Recommendations against using cloud storage (Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud) with ATLAS.ti

Key takeaways

  • ATLAS.ti strongly recommends not storing your active library inside cloud-synced folders such as Dropbox, OneDrive, or iCloud.
  • Cloud synchronization can damage projects and cause quotation misalignment, broken coding, or unusable documents.
  • ATLAS.ti projects depend on exact document integrity and synchronization services can modify files without informing ATLAS.ti.
  • Exported project backups can safely be stored in cloud services.
  • ATLAS.ti Cloud is the recommended solution for cross-device work and collaboration.

Who this article is for

This article is for ATLAS.ti Windows and Mac users who want to use Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud, or other cloud storage systems with their projects.

Can I store my ATLAS.ti library in Dropbox, OneDrive, or iCloud?

ATLAS.ti strongly advises against storing your active ATLAS.ti library in cloud-synced folders or services such as Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud, Google Drive sync folders, or similar automatic synchronization tools.

While cloud storage may seem convenient, these services can modify or replace files in the background without ATLAS.ti being aware of the changes. This can lead to quotation misalignment, disconnected codes, damaged projects, or unusable documents.

Why cloud syncing can damage projects

ATLAS.ti depends on the exact integrity of your source documents.

When you code data, ATLAS.ti remembers the precise locations of quotations inside each document. If another application changes or replaces those files outside of ATLAS.ti, the quotation references may no longer match correctly.

Cloud synchronization services automatically replace files when:

  • another device syncs changes
  • another user edits files
  • backup tools update folders automatically

Because these changes happen outside of ATLAS.ti, the software cannot properly update its internal references.

If ATLAS.ti detects document misalignment, it may stop loading the affected documents to prevent further damage. Repairing these issues manually can be very time-consuming.

Problems can occur even without simultaneous editing

These issues are not limited to two users editing at the same moment.

For example:

  • ATLAS.ti remains open on Computer A
  • files are updated through Dropbox or OneDrive on Computer B
  • the sync service silently replaces files in the background
  • Computer A continues working without restarting ATLAS.ti

In this situation, ATLAS.ti on Computer A does not know that the files changed externally. This can result in shifted quotations, broken references, and corrupted analysis results.

What is safe to store in cloud services?

Using cloud storage for backups is generally safe.

A recommended workflow is:

  • keep your active ATLAS.ti library stored locally
  • export regular project backups
  • upload the exported backup files to Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud, or other cloud storage systems

This provides safer backup protection without risking active project corruption.

Check automatic sync settings

Some computers automatically synchronize Desktop or Documents folders.

We recommend checking:

  • OneDrive backup settings on Windows
  • iCloud Drive synchronization settings on Mac

Make sure your ATLAS.ti library folder is not included in automatic syncing.

Using ATLAS.ti Web vs ATLAS.ti Desktop project cloud storage

  • ATLAS.ti Web runs in your browser and stores projects online. It supports real-time collaboration, so multiple team members can work on the same project simultaneously.
  • ATLAS.ti Desktop (Windows and Mac) stores projects locally on your computer by default. Desktop also offers optional cloud storage, but this is a separate system from ATLAS.ti Web — projects stored in the desktop cloud do not automatically appear in ATLAS.ti Web, and vice versa.

Key point: ATLAS.ti Web and Desktop are distinct platforms that do not sync automatically. To move a project between them, you need to export it from one platform and import it into the other.

Common issues

  • My quotations became misaligned
    • This is often caused by cloud synchronization or external modification of source documents.
  • My project suddenly stopped opening correctly
    • The project library or linked files may have been altered by a synchronization service.
  • I only want online backups. Is that okay?
    • Yes. Exported project backups can safely be stored in cloud storage services. The issue occurs when the active ATLAS.ti library itself is synchronized.

When to contact support

Contact support if:

  • quotations became misaligned
  • projects no longer open correctly
  • cloud synchronization may have damaged your project
  • you are unsure where your ATLAS.ti library is stored

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