Transferring and syncing files between cloud storage accounts is worthwhile. In this tutorial we show how you can transfer files quickly and easily between different accounts and we also reveal how to sync folders across cloud services such as Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Drive.
Note: the method shown below will only fully sync cloud storage services when your host PC is turned on.
Why you should sign up to multiple cloud storage services
If you have read our ‘What’s the best cloud service?’ article, you'll know that the current cloud storage limits and compatibility options vary wildly. As a result, we suggest – if you haven’t already – to download and start using as many different cloud accounts as possible.
Not only will this keep your files backed up to the hills - as they're saved in multiple locations - but you'll have more storage space too. Plus, if you follow the method below, you'll be able to sync folders and have them up to date and readily accessible from any of your cloud services.
How to transfer files between Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Drive
Step one
In order to be able to sync your files and folders across multiple cloud services, you first have to download the respective PC programs. To do this, simply go to the websites of Dropbox, OneDrive or Google Drive and follow the links to download the EXE files.
Step two
Once you've downloaded and installed the programs, cloud storage folders will be automatically created for you in Windows Explorer | Computer | Favourties.
From here you can simply drag and drop (copy and paste) the content you wish to transfer from one account to another; the services will then auto-sync in the background both to your PC and in the cloud.
How to sync folders between Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Drive
If you'd like to sync files between cloud accounts, there's a free Chrome extension called cloudHQ that can help you.
It's a service that lets you sync up to 50 files between two specific folders in different cloud accounts for free (less than 2GB).
Should that number exceed 50 files in two folders, you'll have to part with your credit card out. Prices start from $9.90 a month.
Using cloudHQ is a fairly straightforward affair of entering your login details, allowing the app access to your cloud services and then selecting the folders you'd like to sync. Find below a step-by-step to ensure you set up your cloud sync properly.
Step one
Go to the cloudHQ app and click on the blue “+ FREE” button located in the top right of the window.
Step two
You now need to click on your Chrome browser's new cloudHQ shortcut, which can be found on the far right-hand side of the Bookmarks bar, and follow the link to the configuration page.
Next you'll be presented with a grid full of cloud storage logos - click on the service from which you'd like to being your sync.
Note: for the purpose of this tutorial, Dropbox will be used as the primary share folder.
Step three
i) If you're not already logged into Dropbox, you'll need to click on the yellow “Add Dropbox” button found at the bottom of the page.
ii)If you are logged in, click on the yellow “Select” button.
Step four
Your Dropbox folders will now be presented to you in a file explorer-style window; click on the folder you wish to sync and then press the yellow “Select" button.
Step five
Repeat the process with your desired secondary cloud service and folder that you'd like to sync via cloudHQ.
Once selected, you'll see a page that gives you the option to “Synchronize Continuously” or “Synchronize Once”;select as appropriate and cloudHQ will start work right away.
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