[solved] Using Nextcloud as a directory/folder/remote location
from archer@lemmy.ml to selfhosted@lemmy.world on 03 May 09:58
https://lemmy.ml/post/15187435

Hi guys

Is there any way to access Nextcloud files (self hosted) in a file manager just like a regular directory or remote location? So the way iCloud or Dropbox allow you to access files and use them for example to upload them in a browser. So far I only managed to access the files in the Nextcloud WebUI or via the command line (but then a resync is necessary).

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

#selfhosted

threaded - newest

Damage@feddit.it on 03 May 10:02 next collapse

Wait you mean without file synchronization?

WITH file synchronization you’d use nextcloud-client, obviously, otherwise I think GNOME file manager can connect to a nextcloud instance and browse files without downloading them

Strit@lemmy.linuxuserspace.show on 03 May 10:20 next collapse

Have a look at Nextcloud WebDav:

docs.nextcloud.com/server/…/access_webdav.html#ac…

archer@lemmy.ml on 03 May 13:58 collapse

I’ll check it out thanks!

barbara@lemmy.ml on 03 May 10:25 next collapse

KDE and GNOME have that built in. You can add it via webdav to nautilus or gnome-files

Fisch@discuss.tchncs.de on 03 May 11:37 next collapse

In GNOME you just need to log in with your Nextcloud account in the system settings and it will add it in the file manager

archer@lemmy.ml on 03 May 13:58 collapse

Thanks I’ll try that!

cron@feddit.de on 03 May 10:37 next collapse

Have you tried the official Nextcloud desktop app?

Successful_Try543@feddit.de on 03 May 11:12 next collapse

That would not be equivalent to ‘remote location’, as the files would be stored locally on your computer and being synced with the cloud.

Dalraz@lemmy.ca on 03 May 11:56 collapse

The nextcloud client has the option to setup the folder as a virtual folder. this wouldn’t sync the files locally but would download them on first access, kind of like how OneDrive works. Would this not work for OP or did I miss read

cron@feddit.de on 03 May 12:16 next collapse

TBH, the description in the original post is not very clear.

archer@lemmy.ml on 03 May 15:16 collapse

I think this is it but I can’t find this option in the settings.

archer@lemmy.ml on 03 May 15:46 collapse

OK so I managed to enable it! :) Thanks for everyone suggestions.

If you have the same issue and find this thread later: on a regular install, open /home/yourusername/.config/Nextcloud/nextcloud.cfg with a text editor. On flatpak, open /home/yourusername/.var/app/com.nextcloud.desktopclient.nextcloud/config/Nextcloud/nextcloud.cfg. Add the line showExperimentalOptions=true under the general section. Restart Nextcloud desktop and delete the current synchronization destionation. Readd it and you’ll see the option to use virtual files. Confirm that it’s experimental and you’re done.

archer@lemmy.ml on 03 May 14:00 collapse

I did but that’s only syncing one folder if I’m not mistaken. I want to see everything though and if I make changes to files these changes should be synced back to the cloud.

cron@feddit.de on 03 May 14:02 collapse

That’s exactly what the nextcloud desktop app does.

archer@lemmy.ml on 03 May 15:02 collapse

Maybe I’m using the wrong one? Mine just sits in the task bar and displays the sync status and “helpful” app recommendations. I want to see the files though (in Dolphin for example)…

archer@lemmy.ml on 03 May 15:14 collapse

I figured I might have a wrong version or something so I went ahead and grabbed the one off of flathub, but that’s the same one. It syncs everything to one folder on the disk but only until the disk is full. I kinda wanted something like iCloud that would show everthing but only download on demand (so it doesn’t take up all the space).

[deleted] on 03 May 11:06 next collapse

.

rtxn@lemmy.world on 03 May 11:10 next collapse

I haven’t tried, but you might be able to set up a samba share that points to /var/www/nextcloud-data/USER/files, just make sure that it uses the www-data user.

RandomLegend@lemmy.dbzer0.com on 03 May 11:38 next collapse

This is way too overkill, simply use WebDAV

rambos@lemm.ee on 03 May 12:36 next collapse

Yeah, that will work. It sounds like answer to OPs question, but I have no clue why would someone need that unless there is no client app for that device.

VonReposti@feddit.dk on 03 May 12:51 collapse

Nextcloud won’t be able to recognise new files if you do it that way. A full scan will be needed before they’ll show up in the web app.

4am@lemm.ee on 03 May 12:59 next collapse

WebDAV, as others have said

jjlinux@lemmy.ml on 03 May 13:38 collapse

First things first, for what platform(s) y or OS(s)?

archer@lemmy.ml on 03 May 13:57 collapse

Linux with KDE and MacOS

jjlinux@lemmy.ml on 03 May 14:26 collapse

On Linux KDE you just add your instance and login account to online accounts, and it gives you files, contacts and calendar. On Mac, sorry, no idea.