record. For files, this typically means uploading a new version. |
| list_records | Retrieves a list of files, folders, or other records from a specified Dropbox path. |
Setup steps
1. Create a Dropbox App
- Log in to the Dropbox App Console.
- Click "Create app".
- Select the "Scoped access" API type.
- Choose the type of access needed, typically "Full Dropbox".
- Name your app (e.g., "Flows360 Connector") and click "Create app".
2. Configure Permissions
- In your new app's settings, navigate to the "Permissions" tab.
- Select all the scopes required for your intended workflows. At a minimum, you will likely need
files.content.write,files.content.read,files.metadata.read, andfiles.metadata.write. - Click "Submit" to save the changes.
3. Generate Access Token
- Navigate back to the "Settings" tab for your app.
- In the "Generated access token" section, click "Generate".
- Copy the generated token. This is the API key you will use in Flows360.
4. Configure the Connector in Flows360
- In Flows360, add a new connector for Dropbox.
- Paste the generated access token from the Dropbox App Console into the "API Key" field.
- Click "Save & Test" to validate the connection.
Limitations
- API Rate Limits: All API calls are subject to Dropbox's rate limiting policies. High-volume workflows may need to incorporate delays or batch processing to avoid exceeding these limits.
- File Size Limits: The maximum file size for uploads and downloads is determined by the Dropbox API and your account plan. Large file transfers may require specific handling or chunked uploading.
- Event-Trigger Latency: Workflows triggered by file events (e.g., file added, file updated) may experience a minor delay between the event occurrence in Dropbox and the workflow execution start time.
- Error Handling: Robust error handling is recommended for all workflows to manage potential issues like invalid file paths, insufficient permissions, or storage quotas being exceeded.
Troubleshooting
Connection Test Fails: 'Invalid access token'
This error indicates the API Key (Generated Access Token) is incorrect, has been revoked, or lacks the necessary permissions for the operation.nn1. Go to the Dropbox App Console and select your app.n2. Under the Settings tab, generate a new token.n3. Ensure the correct permissions are enabled under the Permissions tab.n4. Update the connection in Flows360 with the new token.
My workflow is failing with a 'path/not_found' error.
Verify that the full path to the file or folder, including the name and extension, is correct. Dropbox paths are case-sensitive and must start with a forward slash (/). Ensure the file has not been moved or deleted and that the API key has permission to access that specific path.
I'm receiving 'Rate Limit Exceeded' errors.
You are making too many API calls in a short period. Review your workflow logic to reduce the number of Dropbox steps or introduce a delay between calls. For high-volume operations, consider using actions that process items in batches rather than individually. Consult the Dropbox API documentation for specific rate limits associated with your account type.