Source: https://learn.dropbox.com/self-guided-learning/microsoft-co-authoring-for-dropbox-course/microsoft-co-authoring-for-dropbox-guide

Accessed: 2025 MAR 18

What is Microsoft co-authoring for Dropbox?

Microsoft co-authoring for Dropbox allows you and your team to work together in real time on Microsoft 365 files stored in Dropbox. With this feature, multiple people can simultaneously edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, making collaboration seamless and efficient. Changes are saved automatically, so everyone is on the same page without the hassle of version conflicts.

This feature is available to customers on Dropbox Standard, Advanced, Business, Business Plus, and Enterprise.

If you’re an admin on Dropbox Standard, Advanced, Business, Business Plus, or Enterprise teams with a Microsoft 365 Business license, learn how to enable co-authoring for your team.

System requirements

If your file has one of the following extensions, co-authoring is available on dropbox.com or the desktop app:

.docx

.pptx

.xlsx

Platforms supported

Windows To use Microsoft co-authoring on Windows, you must be on Windows 10 or later.

MacOS To open files directly from Finder and start co-authoring, you’ll need to update your Dropbox desktop app to File Provider. This offers the best integration with macOS, but requires macOS versions of 12.5 or later.

If you’re not on File Provider, you can still open files for co-authoring directly from Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. However, you won’t be able to start a co-authoring session by opening a file from your Finder.

To check if you’re on File Provider:

1. Click the Dropbox icon in your menu bar.
2. Click your profile picture or initials in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Preferences.
4. Click Sync in the left sidebar.