Maestral
Maestral is an open-source Dropbox client for macOS that syncs files, supports selective sync, and offers both a GUI and command-line tools.
What is Maestral?
Maestral is a cloud-storage sync app for macOS that connects to Dropbox and keeps selected files and folders in sync between your Mac and your Dropbox account. It is designed for users who want a lightweight alternative client with both a native desktop interface and command-line controls. Common uses include syncing a Dropbox folder, excluding specific folders from local download, managing multiple Dropbox accounts, and checking sync activity or issues. Maestral also supports file exclusion rules through .mignore and offers tools for viewing status, managing links, and restoring previous file versions from the command line. The app is published by Sam Schott and focuses on Dropbox-based file syncing rather than broader team or document features.
Key features
- Sync files and folders between your Mac and Dropbox
- Choose which folders stay on your Mac with selective sync
- Manage multiple Dropbox accounts from separate configurations
- View sync status, activity, and problems from the app or command line
- Exclude local items from syncing with .mignore rules
- Create shared links and restore previous file versions from the CLI
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Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
Maestral is legitimate sync software for Dropbox, but it needs ongoing access to files in your chosen Dropbox folder and network access to keep content synced. That behavior is normal for this type of app. Because it works with cloud-stored files, changes, moves, or deletions can sync across devices and affect the same Dropbox account elsewhere. Use it only with accounts and folders you intend to sync, and review sync settings before making large file changes.
Recommendation: Keep Maestral if you use Dropbox syncing on this Mac or rely on its command-line workflow. If you no longer use it, you can remove it, but make sure any files you still need are fully synced or backed up first so you do not disrupt your Dropbox workflow.
Common paths
/Applications/Maestral.app
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