Can I see Dropbox in the Organizer?

I've been using other software for digitizing for years, and I'm just getting used to Hatch. I do love that it does so many things that I've had to use multiple software packages for. One of them is simple, the Organizer. The software I've been using for years can view files inside zip archive files. While I'm not expecting Hatch to do that (though it would be nice), I'm thinking I should organize my files on one of my many cloud drives. It appears that the Organizer automatically sees One Drive files. But I also use Dropbox and Google Drive for storing files. Is there a way to see what's on a Dropbox or Google Drive folder inside the top level of the Organizer? I know I can open files from the File menu, but I can't see a way to add the Dropbox or Google Drive "shortcuts" to view them in the Organizer. It could also be caused by updates in the software that One Drive and Dropbox use, but I'm not certain. Thanks!

Hello,
One Drive, Dropbox, google drive are not officially supported drives by Hatch. However, with One Drive, depending on how it is set up, some customers can use this. Dropbox has not been tested. If you can see your Dropbox in your File Explorer, then it may be possible. However, I know with Dropbox, you need to have the Dropbox app for it to show on File Explorer.
Therefore, if you can see DropBox in your File Explorer, you can try to link it to Design Library by using the "Manage embroidery Library locations" function under Manage Designs Toolbox. You'd want to select the folder within your Dropbox that your designs are in. If it will not recognize it this way, then it will not work with your computer.

If you do get this linked and want to make this your default always, then go back to "Manage embroidery Library Locations" > Right-click on the Dropbox in the list > click set as default

Also, a side note: many times I do not connect directly to my Design Library if I have lots of designs on the drive and don't use them often. This takes up resources in your computer to display the images of the designs and if you don't use them often, it may be running your computer slower to always display. What I do is to access them as an external drive when I need them by clicking on the drive which you'll find further down the list. You can see here, I have my external drive. This is something you may check on.



Again, this may or may not work on your PC.

Kim
Hatch team

Thank you! I've basically been trying to figure out where and how to store my embroidery files. I do have the ones I digitize myself in a different location, but I've also got years of collections that I've purchased. After going through the introductory videos, I did find out how to link the Dropbox folders. But you're right...I don't necessarily want to see all of them all of the time. Thank you!

Hi again,
A couple of additional tips to consider since you have many many files.
1. I have an external device that I keep all my designs on. I keep them in different folders by the source/company.
Then within that company, I keep the folders by either collection or topic.
I then have that drive linked to my Design Library as I described above. When I plug in the external drive, then I can go straight to it from within my Design Library.

I keep them in folders because I can select the folder I want and my computer only has to display those designs (not all of them which would take tons of time and all of your computer resources probably). So consider this when you are giving your folders names. Make sure there is something in the folder name that you want to search by.

2. If you have stitch files (non-EMB) they are not capable of saving tags and other search text. Many of the design stock companies will only give their designs set of numbers/letters because they use this as their SKU in their inventory.
Therefore, when I get a collection, I'll take a few minutes to add some descriptive text to the file name. I generally do it at the end, so keeping the original name in order. This way if you do a search in the Design Library, it will come closer to finding the right files.

Again, just some thoughts that may help you.
Kim

Good question.

Many times I do not connect directly to my Design Library if I have lots of designs on the drive and don't use them often. This takes up resources in your computer to display the images of the designs and if you don't use them often, but always getting reviews and guiance of Choosing the embroidery machine from seniors it may be running your computer slower to always display. What I do is to access them as an external drive when I need them by clicking on the drive which you'll find further down the list. You can see here, I have my external drive. This is something you may check on.