Dropbox Preview Expands List of File Formats, Supports Larger Files, and More

File hosting service Dropbox on Monday announced the expansion of previews to several new file formats across ebooks, videos, AutoCAD, PDFs, PowerPoint, ZIP, and RAR files. The update also brings the ability to preview and interact with larger video files, feedback from any user, synchronisation without the need to install the original application, and allow users to do more than just preview by allowing for post-creation work. Dropbox claims that previews on its platform are viewed more than 300 million times a month.

For AutoCAD previews, Dropbox now offers the ability to access and view DWG files on mobile and Web platforms. Without having the AutoCAD app installed, users can view and provide feedback on the file. The update is available for Dropbox Professional, Advanced, Enterprise, and Education customers.

Similarly, Dropbox previews also now allow users to view EPUB format files on mobile and Web without the need of installing an ebook reading app. Same is the case for all video files in MXF format, which can be accessed by users on all of the above plans - Dropbox Professional, Advanced, Enterprise, and Education.

As for PDF documents and PowerPoint presentations, users can just jump into the page or slide using Dropbox's preview feature. A new sidebar has been implemented to make switching between these elements easier than before. Even ZIP and RAR archives can be explored through Dropbox preview without the hassle of downloading and extracting the file on the desktop.

Apart from support for several file formats, Dropbox now allows videographers to work on large video files up to 6TB in size without the need of downloading them. Additionally, all users with access to a file can view and leave feedback on it.

"With Dropbox previews, you can share your work, collaborate with colleagues, and easily coordinate client reviews - they can even annotate and comment directly on file previews. And with Dropbox Paper, you can do even more. Paper will preview all the same file formats that Dropbox does, and it also enables you to embed content from apps such as InVision and Vimeo. This allows collaborators to track the development of your project from ideation to production," said Emma King, Business Development Executive, Dropbox in a blog post.