Effortlessly Organize Your Dropbox Files Automatically with SortMyBox

Cloud storage can quickly turn into a disorganized mess, much like an overflowing inbox. For Dropbox and Box users, SortMyBox offers a free solution to automatically sort newly uploaded files using custom filters.

While it won't reorganize existing files, SortMyBox ensures new uploads land in the right folders. If you're familiar with email filters—similar to those in How to set up email filters in Gmail, Yahoo Mail and Outlook, where rules keep your inbox tidy—SortMyBox applies the same principle to your cloud storage.

How to Sort Your Dropbox Files with SortMyBox

Sign in with your Dropbox or Box account, and SortMyBox creates a dedicated folder called 'SortMyBox' in your storage. Upload files here, and they'll be automatically organized based on your filters.

Create filters using these three options:

1. File type - Target extensions like JPG, DOC, MP3, AVI, etc.
2. Name contains - Match partial file names.
3. Pattern name - Use * (any characters) and ? (single character) wildcards.

Here are practical examples:

• job *.doc - Captures Word files starting with “job” (note: example referenced 'work' but pattern uses 'job').
• Prince * .mp3 - Matches Prince - Purple rain.mp3 or Prince.mp3, but not Prince.doc or Best of Prince.mp3.
• mistake? .txt - Matches mistake1.txt or mistakeA.txt, but not mistakes.txt or new mistake.txt.

Combine multiple criteria in one filter, separated by commas. Choose the destination folder and click Save and run rules.

Mac users can leverage Automator for sorting synced desktop folders.

How do you keep your cloud files organized? Share your tips in the comments.