Dropbox Automator: Email, PDF, File Conversion & Automation
Dropbox Automator: Extending the Functionality of Your Cloud Storage
Dropbox has become a central hub for many users, serving as a primary method for accessing files across multiple devices. For some, like myself, it’s even more frequently used than the native Documents folder on a Mac.
The service excels at seamlessly synchronizing modifications – even those made within applications such as TextExpander and 1Password – across all connected computers, utilizing symbolic links for efficient updates.
Introducing Dropbox Automator
If you are a frequent Dropbox user, a new online service called Dropbox Automator may be of significant interest. It introduces the capability to automate a wide range of actions triggered by file additions to specific Dropbox folders.
Developed by Wappwolf.com, this web application enables automated tasks to be performed on files as soon as they are placed into a designated Dropbox folder.
Automated Task Capabilities
The range of possible automations is quite extensive. Dropbox Automator can, for example, convert text files into PDF format, or vice versa.
Furthermore, it can be configured to email files to specified recipients, rename files, or even encrypt and decrypt them.
The service also supports the direct posting of information to social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
- Text to PDF conversion
- PDF to Text conversion
- File emailing
- File renaming
- File encryption/decryption
- Social media posting (Twitter, Facebook)
A Code-Free Automation Solution
Traditionally, such folder-based automations were accomplished using applications like Apple's AppleScript, Automator, or Hazel.
However, Dropbox Automator provides a solution that operates entirely online, eliminating the need for any programming knowledge or coding expertise.
While initial setup requires a few minutes, the time investment is quickly recouped as the service begins to autonomously execute tasks on your behalf.
Utilizing Dropbox Automations
To begin leveraging Dropbox Automator, navigate to the platform via this link and log in to your existing Dropbox account. Access to your account is, naturally, required for the tool to function and apply actions to specified folders.
Subsequently, choose a folder – or establish a new one within your Dropbox environment – to which you will assign an automation.
If, like many users, your Dropbox contains a substantial number of folders, you may need to scroll to the bottom of the page to locate and click the "Next" button. This will advance you to the "Choose an action" stage of the application. Here, you can select from a variety of actions to link to your chosen folder. The complete list of available actions is as follows:
For instance, selecting the email action will automatically dispatch any file placed within your designated folder to the inbox of a pre-defined recipient.
Once an automation has been added, you can either confirm completion by selecting "finished" at the top of the page, or proceed to attach another action to the same folder. Upon finishing, Dropbox Automator will display a confirmation of the automation configured for your designated folder.
Typically, when Dropbox Automator executes an action, it generates two new folders within the designated folder: a "processed" folder to house files that have undergone actions, and a "result" folder containing the processed versions of the original files.
This organization helps maintain clarity and track the changes made by the automation.
The system provides a structured approach to file management and automated workflows.
Wappwolf and Dropbox Automator Accounts
Users have the option to register and establish an account on Wappwolf.com. This allows access to both complimentary and premium actions available on the platform.
Favorite actions can be selected for easy access, and a record of operations performed on specified Dropbox folders is maintained. Direct file uploads for processing are also facilitated through the account.
Action Costs
Currently, all actions detailed are available at no cost, with the exception of the "Send postcard with your photo" function. Utilizing this particular action necessitates the acquisition of credits.
Expanding Data Sources
A Dropbox Automator account enables the execution of actions originating from diverse sources.
These sources include direct uploads, integration with Google Docs accounts, and connections to various other websites.
This expanded functionality provides greater flexibility in automating workflows.
Wappwolf Application
Wappwolf provides a dedicated application for both iPhone and iPad devices. This app facilitates the management of files and documents.
Data can be sourced from your Dropbox account, or from alternative locations.
Testing and Functionality
Several automated actions within Wappwolf were tested, and the majority performed as expected.
However, the functionality to post directly to Twitter consistently failed during testing.
User Feedback and Resources
We encourage users to share their experiences with Wappwolf’s automation features.
Further tutorials and helpful articles relating to Dropbox integration can be found on our website.
Explore our comprehensive collection of resources for more information.
